Part 1: Load Shifting for Grid-tied Systems: How to Manage Microgrids

Introduction:

This is part one of our “How to Manage Microgrids” series which will detail strategies for efficiently managing microgrids with load shifting techniques in grid-tied systems. Through this series of articles, we will explore different use cases for behind-the-meter projects ie. microgrids that power Commercial and Industrial buildings. The aim of this article is not to explain why microgrids are reaching maturity level but how a microgrid can be managed between different energy generation plants such as solar PV systems, gensets, or BESS (battery energy storage systems) through a microgrid controller.
Part 1: Load Shifting for Grid-tied Systems: How to Manage Microgrids
Table of Contents

What is a microgrid?

A microgrid is an energy distribution network that relies on local means of producing electricity. It is designed to operate independently or in synchronization with the national network within a defined area. A more detailed definition can be found here: What is a solar hybrid microgrid?

Load shifting for microgrids

When used in a project with a BESS, load-shifting is a method applied during off-peak times that will lower utility expenses. Following the peak hours pricing, the battery is charged when electricity is the cheapest and discharged when it is the most expensive. Unlike many energy cost-saving strategies, load shifting tackles the “when” rather than the “how much.”

Load shifting does not reduce the quantity of energy used, but the rescheduling process allows a consequent reduction in expenses. The majority of commercial and industrial sites never operate constantly. In this case, energy demand only rises during operational hours. Charging a BESS during off-peak hours and discharging it during operational hours means peak demand charges can be significantly reduced. To be performed load shifting is best practiced when combined with a microgrid controller and an energy monitoring platform such as ePowerControl MC and ePowerMonitor.

Microgrid controller operational mode

For load shifting applications, the operational mode is rather straightforward. The BESS can be put in two modes:

  • The BESS auto consumption mode: In this mode, the BESS receives orders from the microgrid controller to either charge with the excess of the solar PV production or discharge its power to support the other units to meet the load active power demand.
  • The BESS fixed charging mode: For this second mode, BESS is controlled to charge at a fixed power until a certain state of charge is reached.

The controller will orchestrate the use of the BESS to help you reduce your expenses. We recommend using ePowerControl MC and ePowerMonitor to manage your microgrids efficiently.

So, if you want to maximize your hybrid microgrid system’s profitability, contact one of our microgrid experts here

What is the business case for this application of microgrid?

Using BESS in a microgrid only for applying a load-shifting philosophy is not economically profitable in the majority of countries. However, this load-shifting application can be reduced significantly when it is combined with other applications such as:

  • Solar Maximum penetration: in some C&I applications powered with Solar, solar production can overproduce compared to the load. If BESS is installed to store the solar primarily, BESS can be also used for a load shifting application.
  • Back-up application: in some C&I applications, BESS is installed to assure a backup in case of grid failure. In this case, BESS can take into account peak tariffs and off-peak tariffs to minimize the cost of purchase of electricity.


Follow on to Part 2: Solar + BESS system with Genset Backup: How to Manage Microgrods about on-grid Solar BESS genset backup applications.

Want to discuss about
the Contact us industry ?
Learn more about Elum’s use case in Cambodia:
Battery Storage integration of Kulara water bottling facility
South Asia
Microgrids
650 kWp
Battery storage integration of Kulara Water in Cambodia
Elum Energy's ePowerControl MC optimizes solar and battery integration at Kulara Water’s off-grid bottling facility in Cambodia.
Khanya Gubangxa Content specialist at Elum Energy
Author: KHANYA GUBANGXA
Content specialist at Elum Energy

Khanya joined Elum energy in  2022. She has been reporting on solar and renewable energy since then.

Related posts
Taking care of your solar installation could be our next challenge
ePowerControl SD
User manual download
ePowerControl SD
Datasheet download