Transforming a local low-voltage or medium-voltage power grid into a smart microgrid usually means installing three additional types of systems:
- Distributed energy resources such as PV installations, wind turbines, biomass units, or combined heat and power (CHP) units;
- Local storage capacity such as battery (Li-Ion or other) systems or borehole thermal storage (BTES) systems, to allow locally produced excess power to be stored on site instead of being injected into the transmission grid;
- Grid intelligence: an energy management system (EMS) to permit power supply and demand balancing, implementing flexible energy use, maximizing auto-consumption of power produced on site, optimizing electric vehicle charging, stabilizing the grid, and improving the performance of all grid components.
More than the sum of its parts
While many companies have installed distributed energy systems in recent years, they often did so without adding local storage or intelligence. Yet these systems are complementary – implementing battery storage and an EMS could maximize the benefits of your distributed energy resources.
Grid intelligence could also help resolve issues related to changes in power demand, for example due to a growing electric vehicle fleet or the electrification of industrial processes.
ENGIE Laborelec experts will help you get the most from your local power grid. Starting from your goals and priorities, we develop a comprehensive solution that includes exactly the components you need and that will globally optimize the return you expect from your investment.