Scale and Coverage
Microgrids are designed to serve smaller areas such as communities, industrial parks, or isolated islands. Their primary role is to meet localized electricity demands. In contrast, traditional grids cover vast geographic areas, supplying power to a large number of users.
Management Style
Microgrids utilize a distributed management model, allowing different users to exchange and share electricity. Traditional grids, however, are managed centrally with a unified dispatch and control system.
Stability and Reliability
Microgrids, with their simpler power systems, offer lower stability but can restore power more quickly, making them more reliable during emergencies. Traditional grids, composed of numerous devices, are highly stable but require more time to restore power after outages.
Sustainability
Microgrids typically employ renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, contributing to higher sustainability. Traditional grids, primarily reliant on fossil fuels, have a greater environmental impact.
Power Supply and Energy Management
Microgrids integrate distributed energy generation technologies, matching multiple energy sources to meet their energy needs independently. They use smart energy management systems to automatically sense and control supply and demand, achieving precise energy management. Traditional grids rely on power companies for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.
Operation Mode
Microgrids can operate independently or be connected to the central grid. In standalone mode, they depend on internal distributed power sources and energy storage systems. Traditional grids, however, typically need to remain connected to the central grid to ensure stable power supply.
Economic Flexibility
Microgrids are relatively lower in construction and operational costs. Due to their localized components, they respond quickly to user needs and market changes, offering higher flexibility and resistance to disturbances.
In summary, microgrids differ significantly from traditional grids in terms of scale, management, stability, reliability, power supply, energy management, operation mode, economic cost, and flexibility. As a decentralized form of energy supply, microgrids balance energy demand and supply more flexibly and environmentally, representing an emerging energy supply model.
