* Microgrid Project Management and Implementation
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Microgrid Management course at UK School of Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
AAS #
Advanced Automation System, refers to the use of control systems and software to manage and optimize microgrid operations, including monitoring and control of distributed energy resources, energy storage systems, and loads. Related terms: SCADA, EMS, and distributed control systems.
AC #
Alternating Current, a type of electric current that periodically reverses direction, commonly used in power distribution systems. Related terms: DC, frequency, and voltage.
Active Power #
the real power used by a load to perform work, measured in watts (W). Related terms: reactive power, apparent power, and power factor.
Agent #
based Modeling: a methodology used to simulate the behavior of complex systems, such as microgrids, by representing individual components as autonomous agents that interact with each other. Related terms: modeling, simulation, and complex systems.
AMR #
Automatic Meter Reading, a technology used to remotely collect consumption data from meters without the need for manual intervention. Related terms: smart meters, metering, and data management.
Ancillary Services #
additional services provided by a microgrid to support reliable and efficient operation, such as frequency regulation, voltage support, and spinning reserve. Related terms: grid support, reliability, and efficiency.
API #
Application Programming Interface, a set of protocols and tools used to integrate different systems and applications in a microgrid, enabling data exchange and control. Related terms: integration, interoperability, and software development.
AS #
Autonomous System, a self-contained system that can operate independently of the main grid, often used in remote or off-grid microgrids. Related terms: island mode, off-grid, and autonomy.
Asset Management #
the process of planning, acquiring, operating, and maintaining assets in a microgrid, such as generators, energy storage systems, and transmission lines. Related terms: asset optimization, life cycle management, and cost reduction.
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) #
a technology used to store excess energy generated by a microgrid, allowing for flexible and reliable operation. Related terms: energy storage, battery management, and system integration.
BC #
Benefit-Cost Analysis, a methodology used to evaluate the feasibility of a microgrid project by comparing the benefits and costs of the project. Related terms: cost benefit analysis, feasibility study, and project evaluation.
Black Start #
the ability of a microgrid to restart itself after a power outage, often using energy storage systems and backup power sources. Related terms: resilience, reliability, and emergency response.
CA #
Certificate Authority, an organization responsible for issuing certificates and verifying the identity of entities in a microgrid, such as devices and systems. Related terms: security, authentication, and trust management.
Capacity Factor #
the ratio of the average power output of a microgrid to its rated capacity, often used to evaluate the performance and efficiency of the microgrid. Related terms: availability factor, utilization factor, and performance metric.
Carbon Footprint #
the amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the operation of a microgrid, often used to evaluate the environmental impact and sustainability of the microgrid. Related terms: emissions reduction, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
CHP #
Combined Heat and Power, a technology used to generate both electricity and heat from a single fuel source, often used in microgrids to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. Related terms: cogeneration, trigeneration, and energy efficiency.
CIGRE #
International Council on Large Electric Systems, a global organization that develops and promotes standards and best practices for electric power systems, including microgrids. Related terms: standardization, interoperability, and grid management.
CIM #
Common Information Model, a standard for representing power system data and information in a consistent and interoperable way, often used in microgrids to enable data exchange and integration. Related terms: data modeling, information exchange, and system integration.
CO2 #
Carbon Dioxide, a greenhouse gas emitted by fossil fuel-based power plants and transportation systems, often used as a metric to evaluate the environmental impact of a microgrid. Related terms: emissions reduction, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
Control System #
a system used to monitor and control the operation of a microgrid, including generation, transmission, and distribution of power. Related terms: SCADA, EMS, and automation.
CP #
Critical Peak, the highest demand for electricity