Microgrids
A Microgrid is a separate system of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as Solar, Wind Power, Batteries, Generators, Loads and associated Controls that can allow operation connected with or independent from the main utility power grid.
For electrification, the world is trending towards solutions that are more decentralized with a reduced carbon footprint which are automatically controlled. Users need power systems that are more reliable, resilient and sustainable. Uninterrupted power must be available for critical loads. Other important goals are to become more independent from the grid and to reduce the cost of energy. Microgrids can achieve all of these objectives and more. Microgrids can also feed power back into the grid when a power outage occurs.
Sample Microgrid
HPS Products for Microgrid Applications
HPS offers a number of transformers that can be applied in Microgrids:
General Purpose Transformers
HPS Sentinel™ G
HPS Sentinel™ G general purpose transformers are rated for 600 volts and below.
HPS Solar Duty Transformers
HPS Sentinel™ Solar Duty transformers are designed for the renewable energy industry where voltage adjustments are necessary between the solar generation system and the utility service.
Medium Voltage Distribution Transformers
HPS Millennium™ and EnduraCoil Transformers
HPS offers a complete line of medium voltage VPI (5kV, 35kV & 46kV classes) and Cast Resin (up to 35kV class) distribution transformers suitable for commercial or industrial applications.
Mini Power Centers
HPS PowerPlus™
HPS PowerPlus™ combines a pre-wired primary and secondary main breaker and dry-type shielded transformer in a Type 3R enclosure to supply 120/240V loads.
Power Quality Products
Power quality products such as Active Harmonic Filters, Passive Harmonic Filters, Drive Isolation Transformers and Line Reactors mitigate the effects on non-linear loads generating harmonics.
HPS TruWave™ Active Harmonic Filters
An active harmonic filter monitors the load current and very quickly responds to power system distortion as it develops. A corrective current is injected to effectively cancel out the harmonic currents.
HPS Centurion™ P Passive Harmonic Filters
Passive Harmonic Filters are specifically engineered to mitigate harmonic currents created by non-linear loads such as VFDs using reactors and capacitors. Passive Filters also improve the power factor.
HPS Centurion™ R Line Reactors
HPS Centurion™ R reactors offer protection for your motors and drives with a unique blend of performance and reliability and a reduced product footprint.
HPS Tribune™ E Drive Isolation Transformers
The HPS Tribune™ E energy efficient drive isolation transformer is designed using industry leading technologies and materials to meet the rugged demands of both AC and DC variable speed drives while providing the required voltage change for your microgrid applications.
Microgrid Resources
What is a Microgrid?
This article from Microgrid Knowledge helps to explain it. It defines a microgrid as "a self-sufficient energy system that serves a discrete geographic footprint, such as a college campus, hospital complex, business center, or neighborhood."