Microgrid Power Gen & Storage
Transformers have the highest risk with the longest lead time (12–36 months), which is limited by GOES steel and low U.S. production. SiC/GaN power modulesare also are in high demand with competition from EV/AI sectors - critical for inverters, chargers, SSTs.
Microgrids are only as resilient as the power generation and storage assets at their disposal. At the heart of every microgrid is a stack of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)—including renewables like solar and wind, dispatchable assets like CHP and LNG generators, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) that act as the real-time energy buffer and stabilizer.
Solar PV: The Primary Renewable DER
Solar photovoltaic (PV) power is cost-effective, modular, and widely permitted. It outputs DC, so connects well to DC buses and BESS without extra conversion steps. The challenges of solar is that it is intermittent, and requires good siting and BESS. Solar DER connects to the microgrid controll and EMS for curtailing and forecasting.
Wind Power: High Yield, Site Dependent
Wind power offers a strong power output in windy regions, especially for off-grid remote regions. It is less common in commercial or urban microgrids due to siting constraints, noise/aesthetics, and a lower energy density per square foot vs. solar. Wind power is AC output that is typically converted to DC or synced to the AC bus. It requires advanced control to handle gust-induced surges.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
BESS power out has instant response, enables islanding, peak shaving, and black start functions. It is needed to store excess solar/wind energy, shift load (charge when cheap, discharge when needed), regulate frequency and voltage, and enable seamless islanding/reconnection. BESS consists of battery banks, bidirectional inverters, BMS and thermal control systems, fire protection (especially for Li-ion), and EMS coordination for SOC (state-of-charge) and lifecycle. Batteries chemistries include:
- LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate): Safe, long cycle life.
- NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt): High energy density.
- Flow Batteries (vanadium): Better for long-duration use.
CHP (Combined Heat & Power) Systems
CHP provides both electricity and usable heat, using natural gas, biogas, and RNG. It's efficiency often exceeds 75–85% overall when thermal use is optimized. CHP ties into both electrical and thermal systems, and is controlled via EMS or dedicated CHP controller. It is best for hospitals, university campuses, and industrial facilities with process heating.
LNG / CNG Generators
Liquid natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) offers cleaner backup power than diesel, and is often containerized. It is readily available in pipeline-connected regions, is quieter and cleaner than diesel, and can be mobile for rapid deployment (modular gensets). However, it is still fossil-based, which is subject to emissions regulations and requires fuel delivery or connection to a gas line. Natural gas is a bridge fuel to get an economy moved from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy sources without breaking the economy.
Integration with the Microgrid
All DERs must be orchestrated by a microgrid controller or EMS/DERMS platform that can:
- Forecast renewable generation (solar/wind)
- Prioritize load types (critical vs. non-critical)
- Shift loads to match supply
- Dispatch or curtail gensets or BESS as needed
- Seamlessly transition between grid-tied and islanded mode