Severe storms such as blizzards, tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms are becoming increasingly common across the United States, affecting millions and demonstrating the need for a reliable power system (phrase for keyword). According to Climate Central, weather-related incidents have been responsible for a staggering 80 percent of major power outages between 2000 and 2023. In addition, the frequency of such outages has doubled in the past decade compared to the preceding one.
The United States’ existing power infrastructure is aging and poses a blackout threat during extreme weather. Today, electricity is primarily transmitted and distributed through above-ground transformers, transmission wires, and utility poles, all of which are susceptible to high winds, heavy rain, ice, lightning, and extreme heat, according to Climate Central. Even underground lines are not immune, as flooding can still disrupt service. Furthermore, the undeniable reality of climate change has intensified this issue, which NASA warns will only increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the future.
The consequences of power outages affect not just homes but also critical facilities like hospitals and data centers that rely on continuous power for operations. Unfortunately, traditional backup solutions like natural gas generators often fall short, particularly for larger-scale applications and businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.
Microgrids: A Promising, Sustainable Solution
Microgrids, or decentralized energy systems, enhance power resilience in the face of severe weather. Often powered by renewable sources and equipped with battery storage, microgrids offer a lifeline during power outages. Take hospitals, for example, where uninterrupted power is a matter of life and death. Microgrids ensure continuity of operations by seamlessly transitioning to island mode, which ensures continuity of operations off-grid during power outages.
Microgrids and battery energy storage systems are stand-alone systems that keep the power on during an outage by acting as an island, providing power to the customer and allowing time for the utility grid to regain operations.
Stark Tech’s Microgrid Solution
Stark Tech’s Microgrid on a Skid provides customers with proven, cost-effective solutions that provide relief during disruptions to the power grid. Our scalable solution is designed with the safest Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology, allowing less mechanical stress to the battery, and providing our customers with a 10,000+ cycle lifetime. The all-in-one solution packages the battery, inverter, switchgear, and transformer into a skidded system designed with flexibility to support the customers’ need to reduce their site’s grid demand at critical times. The pre-fabricated system is equipped with a proven Energy Asset Monitoring Platform (EAM) for Distributed Energy Resource Management.
