A microgrid is a group of interconnected loads and energy resources that are distributed within clearly defined electrical boundaries and act as a single, controllable entity in relation to the grid. A microgrid is able to connect to the grid and operate in networked mode, and it can also disconnect from the grid and operate in island mode (TON, D.T., SMITH, M.A. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Microgrid Initiative, The Electricity Journal (2012) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tej.2012.09.013).

At CEDER-CIEMAT we have the ideal infrastructure for conducting research into smart grids, given that the distribution of the Centre’s own electrical systems constitutes a microgrid in itself, which can be utilized and modified as appropriate. We have a control system that monitors the generation systems, storage systems and consumption levels, thereby enabling optimized management of the grid’s functions.

CEDER’s microgrid makes it possible to produce electricity from mostly renewable energy, with installed capacity of more than 115 kW of photovoltaic energy and 50 kW of wind energy. It also boasts a number of storage systems, both mechanical and electrochemical, which are integrated into the microgrid’s management processes. 

 

Click on the image to open a larger version (PDF 224KB)

From here you can access the rest of the content for the smart grids group::

• The staff members who comprise our group.
• Our facilities and technological capacities.
• The projects we are involved in..
• The Committees and platforms we are part of.
• Our most recent publications.