Microgrids
At Glava Energy Center, three distinct microgrids are operational. These microgrids are connected to the regular electrical grid and consist of solar cells for electricity generation, an energy storage unit, and a control system.
The control system determines whether solar energy should be stored, used, or sold. It also governs whether the battery should be charged by solar power or from the grid, as well as how the battery should discharge to meet existing needs.
Thus, the microgrid can increase the self-consumption of electricity by managing the system. The testbeds offer opportunities for new ideas and projects to experiment with various control mechanisms to address different needs in real environments, enabling result comparisons.
Microgrid System 1
The first microgrid is employed at Glava Energy Center, utilized in controlling the ventilation for offices and providing hot water in the boiler room.
The solar cell system has a capacity of 12 kWp and comprises 12 Eltek Rectiverters, capable of supplying both direct and alternating current based on whether the battery needs charging or if power is required for other components in the system. A 25 kWh lead-acid battery serves as the energy storage unit.
Microgrid System 2
The second microgrid has been relocated from Glava Energy Center to HSB in Karlstad. It uses solar modules from SweModule, power electronics from FerroAmp, and an Enersys battery system. The battery system consists of a 7.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, providing power for energy loads in the building.
Microgrid System 3
The third microgrid is situated within Glava Energy Center's premises, supplying power to lighting, the ventilation system, and a freezer in the Science Center. Solar cells with a capacity of 3.7 kWp and 26 lead-acid batteries, totaling 19.3 kWh in capacity, are installed within the building.
The control system has been developed by the American company Amzur Technologies, one of the winners in the Swedish Energy Agency's international competition, the Intelligent Energy Management Challenge. The system aims to reduce peak power demands, increase self-consumption of solar energy, and sell surplus electricity to the grid when economically beneficial.