LIFE Factory Microgrid

Updated on Nov 14, 2023

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Factory Microgrid is a demonstrative project cofinanced by the LIFE+ 2013 programme of the European Commission and whose origin can be explained within the framework of the 20-20-20 challenge of the European Union to reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption. More specifically, it can be framed in theme 1, "Climate Change", and within the line of action "Development of innovative practices for the management of smart grids in the context of highly decentralized production of renewable energy". Its main objective is to demonstrate, through the implementation of a full-scale industrial smartgrid that microgrids can become one of the most suitable solutions for energy generation and management in factories that want to minimize their environmental impact. At a national level it is one of the first experiences regarding the implementation of a smartgrid in an industrial plant with and integrated fleet of electric vehicles. Factory Microgrid will take place between July 2014 and June 2017 and it represents an investment of around 2 million euros. Approximately 50% of the total amount will be financed by the LIFE + programme. Project partners are the Jofemar Corporation and the National Renewable Energy Centre, CENER

Introduction - Smartgrid

What is a microgrid or a smartgrid? Smart grids are energy networks that can automatically monitor energy flows and adjust to changes in energy supply and demand accordingly. When coupled with smart metering systems, smart grids reach consumers and suppliers by providing information on real-time consumption. Smart grids can also help to better integrate renewable energy.

Specific Aims

To implement an innovative industrial smartgrid in a real environment with a high share of renewable energies. It will integrate:

A 120 kW windturbine and 40 kW of PV on deck.

500 kWh of Zn-Br flow batteries, 120 kWh of lead acid batteries and 40 kWh of lithium ion batteries.

6 electric vehicles.

6 V2G charging points and a 50 kW fast charging point for EVs

To test and validate different strategies for energy management to maximize the use of renewable energies by managing storage and dispatchable loads

To transfer the acquired knowledge to stakeholders by means of specific education and dissemination strategies

Expected results

To test and validate different strategies for energy management

To generate 160.000 kWh free of greenhouse gases per year.

To achieve a reduction of over 96 metric tons of annual CO2 emissions thanks to the management of dispatchable loads and the use of EVs.

To reduce peak energy consumption and transport and distribution losses.. Increased network stability.

Main environmental benefits

Enhance the use of renewable energies, while reducing CO2 emissions.

Decrease power peak consumption and provide ancillary services, increasing grid reliability and reducing, at the same time, the need of reserve generation capacity in the electric system.

Minimize energy consumption due to the management of dispatchable loads, reducing CO2 emissions.

Reduce the use of land for electric generation.

Reduce transport and distribution losses.

Transport electrification, which is particularly advantageous when electricity mix comes from a low CO2 origin.

About LIFE

The LIFE program programme is the EU's funding instrument for the environment. The general objective of LIFE is to contribute to the implementation, updating and development of EU environmental policy and legislation by co-financing pilot or demonstration projects with European added value

References

LIFE Factory Microgrid Wikipedia

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