Islands and Microgrids
Islands and microgrids are electrical systems that can operate independently of the larger power grid, providing localized generation and distribution. This is especially useful in extreme weather events or other emergencies that may cause widespread power outages. The scale of microgrids can range from individual customer systems to large substations with hundreds of generators and power consumers.
While small off-grid systems have existed for some time, the increase in distributed energy resources (DERs) has made microgrids more common. Community-scale microgrids can provide backup power during disasters such as hurricanes, increasing the resilience of affected areas.
However, risks associated with the islanding phenomenon also exist, such as potential damage to equipment or injury to workers who believe the system has been disconnected from the grid. To address these risks, technology is developing to create better control software and grid services. Some solar systems have even been programmed to detect islanding and automatically disconnect from the grid.
Researchers are also exploring nanogrids, which are smart power systems that are the scale of a single building. These systems have the potential to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy waste.