Microgrids and Island Operation
Maskinel designs, builds and installs microgrids that can run in island mode, disconnected from the public grid. Solar, wind, battery storage, fuel cells and generators combined into one local grid, from power electronics and controls to the certified electrical installation.
Authorized electrical contractor with in-house power electronics development. Based in Vejle, Denmark, with projects worldwide.
What is a microgrid?
A microgrid is a local power grid with its own generation, storage and loads. It can run in parallel with the utility grid, or disconnect and supply itself. Running on its own is called island operation (islanding, or off-grid operation).
In island mode there is no utility grid holding voltage and frequency. At least one grid-forming converter or generator has to take over that job, while also sharing load, handling the inrush of large motors and delivering enough current for fuses and relays to clear a short circuit. That is where most systems get hard, and it is where we work every day.
What we deliver
Off-grid testing of home installations
We test whether solar panels and home batteries can supply the home in island mode. The house is disconnected from the grid and supplied by our bidirectional converter, which simulates the grid, so we can test disconnection, reconnection and grid services under controlled conditions.
Applications
Industry and manufacturing
Security of supply for critical processes, uninterrupted backup power and lower demand charges with batteries and peak shaving.
Agriculture
Solar, battery and generator that keep barns, ventilation and milking running, also when the grid goes down.
Islands and remote sites
Off-grid supply for island communities, measurement stations, telecom sites and locations where a grid connection is expensive or impossible.
Hydrogen and Power-to-X
Microgrids where wind and solar feed electrolyzers and fuel cells directly, with or without a grid connection.
Ports and containers
Mobile and containerized energy systems, shore power and rugged power electronics for maritime conditions.
Energy communities and resilience
Local grids that share generation and storage, and critical infrastructure that must keep running through a blackout.
Experience
We have developed converter control and grid connection for a 250 kW fuel cell plant, including a power management system for cooling and battery storage (BESS), and a 300 kW power conditioning system for electrolysis. We have worked on solid-state transformers up to 2 MW, and we develop MEC80, an 80 kVA bidirectional GaN converter module that scales from kW to MW. See more projects under Engineering.
Because we develop the power electronics, program the controls and are an authorized electrical contractor, one company can take a microgrid from idea to a commissioned system.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between island operation and backup power?
Traditional backup power is usually a generator that starts when the grid fails and supplies only selected circuits. A microgrid in island mode can run on solar, wind and batteries for long periods, switch over without interruption and actively manage consumption so the energy lasts as long as possible.
Can my existing solar installation run off-grid?
Not on its own. Standard grid-tied solar inverters must shut down when the grid disappears (anti-islanding). With a grid-forming battery inverter or converter and a safe grid disconnect, existing solar can often become part of a microgrid. We are happy to review your system.
What size of systems do you work with?
From a few kW to several MW. Our converters and controls are modular, so the same platform serves a farm, a factory or a hydrogen and wind plant.
Where do you work?
Installation is carried out from our base in Vejle across Denmark. Engineering, converters and control systems are delivered to customers worldwide.
Considering a microgrid, battery storage or island operation? Call or write to us. We are happy to have a no-obligation conversation about your project.