Michigan State University Goes All in for Microgrid Technology
Michigan State University recently released its Energy Transition Plan, which calls for the implementation of microgrid technology to achieve a future where the university is powered completely by renewable energy.
Currently, renewable energy accounts for less than 2 percent of power generation at MSU. In addition, the university’s T.B. Simon Power Plant has been named by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as Michigan’s 25th biggest polluter, so the move to renewable energy should make a significant impact on the campus environment and energy costs.
The MSU plan includes improving the physical environment of the campus, using the campus as a laboratory for developing new technologies, and applying the knowledge gained towards improving the quality of life for local, regional and national communities.
Nextek Power Systems, Inc. applauds the Michigan State University initiative. Nextek is an industry leader in the design and implementation of Direct Current microgrids for buildings and campuses. Microgrids offer a variety of advantages to many facilities, especially those that need to run independently of the AC grid, in case of a supply failure, or a terrorist attack. Many government offices and military installations are already at work planning for such systems.
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Microgrid Technology: Recent Improvements Spur Government and Industry to Seek Renewable Energy Solutions
Call it a quiet revolution.
Americans have been talking about lessening the nation’s dependence on oil (especially foreign-produced) since the Carter administration, but for many years, there was little advancement towards this goal. Now, recent developments in renewable energy and microgrid technology, and a presidential directive, have prompted many businesses and government agencies to undertake efforts to augment traditional power grid supplies with systems that will both save money and lessen environmental impacts.
The evidence occurs with increasing regularity. In the hospitality industry, one of the most intensive power users in the country, hundreds of hotel sites have opted to develop microgrids that incorporate solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and other technologies to reduce the need for grid power. Glenn Hasak of the Green Lodging News, has listed dozens of them on his site. They range from The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne to the Lova Lava Land Eco-Resort in Hawaii.
Following President Obama’s directive to federal agencies to make $2 billion worth of energy efficiency upgrades over the next two years, Fort Bliss, the country’s biggest military facility, a 1.2-million acre base in West Texas and New Mexico, has awarded a $16 million contract for the construction and operation of a microgrid.
Several other military installations are looking at similar development projects. In addition to cost savings and environmental concerns, microgrid power affords some security from internet-based attacks against power utilities, an increasing concern among cyber security experts. According to the contractor, Johnson Controls, the project is expected to save Fort Bliss $39 million in energy costs over the next 24 years.
Even traditional power utilities are beginning to embrace the concept of microgrids. According to Phil Carson, of intelligentutility.com, “an increase in distributed generation in general—not just renewable energy resources—has driven interest.” Changes to IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) standards in 2011 also helped sway them. The companies are looking to microgrids to increase their potential power production without adding to their infrastructure.
Microgrids are becoming an increasingly popular power solution for companies, agencies and even communities. For more information regarding how a microgrid system could benefit your organization, contact Nextek Power Systems at (877) 24VOLTS or visit us at www.nextekpower.com.
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CEQ Deputy Director, Gary Guzy, Visits Nextek
Deputy Director Gary Guzy and Nextek CEO discuss developments in DC power.
As part of a visit to The NextEnergy Center, Council on Environmental Quality Deputy Director, Gary Guzy, stopped by Nextek’s Detroit offices to see what innovations in DC microgrids Nextek Power Systems was developing. He was treated to a facility tour and discussion with Nextek CEO, Paul Savage.
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) coordinates Federal environmental efforts and works closely with agencies and other White House offices in the development of environmental policies and initiatives. The CEQ was established within the Executive Office of the President by Congress as part of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and additional responsibilities were provided by the Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970.
Deputy Director Guzy’s role at the CEQ is to ensure that there is a strong scientific and legal basis for our environmental policy; making sure that the nation moves toward a greater reliance on clean energy and to increase energy security; combating global warming while growing the green economy; providing protection for public health and the environment; and protecting and restoring our great ecosystems.
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Vice Mayor of Zhenjiang Visits Nextek
This past December Nextek had the honor of hosting the Vice Mayor of Zhenjiang, China along with his staff. Just an hour west of Shanghai, Zhenjiang is hoping to be a hub of science, manufacturing and technology for the 21st century. Capitalizing on its infrastructure and logistics advantages, emerging industries, state-of-the-art facilities, industrial foundation, workforce education and research innovations, the National Zhenjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone is planning on luring corporations and new industries to the city.
Their visit to Nextek, the first stop on a tour throughout the United States, was based on their interest in renewable energy and DC microgrids. The NZETDZ is planning a DC microgrid project for the city in 2011.
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Paul Savage Talks DC Microgrids at Tedx Detroit 2010
On September 29, 2010 the area’s leading creators, catalysts, entrepreneurs, artists, technologists, designers, scientists, thinkers and doers gathered at The Detroit Institute of Arts to share what they are most passionate about — positive ideas for the world from Detroit. Nextek CEO, Paul Savage, was one of those to speak.
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GE Ecomagination Challenge Announces Winner!
While we here at Nextek are disappointed that we did not take the top prize in the GE Ecomagination Challenge, we are hopeful that we may win one of the Innovation Awards being announced in early November. Congratulations to Solar Roadways and their winning idea!
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Nextek Waits for GE Ecomagination Challenge Results
Nextek excitedly awaits the October 7th, 2010 announcement by GE of the winner of their GE Ecomagination Challenge. Nextek is one of nearly 3,200 participants eagerly awaiting to hear who won the most votes in the polls that closed on September 30, 2010. Innovation award winners will be announced at the beginning of November. Follow the excitment on the GE Ecomagination blog.
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Nextek Receives UL Approval for PSM 1600-C2
The Nextek Power Systems facility has received UL approval to manufacture the Power Server Module Model 1600-C2. Customers can now place their orders for the PSM at 1-877-24VOLTS or checkout the PSM 1600-C2 in the Power-Shop.
Nextek Power Server Module Model 1600-C2 DC Power Supply
Nextek’s Power Server Module converts 208 or 240 VAC power to 24 VDC through 16 individual Class 2 outputs. The Power Server Module has a wireless remote control and monitoring system. The system advantage is that the Power Server Module provides a safe, low-voltage DC distribution system that allows quick plug-and-play, energy efficient and individually controllable Direct Current (DC) lighting and other loads. The patented triangular design of the Power Server Module makes for a clean fit into a suspended ceiling grid for ease of installation and removal of ceiling tiles. Download the Power Server Module 1600-C2 spec sheet.
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380 VDC Gateways Added to Nextek’s Detroit Offices
Nextek Power recently added two 380 VDC Gateways to their Detroit Offices.
Two 480 VAC to 380 VDC gateways that are able to produce 8oKw of power each have been installed outside of the Nextek Power Systems’ Detroit offices. The units, which can accept both renewable and AC energy sources, are the key to our R & D for bi-directional vehicle charging and discharging. Our short term goal is to provide a DC microgrid that charges a DC electric vehicle. The DC electric vehicle will also provide power back to the microgrid to power additional DC loads. It is a very exciting opportunity for Nextek, which will also be using the gateways to power their office lighting, motors and IT loads. There is so much potential for these gateways and we look forward to sharing more exciting news as the story unfolds.
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Nextek Mentioned In Climate Savers Computing Paper
There is a compelling article by Lee Harrison on behalf of Climate Savers Computing Initiative about the state of affairs in data centers and the need for much greater efficiency for both environmental and economical reasons. Read the entire article by clicking here.
Started by Google and Intel in 2007, the Climate Savers Computing Initiative is a nonprofit group of eco-conscious consumers, businesses and conservation organizations. Their goal is to promote development, deployment and adoption of smart technologies that can both improve the efficiency of a computer’s power delivery and reduce the energy consumed when the computer is in an inactive state.
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