Distributed Energy and Microgrids

Stevi KosloskeyENVR 230 – Energy Resources

December 10, 2014

“Distributed energy offers solutions to many of the nation's most pressing energy and electric power problems, including blackouts and brownouts, energy security concerns, power quality issues, tighter emissions standards, transmission bottlenecks, and the desire for greater control over energy costs.”

- U.S. Department of Energy

What is distributed energy? Smaller-scale, grid-connected services

designed to provide electricity and sometimes thermal energy.

Decentralized, modular, flexible.

Close to consumers.

What is distributed energy? Can include fossil fuels, but typically use

renewable energy.

solar power wind power geothermal power biomass

What is distributed energy? Energy storage devices such as

batteries and flywheels are also incorporated.

Energy comes from many sources – diversification means if one source is not available, energy needs can come from another source.

May lower environmental impacts and improve security of supply.

What are microgrids? Smaller, localized grids. Can disconnect from the traditional/main

grid to operate autonomously. Helps to mitigate grid disturbances and

strengthens grid resilience -- able to continue operating if main grid is down.

Can function as a grid resource to allow for faster system recovery and response, or send/sell energy to the main grid.

What are microgrids? Supports a flexible and efficient electric

grid. Enables integration of renewable

resources and distributed energy resources.

Use of local sources of energy to serve local loads – helps to reduce energy losses in transmission and distribution, increasing efficiency.

Microgrids: Improving grid reliability with distributed energy resourceshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OXjrh0S2uA

Full of Energy - Energy Self-Sufficient Villages Could Show Cities the Wayhttp://www.dw.de/full-of-energy-energy-self-sufficient-villages-could-show-cities-the-way/av-16190288

Sources “Distributed Energy.” Office of Electricity Delivery &

Energy Reliability. U.S. Department of Energy. Energy.gov. Web. 2 Dec. 2014.

“Distributed Generation.” Wikipedia. Web. 6 Dec. 2014. “The Role of Microgrids in Helping to Advance the

Nation's Energy System.” Office of Electricity Delivery & Energy Reliability. U.S. Department of Energy. Energy.gov. Web. 2 Dec. 2014.

Shah, Jigar. “Sorry, Bill Gates, But You're Wrong on This Issue.” LinkedIn. Web. 21 Aug. 2014.

“German Village Produces 321% More Energy Than It Needs!” Earth We Are One. Web. 6 Sept. 2014.

Khan, Shahab Ahmad, et. al. "Introduction To Microgrid." 26 Aug. 2009. Presentation.

Thank you!