AZ Zeno's microgrid consists of a wide range of controllable energy production sources, including:

- 1.1 MWp solar panels on a carport,

- 1.5 MWp of solar panels on the ground,

- 0.85 MWp of solar panels on the roof,

- 1.2 MW emergency power generators,

- a CHP with a capacity of 0.3 MW, and

- large thermal buffers (borehole energy storage).

All of the above installations were designed by INGENIUM and are part of an advanced, flexible microgrid that supports the operation of the hospital.

In island mode, the system is fully autonomous, with the diesel generators playing the role of master. These generators control the other assets based on predetermined set points. In this mode, the system provides power to the hospital without dependence on the public grid.

When the system is grid-connected, energy production is flexibly controlled. The various assets can be dynamically regulated depending on the demand and availability of renewable energy.

The following smart and flexible control mechanisms are currently implemented:

Emergency power groups (1.2 MW) provide flexibility (mFRR) to Elia to support balance in the public power grid.

PV plants are controlled at partial load via telecontrol in the event of congestion on Fluvius' network.

Implicit flexibility is achieved by applying curtailment in case of negative electricity prices. This applies to both CHP and PV generation.

24 smart controllable charging points were installed, equipped with dynamic load management and centrally controllable, adding to the flexibility of the system.

In addition, INGENIUM has conducted a feasibility study for the integration of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) into the microgrid. The engineering of this system will start in the coming weeks, further increasing the flexibility and efficiency of the system.

This project illustrates the potential of an advanced microgrid that can operate in both islanded and grid-connected modes, integrating a wide range of renewable and flexible energy sources to reduce energy costs, increase reliability and contribute to the stability of the public power grid.

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