KEY BENEFIT # 1 : INTELLIGENT
Microgrids can align with your organization ’ s sustainbility goals / initiatives
Microgrids offer a unique opportunity to leverage control over locally distributed energy sources in order to optimally sequence the various systems operating at the facility including lighting , HVAC , etc .
Common goals that microgrids can help organizations meet include :
• Increase utilization of renewable energy sources to meet sustainability goals
• Reduce operating costs by responding to real-time demand charges and energy rates
The microgrid ’ s “ intelligence ” is enabled through the microgrid controller . The microgrid controller is a software system that manages the real-time operations of the microgrid system . The controller determines how to optimally utilize available energy sources by analyzing inputs such as price signals , utility data and overall grid demand . The result is a smart system that takes into account preset goals and responds effectively .
The energy usage mix can be adjusted to meet sustainability goals . Many industries , such as higher education , have set sustainability goals - often to use an increased amount of renewable energy sources . A microgrid allows universities and other facilities to program the microgrid system to increase the utilization of their local generation and storage systems .
Microgrids can utilize battery energy storage systems during times of peak demand . To minimize the high-demand charges incurred to the utility during the peak Time-of-Use period , microgrids can integrate battery energy storage systems ( BESS ). A BESS within the microgrid can adjust the power output as desired based on the real-time demand . The result is a reduction in energy costs while maintaining an uninterrupted power supply .