On Island Time | July Spotify
It’s summer at the SJVCEO! Well, it’s summer everywhere really, but at SJVCEO we’re staying true to our values and taking time to disconnect and support our own internal systems. Whether by escaping to Hawaii (Sam and Kelsey), a backyard paradise (Rochelle) or doing too much touristing (Courtney) we’re all taking time to disconnect from the grid of productivity and remembering how to sustain ourselves.
When we look at microgrids we can see how they do the same.
There are different types and uses of microgrids, but ultimately, they all come back to the same purpose—supporting greater independence, reliability and resiliency.
A microgrid has two ways of operating: grid-connected and islanded. In an era of disruptions—whether it be extreme heat, wildfires, or supply related issues, we are seeing daily examples of the need for grid independence and self-reliability to ensure power meets the needs of our communities.
So, what is an islanded microgrid and why does it matter? Well, NREL has a handy little video that can provide a crash course, but if you’re looking for the tl;dr an islanded microgrid disconnects (or is always independent) from the main power grid and supports the infrastructure and systems to ensure the power stays on.
When connected to the grid, the host-grid manages the regulation of the frequency and voltage. When a system goes into islanded operation it’s the microgrid that manages its own internal frequency and voltage with proper controls. To prepare for islanding, the main electric service disconnect opens, allowing the microgrid to begin the cycle of independent assessment, regulation, and generation.
Islanding allows critical infrastructure to remain online in the event of grid power failure. It’s one way public agencies can ensure essential services in an emergency.
Now, this isn’t about maxing out solar installation and crossing your fingers that you have enough battery backup to make it through an outage. A well designed microgrid incorporates the functionality of traditional backup generation with additional benefits. Yes, distributed energy resources (DERs) are absolutely a part of the solution, but so are traditional back up measures, like peaker plants and emergency generators. Depending on the needs and interests of the community, the microgrid balances the reliability, resiliency, environmental, and economic needs of a community.
And that’s the thing about a well-considered microgrid or islanding yourself…it’s mastering a balance. It has everything to do with understanding the need and use and flow of energy with supply.
Courtney’s Picks:
If we consider islanding like microgrids, it’s more about the idea and act of removing yourself from everything else. Being free from structure. So it’s okay if an island getaway isn’t in your future plans. The ability to remove ourselves, even if only for a little while, is availble to each of us. For me that means getting lost in the music, imagining the sound of the waves, the warmth of the sun, and maybe my own personal DJ finding the best songs to escape to.
Chances Are, Bob Marley & The Wailers
The Tide is High, The Paragons
Knees of My Heart, Jimmy Buffett
Over the Rainbow, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Sam’s Picks:
After vacationing on an island earlier this year, making this playlist makes me want to go back. I hope my song choices make you close your eyes and picture your toes in the sand this summer.
The Way You Do What You Do, UB40
Three Little Birds, Bob Marley
Boat Drinks, Jimmy Buffett
Kokomo, The Beach Boys
Kelsey’s Picks:
If this timing isn’t ideal, I don’t know what is! As I am gearing up for my Hawaiian adventure this month, island music was top of mind. Hopefully you enjoy some of these classic (and new) island inspired tunes almost as much as y’all enjoy microgrids.
Could You Be Loved, Bob Marley and the Wailers
He Mele No Lilo, Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu, Kamehameha Schools Choir
Cruel Summer, Blestenation
What a Wonderful World, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Rochelle’s Picks:
Island music is close to my heart particularly since I married into a Caribbean family. There is nothing like the culture, the food, and the music. After spending time there, I really came to appreciate the beautiful weather, the way it feels like time just stops, and how the warmth of the sun feels like the ancestors smiling down on me. Here are some selections that I turn to, to remember my time there until I have the opportunity to return.
Boombastic, Shaggy
Bam Bam, Sister Nancy
Slow Down, Skip Marley & H.E.R.
Murder She Wrote, Chaka Demus & Pliers