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G&W Electric Microgrid

Discover our state-of-the-art microgrid, which provides more reliable and resilient power by using automation, power generation and energy storage. In the event of an outage, the microgrid will automatically isolate or “island” itself from the main grid to allow operations to resume quickly.


LEARN HOW OUR UNIQUE STORY BEGAN

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From Storm to Sustainability

Watch how it all started.

When a severe snowstorm completely shut down our operations, G&W Electric recognized the benefits of installing a microgrid to deliver uninterrupted premium power to support our critical operations as well as our customers.

John Mueller

Chairman and Owner of G&W Electric

Microgrid Installation

In service since late 2022, the microgrid has helped prevent costly production disruptions, reduced environmental impact, and provided additional energy that can be returned to the grid. Learn more about the installation process:

View Installation Updates

Roofing Project Provides a Strong Foundation for G&W Electric’s Microgrid

What Sets The G&W Electric Microgrid Apart?

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Flywheel

  • The 1.3 MVA flywheel is a solid cylinder with a large mass. It spins at tremendous speeds, up to 2,800 rotations per minute
  • Containment – mechanical failure can be catastrophic because of the huge forces involved, so the flywheel is housed within a strong enclosure
  • Motor and Generator – when energy is being stored, electricity drives the motor to spin the flywheel. When the stored energy is being recovered, the motor acts as a generator to convert the spinning motion back to electricity.

Solar Panels

  • Nearly 6,000 panels installed across the roof covering over 370,000 sq. ft. – about the size of 7.7 football fields
  • Cutting-edge bi-facial solar panels that generate energy from both sides
  • Panels will optimize the use of direct sunlight and reflection which will generate 18-20% more energy than standard monofacial solar panel designs

Flow Battery

  • 3 megawatt flow battery is the “heart and soul” of the microgrid
  • Capable of operating at 150% of its nominal 2 megawatts
  • Generates 3 megawatts for 1.5 hours or 2 megawatts for 4 hours
  • The flow battery uses a vanadium electrolyte solution – environmentally friendly and fireproof
  • 20+ year lifespan and recyclable at end of life

G&W Electric Trident®-SR with SafeVu™ Switchgear

  • Maintenance-free, high-speed switch with integrated visible break
  • Equipped with ABB REC670 relays
    • Only relay that can protect and monitor a 6-way looped switch
  • Forms a distribution loop with <6 cycle FLISR response
  • Ties the G&W Electric campus together electrically to increase reliability

G&W Electric Viper®-ST Reclosers

  • Viper-based Automatic Transfer (ATO) switches G&W Electric’s campus to an alternate, overhead source in less than 10 seconds
  • Uses an enhanced version of the noncommunicating loop scheme implemented across the utility’s service territory

G&W Electric LaZer® Automation

  • High-speed reconfiguration (<6 cycle FLISR response)
  • Full monitoring and control
  • Ability to island from the grid and reconnect

Explore the Future of Power →

Explore our interactive microgrid to learn more about the components.

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