Zero-Emission Bus Resiliency through Optimal Microgrid Strategies
In an effort to combat rising electricity demands and costs, transit agencies across the nation are turning to microgrids as a promising solution for a greener and more resilient future.
Microgrids, which can consist of natural gas or diesel generators, solar and battery storage capacity, and distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar panels, wind turbines, and stationary fuel cells, present a viable pathway towards sustainability. The increasing adoption of zero-emission buses necessitates resilient and sustainable power solutions for transit fleets.
One successful example of a transit microgrid project is the one deployed by Blue Lake Rancheria (BLR), a federally recognized tribal government in California's Humboldt Bay area. The BLR microgrid, equipped with a low-carbon backup power system, has proven to be a financial boon, saving approximately $200,000 in utility costs annually. Moreover, during blackouts caused by a 6.4-magnitude earthquake and heavy winter storms, the BLR microgrid powered critical infrastructure and facilities for over 24 hours, demonstrating its resilience.
Microgrids offer more than just backup power. They can optimise energy consumption for both financial savings and environmental benefits. For instance, through a process known as peak shaving, microgrids store energy during periods of low demand and deploy it during high demand, such as bus charging. This has financial implications, as it helps to decrease demand charges, resulting in operational cost savings.
Agencies must first calculate energy consumption and power demand by analysing utility bills, using route modelling, or analysing telematics or charger data. Critical loads for transit microgrids include buildings, maintenance bays, data servers, safety equipment, and vehicles. Transit agencies need to determine the specific purpose of the microgrid and estimate potential outage durations.
Several U.S. transit authorities, including large metropolitan agencies, have successfully implemented microgrids to support environmentally friendly transportation by integrating electric bus fleets with renewable energy sources and battery storage systems. Notable examples include the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) and others that have documented operational microgrids powering charging stations for electric buses. These initiatives have led to reduced emissions and enhanced grid resilience.
Energy storage assets for microgrids typically involve batteries. Microgrids can disconnect from the utility grid and continue generating power using DERs and energy storage assets during outages or peak demand periods.
In conclusion, microgrids offer a compelling alternative to traditional resiliency measures, providing uninterrupted power supply, asset diversification, and peak shaving capabilities. As the need for sustainable and cost-effective solutions grows, the adoption of microgrids by transit agencies is set to increase, paving the way for a greener and more resilient public transportation system.
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