Bebilith t1_iqpc9de wrote on October 2, 2022 at 2:46 AM

Reply to comment by Thatingles in The US's National Renewable Energy Laboratory wants to make decentralized microgrids as simple to set up and operate as diesel generators, and has created a prototype that is much simpler than existing microgrid technology. by lughnasadh

Not very efficient though. Mechanical losses will be high.

Ok for a drop in as an emergency or temporary solution.

bizzaro321 t1_iqpkib5 wrote on October 2, 2022 at 4:03 AM

It’s not about efficiency; it’s about shifting reliance away from major providers. Efficiency wouldn’t matter if we had a distributed, renewable power grid.

Bebilith t1_iqpl4bi wrote on October 2, 2022 at 4:09 AM

Oh don’t get me wrong. I think micro grid are definitely the way to go. I just this the ‘expensive’ electronic controller (as described in the article, not me) is a better fit for long term and efficiency.

iksbob t1_iqpszwi wrote on October 2, 2022 at 5:36 AM

It sounds to me like they're suggesting grid-connection management devices (such as an inverter for a solar power installation) should all have a simple ad-hoc mode so that local grids can be patched together when faced with major infrastructure damage. It's not a replacement for organized infrastructure, but a minimalist system that can still load-manage when your infrastructure consists of nothing but extension cords.

Bebilith t1_iqqb6ca wrote on October 2, 2022 at 9:30 AM

I reread the article. I missed that they mentioned a 155k/Mw controller. I was thinking a lot smaller scale when they mentioned micro grid.