Word of the Day: microgrid

Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms |June 12, 2018

microgrid A microgrid is a small-scale power grid that can operate independently or collaboratively with other small power grids. The practice of using microgrids is known as distributed, dispersed, decentralized, district or embedded energy production. Any small-scale, localized power station that has its own generation and storage resources and definable boundaries can be considered a microgrid. If the microgrid can be integrated with the area's main power grid, it is often referred to as a hybrid microgrid. Microgrids are typically supported by generators or renewable wind and solar energy resources and are often used to provide backup power or supplement the main power grid during periods of heavy demand. A microgrid strategy that integrates local wind or solar resources can provide redundancy for essential services and make the main grid less susceptible to localized disaster.   Buildings equipped with electric generation capabilities through solar panels and contingency generators can also generate energy and revenue during downtime. By joining together with smart grid deployments, excess energy can be sold back to local microgrids to create revenue in addition to providing resilience and capacity to local electrical grids. Quote of the Day "Most modern data centers draw on a local electrical grid for primary power and rely on diesel generators for backup power. A microgrid approach allows providers to take advantage of local, renewable and cheaper resources that afford the security of a more consistent, closer primary power source." - Gina Narcisi   Trending Terms electric grid renewable energy smart grid bulk power system electrical power management system green networking   Learning Center Energy-efficient data centers: Tap local, sustainable resources A microgrid approach using local power and renewable sources can help providers build out more self-sustaining, energy-efficient data centers. NSA issues highlight need for renewable data center power planning At Niobrara, data center power planning came first, with a never-fail mix of natural gas and renewable energy power. Only a few companies could occupy the self-powered data center. Why cities must get smart about IoT Smart cities, says ClearBlade's Aaron Allsbrook, can enable ecosystems, entice technology pioneers and provide gravitational pull for diverse arts and ethnic communities. Greenwave Systems helps power island's smart energy project A smart energy project in Bornholm is helping the Danish island maximize green energy use and put it on track to meet its goal of becoming carbon free by 2024. How machine learning improves energy consumption Machine learning stands to have an incredibly powerful opportunity to transform the way we globally produce and consume energy. Writing for Business In a _______ circuit, external noise can be picked up from appliances in the vicinity, from electrical transformers, from the atmosphere and even from outer space. A. hard wired B. hard-wired Answer   Stay In Touch For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com   Visit the Word of the Day Archives and catch up on what you've missed!   FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter This e-newsletter is published by the TechTarget network. To unsubscribe from Whatis.com, click here. Please note, this will not affect any other subscriptions you have signed up for. TechTarget, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com Copyright 2018 TechTarget. All rights reserved.