’Microgrids’ #energy storage project announced - JSOnline
►http://www.jsonline.com/business/microgrids-energy-storage-project-announced-131027148.html
A new project aimed at making Wisconsin a national center of expertise for energy “microgrids” was announced Monday by a team that includes the state’s four largest engineering schools and several large Milwaukee-area employers.
By using sophisticated new energy storage devices and battery systems, microgrid “energy islands” could function for some time off a main power grid if it were disrupted - and they also could maximize use of energy harnessed from renewable sources, such as solar and wind power.
Wisconsin companies are already working to develop technologies for advanced energy storage systems, including the state’s largest company, Johnson Controls Inc., and one of its smallest ZBB Energy Corp. of Menomonee Falls. They see a market for using energy storage to overcome the challenges of renewable sources that stop making power when the sun sets or winds ease.
Military spending on #microgrids is expected to grow fourfold between now and 2020, with Department of #Defense spending alone expected to reach $1.6 billion by then