Microgrid controller and methods for controlling a microgrid

A method for controlling a microgrid using a microgrid controller, wherein the microgrid has access to two or more energy sources and provides power to one or more microgrid loads, wherein the two or more energy sources include a main power grid source, a battery power source, a diesel generator power source and one or more of a solar power source and a wind power source, and wherein the microgrid controller is configured to control power delivery from each of the two or more energy sources to the one or more microgrid loads, the method comprising:

• operating the microgrid controller in a cost optimization mode during which power received from the solar power source, the wind power source, the battery power source and/or the diesel generator power source are prioritized over power received from the main power grid source during peak power demand periods of the one or more microgrid loads to reduce energy costs associated with the microgrid;
• and
• operating the microgrid controller in a CO2 minimization mode when a CO2 emissions threshold is exceeded or predicted to be exceeded for the microgrid during which power received from the solar power source, the wind power source and/or the battery power source are prioritized over power received from the main power grid source and/or power received from the diesel generator power source to reduce CO2 emissions associated with the microgrid.

A microgrid controller for controlling a microgrid, wherein the microgrid has access to two or more energy sources and provides power to one or more microgrid loads, wherein the two or more energy sources include a main power grid source, a battery power source, a diesel generator power source and one or more of a solar power source and a wind power source, the microgrid controller comprising:

• one or more switching elements for controlling power delivery from each of the two or more energy sources to the one or more microgrid loads;
• a controller operatively coupled to the one or more switching elements, the controller configured to:
• operate in a cost optimization mode during which power received from the solar power source, the wind power source, the battery power source and/or the diesel generator power source are prioritized over power received from the main power grid source during peak power demand periods of the one or more microgrid loads to reduce energy costs associated with the microgrid;
• operate in a prepare for islanding mode when a loss of power from the main power grid source is predicted to occur in the future, during which power received from the main power grid source, the solar power source and/or the wind power source are prioritized over energy costs and CO2 emissions associated with the microgrid to charge the battery power source to at least a prepare for islanding charge level;
• and
• operate in an islanding mode when a loss of power from the main power grid source occurs, during which power received from the solar power source, the wind power source, the battery power source and/or the diesel generator power source are prioritized to maximize a time that the microgrid can remain powered during the loss of power from the main power grid source.