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As one of the largest auto dealers in the U.S., Bergstrom Automotive in Neenah, Wisconsin, was bracing itself for a large inventory of Ford’s new EV models, the Mustang Mach-E and all-electric F-150. To power the vehicles, the dealership planned to add several EV charging stations but didn’t want to place additional load on facility’s electrical distribution.
The solution: a microgrid system that operates independently of the grid.
“The dealer needed to ensure power was available for EV charging as demand increased, and they wanted a quickly installed, ready-to-use solution,” said Steve Nieland, vice president of innovations at EnTech Solutions, which designed the system.
The hybrid solar-based microgrid system includes two microgrids and a backup 35 kW propane-fueled generator with battery storage. The generator supplies power to both microgrids and can serve as a secondary power source when the battery drains down, AltEnergyMag.com reports.
“Propane is readily available, easily transported and is an ideal low-carbon fuel choice compared to diesel,” said Tony Mente, industrial solutions manager, Generac Power Systems. “The propane fuel system provides flexibility for future, less carbon intensive fuels such as RNG or biopropane. The microgrid could then be powered 100% by renewables.”
