Microgrids and battery storage technology are revolutionizing how communities generate, store, and manage their energy, and they are coming to a town near you. These innovative systems–offering a more sustainable, resilient, and efficient approach–are changing the global landscape of power generation and distribution.
What are Microgrids?
Microgrids are localized power grids operating independently or in conjunction with the main grid. They use renewable energy like solar and wind, with battery storage systems for excess energy.
Microgrids ensure uninterrupted power during primary grid outages, enhancing energy resilience. A microgrid represents a shift from centralized power plants to decentralized energy distribution.
This allows for a much smaller footprint and affordable and reliable power in geographic locations where it would have been cost-prohibitive to provide such a service. Given this, the microgrid market is projected to reach $87.8 billion by 2029.
Battery Energy Storage Systems
At the heart of every microgrid is a battery energy storage system (BESS). BESS technology allows microgrid operators to store excess energy generated during sunny or windy days with high renewable production. They can then use this stored energy during low production or high demand periods, such as nighttime.
Microgrid architecture enhances primary grid resilience during high usage, reducing reliance on load shedding and Demand/Response events. Battery storage allows for supplementary power–due to events and low loads–to stabilize the grid.
Battery storage prevents blackouts and brownouts by responding in real-time to changes in demand and supply.
Breaking It All Down
Reliable battery arrays and a purpose-built monitoring solution are essential for maintaining battery integrity. Advancements in battery technology make monitoring essential for microgrid operators. These systems offer real-time insights to optimize energy use and prevent failures.
Beyond this, the technology helps validate life expectancy and helps with warranty and insurance-related claims. Hence, monitoring has become not an option but a legal requirement in many cases.
Battery Storage Benefits
Additional critical benefits behind battery storage monitoring include:
- Grid stability and resilience: Real-time tracking allows operators to respond quickly to grid disturbances, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply.
- Optimized energy usage: By monitoring battery state of charge, state of health, and voltage levels, operators can maximize energy efficiency and ensure a constant flow of electricity.
- Predictive maintenance: Continuous monitoring enables early detection of potential battery failures, minimizing downtime and extending battery lifespan while ensuring compliance and safety.
- Data-driven decision-making: Real-time data and analytics empower operators to make informed decisions about system upgrades, energy trading, and capacity expansion.
Given that monitoring is a secondary layer, operators should ensure that the technology in the software platform used to monitor this infrastructure is up to the task, and includes:
- Cloud-Based Monitoring Platforms: to provide high scalability, accessibility, and remote management capabilities.
- IoT and Edge Computing: to provide real-time data processing and decision-making at the device level when the cloud is unavailable.
- Advanced Connectivity through protocols: to provide high-precision monitoring of key battery sensing components used in the market and the flexibility to avoid vendor lock.
- API Integration: A robust API connects seamlessly to third-party tools like billing and work order management systems.
More Sustainable Future
As our world transitions to a more sustainable energy future, the importance of microgrids and battery storage will only continue to grow. Battery monitoring does not come by default and needs to be thought through by owners/operators.
Fortunately, the availability of market-leading technologies and tools fully support advanced monitoring and data analytics. Innovative monitoring technologies ensure systems operate optimally, delivering clean, reliable, and resilient energy to communities worldwide.
