Empowering Energy Saving Through Management and the Micro-Grid Topology to Abate Climate Change Book in Scopus uri icon

abstract

  • The diminishing reserves of fossil fuels in the foreseeable future, coupled with a rising need for energy, restrict the possibilities for embracing alternative energy generation technologies. These technologies, particularly at the distribution level, are gaining significance as they enable the harnessing of local resources. At this stage, these are viewed as small-scale energy sources that require particular coordination and management mechanisms, like microgrids (MG) and energy management systems (EMS). These approaches are designed to address the limitations of traditional technologies and have sparked expectations for a sustainable generation and consumption model, resulting in a reduced environmental impact. While environmental benefits of these alternatives are often assumed, most research has concentrated on aspects such as power quality and distribution in this area. As a result, there is limited evidence to support the idea that MG and EMS contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Some reports even indicate that MGs could potentially have a detrimental impact on the environment. This research investigates potential areas for enhancement in both technologies from a soft-technical standpoint, emphasizing the main obstacles that must be addressed to achieve tangible environmental benefits. This chapter begins by presenting the current status of greenhouse gas emissions and the use of sustainable resources. It then examines the environmental consequences related to the utilization of these resources, with a focus on their individual elements. It specifically addresses the environmental effects of solar panels, wind turbines, and storage technologies like batteries, along with potential areas for enhancement. Additionally, it delves into the monitoring and control mechanisms integrated into devices such as solar inverters or industrial alternatives designed for MGs and EMSs, and how these mechanisms impact the environmental implications of the technologies mentioned. Moreover, it highlights environmental evaluations carried out on MGs and EMSs, outlining a set of challenges that must be addressed in order to advance the electrical grid. © 2025 Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

publication date

  • January 1, 2025