The Moura Group, in partnership with ITEMM (Edson Mororó Moura Institute of Technology), has put into operation the first hybrid microgrid unit at the institute's headquarters in the city of Belo Jardim (PE). The project explores the potential for integrating photovoltaic energy, diesel generation and energy storage, serving isolated areas more efficiently.
The Moura/ITEMM microgrid has a photovoltaic system with 310 kWp of installed capacity, with a BESS (battery energy storage system) of 250 kW / 560 kWh and a 75 kVA generator set. The battery associated with the generator allows daily use, including specific cases such as a power outage for many hours or days.
According to the Moura Group, the generator is operated strategically, exploring the use of clean energy and lower pollutant emissions. All of this is part of an energy management plan, in which the solar energy generated is associated with energy storage in batteries. Generation can be supplemented by a diesel generator. According to Luiz Mello, general commercial director of industrial batteries and BESS, the Moura/ITEMM microgrid offers benefits to consumers of both off-grid and on-grid systems.
“For off-grid consumers, the solution is the one that offers the best economic and financial balance and requires less space to implement the necessary infrastructure, while also reducing the logistical complications of a solution that consumes a lot of fuel and requires constant replenishment. For consumers connected to the grid (on-grid), the microgrid allows customers to be autonomous from an energy standpoint, being able to disconnect from the utility company when convenient, whether due to the high cost of a peak period or due to the quality or lack of energy,” Mello highlighted.
The project is in the final phase of implementation and the Moura Group foresees that the project will be a living laboratory to expand the performance and results of microgrid solutions.
