Tim Hanson: microgrids can keep critical services powered during grid failures

Tim Hanson, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, told ACES members that microgrids can limit the impact of upstream grid failures by producing and storing electricity locally. "My name is Tim Hanson. I'm an associate professor of ECE at Colorado State University," he said as he opened the presentation, and later summarized the concept: "So microgrid is a section of the grid, that can basically replicate what I just talked about with the larger electric grid." Hanson described both grid-connected and islanded modes, and explained why the ability to disconnect safely from the main grid is essential during outages.