Growing energy use is a top concern for healthcare facilities, especially with projections that show electricity rates rising, according to an article on the Microgrid Knowledge website.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts that average electricity prices will increase from 10.6 cents/kWh in 2017 to 23.5 cents/kWh in 2050, the article said.
Healthcare microgrids can bring efficiency to energy planning. A microgrid employs a software controller to optimize and synchronize the various pieces of energy equipment.
Microgrids often contain a combination of solar, energy storage and combined heat and power. The controller can determine which combination of energy resources to employ based on hospital management goals.
This Quick Read was submitted by Cathryn Jakicic, Healthcare Industries Editor, FacilitiesNet. For about hospital campuses and other medical facilities, visit https://www.facilitiesnet.com/healthcarefacilities.
