Growing the business without increasing the electrical supply capacity: A smart microgrid approach

A typical scenario is presented where business entities wish to expand their operation and in doing so require a larger electrical supply capacity (supplied peak-demand). If the increase required exceeds the savings that an energy efficiency initiative can achieve, the business is left with no other alternative than to request an increase in the electrical supply capacity. This paper investigates the possibility of managing that business by introducing a smart microgrid (SMG) to achieve the savings necessary to remain at the current supply capacity and to gain maximum benefit from their assets. The options and opportunities available to the business given their needs are presented, as well as to supply possible means for overcoming the barriers using a smart microgrid approach.