Author: LOGGMA

Traditional energy infrastructures are built on centralized control and transmission lines. However, the weaknesses of these systems include energy losses over long distances and sensitivity to interruptions. Therefore, local energy distribution systems like microgrids are seen as significant technological advancements that will shape the future energy infrastructure.

Microgrids are decentralized energy networks where renewable energy sources are locally generated and consumed. These systems rely on various renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, hydroelectric plants, and even biomass facilities. These sources directly produce electricity and minimize energy losses in transmission lines.

Microgrids consist of several key components that come together to provide reliable and sustainable energy to a specific region or facility. Let’s explore each component in detail:

Distributed Energy Generation Systems

Microgrids utilize a variety of energy generation systems ranging from traditional fossil fuel-based generators to modern renewable energy sources. These systems provide diversified and sustainable energy supply, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy Storage Devices

Many microgrids include energy storage devices to enhance energy production efficiency. Typically, these devices include lithium-ion battery packs that store excess energy during high production periods and release it during peak demand times. For example, a solar-powered microgrid can use stored excess energy during nighttime when sunlight is unavailable.

Load Management Devices

Microgrids must effectively manage fluctuating loads throughout the day. This may involve increasing power supply to meet demand or implementing load management strategies to balance average demand without increasing production. Sophisticated load management techniques may include measures such as shutting down or adjusting systems in response to changes in demand.

Control and Communication Systems

Microgrids rely on advanced control and communication systems to quickly respond to changing demands. These systems consist of distributed controllers and sensors across the grid, detecting load changes and adjusting power distribution accordingly. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems play a critical role in optimizing renewable energy usage while ensuring grid stability through data collection and instruction distribution.

Inverters and Other Equipment

Key components such as cables, circuit breakers, transformers, inverters, and automatic transfer switches protect microgrids from overload and facilitate energy transmission. Inverters play a crucial role in converting direct current (DC) from renewable energy sources to suitable alternating current (AC) used in electrical grids.

The primary function of a microgrid is to provide reliable and efficient energy to a specific region or facility. Additionally, microgrids promote energy independence, sustainability, and cost savings by using local resources and integrating various renewable energy sources based on local conditions. Common renewable energy sources used in microgrids include solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines, biomass, and geothermal energy systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and environmental sustainability.

From a technical standpoint, microgrid operations are complex. Electricity generated from primary energy sources is directed to local storage systems or smart grid control systems. These systems use smart algorithms and data analytics to balance energy demand and production, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and ensuring energy security.

In terms of sustainability, the importance of microgrids is increasing. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions, these grids have a minimal environmental impact. Moreover, delivering locally generated energy directly to consumers eliminates the unnecessary use of energy transmission lines and reduces losses. However, microgrids face scalability challenges, particularly in large cities or densely populated areas, where implementation and management are more complex. Additionally, upgrading and modernizing existing energy infrastructure may be necessary.

In conclusion, microgrids represent a significant technological advancement in renewable energy distribution. Today, these grids connect local energy production and consumption, improving energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. However, widespread adoption of microgrids depends on technological and infrastructural developments. Therefore, the future role and proliferation of microgrids will depend on advancements in technology and infrastructure.

The rapid increase in distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems today has significantly enhanced the share of fluctuating production capacity in national and international electricity grids. Particularly in low-voltage grids, high PV penetration can lead to thermal or voltage fluctuations, jeopardizing system stability. To address these challenges, grid operators are turning to Zero Feed-in (ZFI) technology. This technology represents a significant step towards improving grid integration to prevent future limitations on PV distribution due to grid capacity constraints. Let’s delve into this article together and examine Zero Feed-in technology in detail.

What is Zero Feed-In?

Zero Feed-in (ZFI) enables facilities that generate and consume energy to operate without exporting energy to the grid. It relies on real-time monitoring of production and consumption data, adjusting inverter output power based on consumption needs. Zero Feed-in ensures that all energy produced by the PV system is consumed locally and prevents surplus energy from being fed into the public grid.

The Need for Zero Feed-In

The proliferation of PV systems puts significant pressure on the electricity grid. High PV penetration can lead to issues such as over-voltage and overheating in the grid infrastructure. These problems not only threaten grid stability but also hinder further expansion of PV systems due to limited grid capacity. To mitigate these issues, grid operators may adopt schemes that limit PV system exports. Zero Feed-in prevents energy from being fed into the grid at any time, thus maintaining grid stability and preventing congestion.

How Zero Feed-In Works

Zero Feed-in capability is implemented through advanced inverter technology. These inverters monitor real-time production and consumption data with high precision. When consumption is lower than production, the inverters automatically reduce PV system output to prevent excess energy from being exported to the grid. This real-time adjustment enables efficient operation of the PV system without impacting the grid.

Technical Components and Functionality

Advanced Inverters: Zero Feed-in inverters perform real-time data monitoring and analysis with high accuracy. They regulate PV production in real-time to match only the facility’s energy needs.

Energy Management System (EMS): EMS plays a critical role in balancing energy production and consumption. It analyzes consumption data and sends necessary commands to the inverters.

Real-Time Monitoring and Control: Sensors and measurement devices continuously monitor energy production from the PV system and energy consumption by the facility. This data is processed by EMS and transmitted to the inverters.

Benefits of Zero Feed-In

Enhanced Grid Stability: By preventing surplus energy from entering the grid, Zero Feed-in technology improves the reliability and stability of the electricity grid.

Maximized Self-Consumption: Facilities can maximize the use of locally generated energy, reducing dependency on grid electricity and lowering energy costs.

Support for Renewable Energy Growth: Zero Feed-in facilitates greater integration of PV systems into the energy mix without exceeding grid capacity.

Compliance with Grid Regulations: In areas with strict grid regulations, Zero Feed-in ensures compliance without any violations.

Implementing Zero Feed-In

Implementing Zero Feed-in technology requires installation of inverters equipped with this feature. These inverters must have the capability for precise real-time monitoring and control of power output based on consumption needs. Additionally, system operators may need to upgrade existing infrastructure to support the integration of Zero Feed-in systems.

Future Steps

Zero Feed-in technology will be a critical component in optimizing the integration of PV systems into the grid in the future. Embracing this technology is crucial to maintaining grid stability and increasing the use of renewable energy sources. Encouraging the adoption of Zero Feed-in technology is essential for fostering greater integration of renewable energy sources and building a sustainable energy future.

Floating solar energy is defined as a system that floats solar panels on water surfaces instead of fixing them to land. Also known as floating photovoltaics or floatovoltaics, these systems are typically installed on calm water bodies such as lakes, ponds, dams, and reservoirs. The panels floating on water bring a cooling effect, which enhances their energy efficiency. This innovative system functions similarly to traditional solar energy panels and uses components like solar panels and inverters.

Our intern Pelin İzci explores why floating solar energy systems could be preferred for electricity generation, their advantages, and their potential in energy production based on observations and known technical information.

Compared to land-based systems, these systems do not require large and expansive areas, which is advantageous in densely populated regions and geographies with high land costs. Additionally, by floating on the water surface, the panels benefit from the cooling effect of the water, optimizing energy efficiency. Moreover, covering the water surface reduces evaporation, contributing to the conservation of water resources. Due to their installation on water, these panels cause less harm to the environment compared to other types of panels and support the preservation of local flora and fauna. These mentioned features are considered advantages and among the main reasons for their preference.

When we look at the reasons for the preference for floating solar energy systems, prominent advantages include land use optimization, high efficiency, and environmental protection effects. Additionally, floating solar energy systems increase energy production capacity, thereby enhancing energy diversity. Furthermore, in case of rising water levels due to changing weather conditions, the solar panels rise with the water, ensuring protection against floods and securing continuous energy production.

Alongside these advantages, concerns regarding floating panels should also be considered. The first is the high initial costs. The installation of floating solar energy systems can be quite expensive due to platform costs. Additionally, interconnections between grids can be complex. When electricity needs to be transported over long distances on water, delivering it to land can become a lengthy, costly, and complex process. Such connections often require special underwater cables. Furthermore, while floating solar panels have successfully operated in pilot projects over the past decade, there is not enough data available to determine how efficiently they will continue to operate in the future. This uncertainty raises questions about the lifespan of these systems.

As the use of floating solar panels increases today, their potential as a viable solar energy solution is gaining momentum. Countries using this system are predominantly seen in Asia. Leading countries in usage include the People’s Republic of China, followed by Singapore and Thailand. In Europe, the Netherlands plays a pioneering role in the implementation of floating solar energy systems on agricultural water sources. The first example of floating solar energy systems is recognized as the system installed over water reservoirs in Nagasaki, Japan. Japan’s limited land availability and high energy demand encourage the use of floating solar panels. These countries currently have the world’s largest operational floating solar energy systems, with capacities ranging from 45 MW to 300 MW. These innovative models clearly demonstrate the potential benefits of providing power to hundreds of thousands of homes, suggesting that these systems could offer benefits beyond expectations in the future.

In Turkey, the use of floating solar energy systems has rapidly increased in recent years. Starting with the pilot project on the Keban Dam Lake, this initiative has expanded to include the use of floating solar panels in some water reservoirs in Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya, gradually becoming more widespread. When all water reservoirs in Turkey are included, the potential for floating solar energy systems is estimated to far exceed 540 million cubic meters.

Floating solar energy systems emerge as a significant solution, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas and regions where land use is limited. These systems utilize water surfaces to increase energy production capacity while minimizing the impact on natural habitats, thus supporting environmental sustainability. With these features, floating solar energy systems are expected to become an important part of future energy management strategies, contributing to sustainable energy production.