Microgrid

FAQ

What is the difference between a microgrid and a conventional power grid?

A microgrid is a small, localized power system, typically operating at lower voltage levels (e.g., 10kV and below) and with a smaller capacity (ranging from tens of kilowatts to tens of megawatts). It possesses self-control and management capabilities, allowing it to operate in grid-connected mode and automatically switch to island mode during grid faults to ensure power supply to critical local loads. In contrast, a conventional large power grid is a centralized, long-distance transmission system covering a wide area, but local faults can lead to widespread blackouts. As a supplement to the large grid, microgrids enhance overall power supply resilience and reliability.

What core equipment is needed to build a microgrid?

Building a microgrid typically requires the following core equipment: 1) Distributed generation units, such as photovoltaic modules, small wind turbines, and gas turbines; 2) Energy storage systems, such as lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, or flywheel energy storage, used to balance power fluctuations; 3) Smart inverters, which convert direct current to alternating current and enable grid-connected/islanding control; 4) An Energy Management System (EMS), responsible for monitoring, forecasting, and optimizing dispatch; 5) Protection and control devices, such as grid-connected switches, circuit breakers, and islanding detection devices. Additionally, communication networks and metering equipment are needed to support data collection and control.

How does a microgrid switch between grid-connected and island modes?

A microgrid connects to the large power grid via a grid-connected switch at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). During normal operation, the microgrid operates in grid-connected mode, allowing it to purchase electricity from or sell electricity to the large grid. When a fault in the large grid is detected (e.g., voltage sag, frequency fluctuation) or a dispatch command is received, the microgrid controller quickly disconnects the PCC switch, entering island mode. In this mode, the microgrid relies on its own distributed generation and energy storage to maintain voltage and frequency stability, ensuring power supply to internal loads. Once the large grid is restored, the microgrid uses synchronization control to reclose the PCC switch when voltage, frequency, and phase conditions are met, smoothly switching back to grid-connected mode. The entire process typically completes within milliseconds to seconds, ensuring uninterrupted load supply.

What types of users are microgrids suitable for?

Microgrids are particularly suitable for the following users: 1) Locations with extremely high requirements for power supply reliability, such as data centers, hospitals, and precision manufacturing plants; 2) Industrial parks or commercial buildings with abundant renewable energy resources (e.g., rooftop photovoltaics, open spaces); 3) Remote areas or islands where the large grid is difficult to reach or power supply costs are high; 4) Enterprises aiming to reduce carbon emissions and achieve green energy transition; 5) Users participating in electricity market trading, seeking revenue through demand response or peak-valley arbitrage.

What is Mangxu Software's "Green Microgrid Digital Foundation"?

Mangxu Software's "Green Microgrid Digital Foundation" is a digital solution tailored for industrial energy scenarios. Based on digital twin, Internet of Things, big data, and artificial intelligence technologies, it constructs a virtual mapping model of the microgrid, enabling functions such as real-time monitoring, load forecasting, generation forecasting, optimized energy storage dispatch, and grid-connected/islanding switching control. This foundation can integrate various distributed resources, including photovoltaics, energy storage, and charging stations, providing a visualized energy management interface and intelligent decision support to help enterprises improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and achieve green and low-carbon goals. It serves as the core support platform for the intelligent and autonomous operation of microgrids.