Posted: April 25, 2024
By: Editorial Team
Microgrids represent a paradigm shift in energy management, offering a decentralized approach to power generation, distribution, and consumption. They provide an excellent platform to keep the power on and operate critical assets over long periods, isolated from a damaged grid.
While there are many reasons you should consider developing a microgrid for your business, without a one-size-fits-all solution, how do you properly design and size a microgrid?
Conducting a microgrid feasibility study can provide clarity, revealing what configurations and components are needed to meet your unique requirements.
Microgrid Feasibility Study: What to Expect
View infographic (courtesy of Eaton).
Before you break ground on a microgrid project, there are many things to consider:
What configuration and components are optimal for your specific power needs?
Do you need prime generation or standby distributed generation assets and what types?
What is the most economical way to power your microgrid while keeping it resilient?
From aligning on your needs to developing a plan, Loeb and Eaton will conduct a feasibility study to determine a system that will maximize uptime and reliability, while also addressing financial factors. Some of the feedback provided includes:
- Analysis of the current electrical power system infrastructure, existing generation sources, and available utility incoming sources.
- A cost-benefit analysis of various distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar, wind, combined heat and power (CHP), and fuel cells, as well as energy storage options.
- Development of scenarios to address options for short- and long-term microgrid system configurations, which could include critical load uptime and extended outage capabilities.
- Recommended modes of operation and switching sequences.
- Financial pay-back options: peak-shaving, load shifting, etc.
The Virtual Microgrid Advantage
How can you be sure the microgrid will perform as intended before you cut the ribbon on a project? With a virtual microgrid, you can see how it would perform in a simulated environment. This allows for more precise planning and offers confidence they will perform at an optimal level from the start.
Start Planning Your Microgrid
As the need for dependable, sustainable energy options increases, microgrids will enable businesses to shape the future of their energy management. Loeb Electric is proud to partner with the Eaton Electrical Engineering Services team to provide the support your business needs when planning the next step in energy management.
Through our project management and electrical expertise, as well as Eaton’s proven products and industry leadership, we’re the team to have by your side. Contact us here or call 800.686.6351 to learn how we can help meet your power generation and sustainability goals.
Speak with lighting & electrical distribution experts today.
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