Microgrids

Snohomish County’s Super Power

A microgrid is a small collection of energy sources (wind turbines, solar panels, and hydro) that transfer electricity to buildings on site or to the main electrical grid.

Explore the Microgrid

Explore the
Microgrid

What is the Electric Grid?

The electric grid is a network of poles, power lines and substations that deliver electricity from generating resources to homes and businesses. The grid is essential for modern life, supporting everything from lighting to technology.

Learn how the grid works

Wind Power

Wind power is a form of renewable energy that converts the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy using wind turbines.

Fun fact: The PUD receives nearly 10% of its power from multiple wind farms in central Washington and Oregon.

Learn how wind power works

Solar Power

Solar energy comes from the sun. We use special panels called solar panels to catch sunlight and turn it into electricity. This electricity can power our homes, schools, and gadgets. It’s a clean and endless source of energy, which helps keep our planet healthy.

Learn how solar power works

Hydropower

Hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source that generates electricity using the natural flow of moving water.

Fun fact: Hydropower can be generated using a dam and reservoir like the PUD’s Jackson Project or “damless” run-of-the-river facilities like the PUD’s Young’s Creek Project.

Learn how hydropower works

Battery System

Battery energy storage systems, or BESS, store energy like reservoirs store water. They capture excess energy from renewable sources like solar and wind when it’s available and release it when needed.

Fun fact: It would take 10 Teslas to store the same energy as what’s in the 1000kW storage system seen above.

Learn more about batteries and battery systems

Microgrid Control Center

A microgrid control center manages operation of a microgrid, ensuring efficient and reliable power distribution.

It monitors components, controls the flow of electricity and optimizes energy use, both when linked to the grid or in “island mode.”

Learn about control center technology

What could the future hold?

From an object of curiosity to a cornerstone of daily life, electricity is exciting. It eases workloads, helps us stay connected and even lights up our nights. Its potential continues to unfold and is up to the next generation to discover.

Peek into the future!

PUD’s Clean Energy Campus

The Clean Energy Center is part of the PUD’s Arlington Microgrid. It can be disconnected from the Electric Grid and powered by the Microgrid.

Where Does PUD’s Power Come From?

On average, three-fourths of the electricity that powers PUD customers comes from wonderful hydropower. The PUD is also powered by other carbon-free resources.

How does the microgrid control center work?

Microgrid control centers use advanced technologies to optimize power distribution. It’s like a smart brain for a small power system.

Here’s how it works!

Emergency generator: Reliable back-up power source that helps to stabilize power

Microgrid controller: Continuously monitors the microgrid’s components including generation, storage and consumption

Battery storage: Charges in times of low energy demand and provides energy in times of high demand

Energy supply: Provide electricity for use and for battery charging

Island mode: The microgrid can operate independently from the main grid during outages

Critical load: Can be powered by microgrid when other energy sources are not available

Microgrid controllers optimize performance of a microgrid with:

Solar smoothing

Rapid variations in solar generation are stored by the battery, allowing more controlled power output to the system.

Voltage and frequency support

Changes in grid load and generation affect the stability of voltage and frequency that power our devices, which are designed to operate under a narrow band. Batteries can help stabilize system voltage.

Generator optimization

Determine the most economical use of various power sources based on environmental/market conditions.

Load shedding

Drop or add electrical loads based on available generation and battery capacity.

Monitoring and alarms

Communication with grid operators ensures safe operation of the microgrid.