Microgrids
Choosing a power generating unit
In the modern industrial landscape, the concept of a local network (microgrid) or a completely autonomous “energy island” is becoming one of the tools for ensuring business viability. It is a localized energy system that combines its own generation and consumption into a single intelligent circuit capable of operating completely autonomously from central power grids.
Vancosta designs and implements such facilities on a turnkey basis, providing a reliable energy security architecture.
An energy island is the creation of an intelligent node where:
- Generation covers the peak and base needs of the facility.
- Heat utilization (cogeneration) provides technological processes with hot water or steam.
- The control system balances the load in real time, guaranteeing frequency and voltage stability.
- Depending on the scale of your business and technological needs, we offer two basic models for building an autonomous island.
Option A: based on gas piston units (INNIO Jenbacher)
The ideal solution for facilities with high electricity demand and variable consumption schedules.
Flexibility: Thanks to the use of Jenbacher models of the 420 and 620 series, such an island is easily scalable by adding new modules.
High adaptability: The system instantly responds to changes in load, which is critical for autonomous operation.
Maximum efficiency: Electrical efficiency of up to 45% and above allows you to minimize operating costs for fuel.
The video below shows an example of forming a local network based on a small settlement or industry cluster, integrated into the general network with the ability to switch to full “island” mode in the event of an accident in the general network or in the event of planned rationing of electricity supply:
Option B: based on gas turbine units (Baker Hughes)
The optimal choice for large energy-intensive enterprises with a continuous production cycle.
Industrial power: The use of Baker Hughes turbines of the LT12 and LT16 series provides stable base load for decades.
Combined energy: In addition to electricity, such an island generates large volumes of high-potential process steam.
Compactness: The ability to accommodate large capacity in a limited area, which is important for dense industrial development.
Technological components
- The “Black Start” system: Allows you to start the main generation (turbine or engine) in the complete absence of voltage in the external network, using only the station’s internal reserves.
- Pressure compressor stations (DCS): Guarantee the necessary fuel pressure for uninterrupted operation, regardless of the state of the main gas pipeline.
- Heat recovery steam generators (HRSG): Convert the thermal energy of exhaust gases into a useful resource (steam or hot water), raising the overall efficiency of the island to 90%.
- Fuel preparation systems: Specialized gas filtration and drying units that protect the equipment from corrosion and extend its service life.
- Energy storage installations (batteries)
- Intelligent management system (PMS): The “brain” of the island, which automatically synchronizes the operation of multiple units, manages the priority of consumers and prevents overloads.