I'm actually surprised that Google hasn't been more involved in micro-grid technology. One company here in town basically runs on its own grid with a combination of renewable energies and electricity they generate on their own:
The main difference between the OATI Microgrid Technology Center and other commercial office buildings is that OATI will generate its own electricity as the primary source of power. The building is powered by:
- Natural Gas turbines: 600kW Capstone C600 natural gas burning microturbine. Paired with absorption chiller and heat exchanger for CCHP
- Solar: 150kw rooftop solar array, with additional expansion array planned
- Wind: 24kW of vertical axis wind turbines
- Electricity storage: 231kWh, at 125kW Ensync battery rated power and energy
- Generator: 1500kW of diesel backup generator
- Utility connection: Connected to local utility Xcel Energy
http://www.oati.com/about/microgrid-technology-center
The main difference between the OATI Microgrid Technology Center and other commercial office buildings is that OATI will generate its own electricity as the primary source of power. The building is powered by:
- Natural Gas turbines: 600kW Capstone C600 natural gas burning microturbine. Paired with absorption chiller and heat exchanger for CCHP
- Solar: 150kw rooftop solar array, with additional expansion array planned
- Wind: 24kW of vertical axis wind turbines
- Electricity storage: 231kWh, at 125kW Ensync battery rated power and energy
- Generator: 1500kW of diesel backup generator
- Utility connection: Connected to local utility Xcel Energy