Sponsored by OATI
Microgrids, once seen as niche solutions, are rapidly gaining traction as utilities seek innovative ways to enhance reliability, reduce costs, and support renewable integration. Erik Amundson, vice president of microgrid engineering and chief technology officer at OATI, provided insights into the evolving role of microgrids during the OATI Energy Conference in Las Vegas.
Building on resilience and flexibility
OATI’s GridMind platform sits at the center of its microgrid control efforts. Amundson described it as a versatile solution designed to address diverse grid challenges. “We have a microgrid control package called GridMind, which sits in the field, in a control enclosure, and directly monitors and controls the assets in the field to facilitate the functions of a microgrid,” he explained.
Beyond serving as a backup during outages, microgrids now contribute to broader grid functionality. Many are equipped to participate in markets and provide services such as voltage and frequency support, power quality, and peak avoidance. Amundson highlighted their potential, especially when deployed with solar and battery systems. “The battery charges automatically from the solar and then discharges to avoid peaks from their generation providers,” he said.
Continuous evolution and integration
The development of OATI’s GridMind system has been rooted in real-world applications. According to Amundson, its origins lie in OATI’s own combined heat and power facility. “We run the optimization module to perform either carbon emissions-based reduction or cost operational reduction. The software was devised for that but has transformed over time,” he noted.
Today, GridMind offers tighter integration with OATI’s Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) and supports a range of functionalities, including dynamic grid-interactive controls. “The microgrid controller ensures the entire site performs as a uniform asset on the grid, managing multiple batteries, generators, PV inverters, and other components seamlessly,” Amundson said.
Overcoming deployment challenges
Despite their growing potential, microgrids present unique deployment challenges. Amundson emphasized the importance of control integration and asset capability. “A lot of times, folks purchase assets without realizing the specific features they should be looking for, like inverter characteristics or the ability to handle inrush currents,” he explained.
To address these challenges, OATI has built a highly configurable data system within GridMind. “It supports standardized protocols that almost all dealers support and includes a sequencing engine to handle diverse operational scenarios,” he said. This adaptability ensures that GridMind can integrate with a wide array of devices and configurations.
Driving adoption with simulations
One of OATI’s latest innovations is its digital twin technology, which allows utilities to simulate microgrid operations before deployment. “It’s a software-based simulator that tests sequences in the GridMind system and provides assurance that the system will perform as expected under real-world conditions,” Amundson shared.
This tool has generated significant interest among utilities looking to evaluate microgrid performance in adverse scenarios. “You don’t install microgrids for perfect sunny days; you install them for when trees fall on lines or transmission voltage problems occur,” he said. By simulating these situations, utilities can build confidence in their investment decisions.
The future of non-wires alternatives
Amundson noted a growing interest in non-wires alternatives (NWAs), such as microgrids, as cost-effective solutions to traditional infrastructure upgrades. “Instead of spending $7 million on a new feeder, utilities are realizing they can invest half that in a microgrid,” he said.
However, adoption remains uneven across regions. Amundson pointed out that as more successful microgrid projects emerge, their potential as NWAs will become increasingly apparent. “The more examples of functioning microgrids there are, the more utilities will see the possibilities,” he added.
