A microgrid is an on-site energy network that supports energy resilience by integrating distributed energy resources and loads into a single controllable electric grid. It can operate in parallel with, or independently from, the main power grid. Corinex grid flexibility solution enables the creation of flexible, modular, and customized microgrids that can monitor, track, and forecast load and generation resources within the network.
The traditional power grid is generally reliable but vulnerable to extreme weather or security breaches, risking catastrophic consequences for essential services. In response, utilities and communities are increasingly developing microgrid solutions – flexible, resilient mini-grids that operate either with or independently of the main grid.
Microgrid solutions, focusing on sustainable energy generation and distribution, function as decentralized systems independent of the public energy network. They primarily use renewable sources (solar, wind, biomass, etc.) for electricity production, energy storage, and local supply. Compared to central power grids, microgrid solutions offer an innovative, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative, reducing costs, saving energy, and minimizing environmental impact.
Microgrid is designed to provide uninterrupted, 24/7 power and to balance load demands and load management for an organization with changing power needs.
Microgrid provides stability for mission-critical structures such as hospitals in severe weather conditions because they are not dependent on traditional electric grids.
The distributed generation and smaller sizes make the microgrid more secure from both physical and cyber threats.
By adopting microgrid technologies, the utility can forecast and optimize power usage based on real-time statistics, which reduces overall operational costs and CO2 emissions.
A microgrid network functions as a localized group of electricity sources and loads that typically operates connected to and synchronous with the traditional centralized electrical grid, but can also disconnect and function autonomously as physical and/or economic conditions dictate.
Electricity is generated at central power plants and transmitted over long distances to buildings and municipalities through substations and transmission lines. If a section of this traditional grid fails or requires repairs due to natural disasters or cyber threats, it can leave thousands without power.
In contrast, a microgrid, capable of operating autonomously in "island mode," uses local energy sources to generate power for individual buildings or a group of buildings, enhancing reliability.
A microgrid works by generating electricity locally through various sources like solar panels, wind turbines, or small-scale gas generators, and it can either function connected to the larger power grid or operate independently in "island mode." It allows for greater energy reliability and efficiency, particularly useful during power outages or in remote areas where connection to the main grid is challenging or impractical.
The self-contained microgrid is managed by a grid management software that automatically switches the facility between the utility grid and the microgrid based on factors such as power reliability and cost efficiency.
Corinex GridValue grid management software provides customized provisioning, management, and near real-time visibility within one single platform, allowing energy distributors to connect, monitor, and control all DERs and optimize operational performance.
Electricity is generated at central power plants and transmitted over long distances to buildings and municipalities through substations and transmission lines. If a section of this traditional grid fails or requires repairs due to natural disasters or cyber threats, it can leave thousands without power.
In contrast, a microgrid, capable of operating autonomously in "island mode," uses local energy sources to generate power for individual buildings or a group of buildings, enhancing reliability.
A microgrid works by generating electricity locally through various sources like solar panels, wind turbines, or small-scale gas generators, and it can either function connected to the larger power grid or operate independently in "island mode." It allows for greater energy reliability and efficiency, particularly useful during power outages or in remote areas where connection to the main grid is challenging or impractical.
The self-contained microgrid is managed by a grid management software that automatically switches the facility between the utility grid and the microgrid based on factors such as power reliability and cost efficiency.
Corinex GridValue grid management software provides customized provisioning, management, and near real-time visibility within one single platform, allowing energy distributors to connect, monitor, and control all DERs and optimize operational performance.
Electricity is generated at central power plants and transported over long distances. Buildings and municipalities connect to this power through a series of substations and transmission lines. With the limited paths for energy to be delivered, thousands of users can be left without power if one part of the electric grid fails or needs to be repaired during the event of a natural disaster or cyber threat.
In contrast, a microgrid can operate autonomously (in "island mode") using local energy sources to generate power for individual buildings or a campus of buildings.
By using backup diesel generators and distributed renewables, a microgrid can incorporate battery systems to store and deploy electricity during outages or peak demands.
Types of microgrid
The self-contained microgrid is managed by a grid management software that automatically switches the facility between the utility grid and the microgrid based on factors such as power reliability and cost efficiency.
Corinex GridValue provides customized provisioning, management, and near real-time visibility within one single platform, allowing energy distributors to connect, monitor, and control all DERs and optimize operational performance.
Corinex provides field-proven, modular, and comprehensive microgrid solutions that integrates a grid management software for energy distributors to visualize, monitor, track, and forecast load and generation resources within the microgrid networks.
The smarter way of managing
microgrid networks
Corinex's grid management software, GridValue, provides nationwide provisioning and secure connectivity to millions of IoT devices, allowing near real-time visibility, data aggregation, and processing of energy network information. The modular architecture of this energy software can be tailored to meet the deployment needs of each energy distributor, allowing a smooth migration path for future expansions.