Integration of Microgrid Technology into Real Estate Development for a Sustainable Future

Abstract

Current demographic trends are increasing both the populations and population densities of major cities in the United States, creating increasing strain on both the aging electrical distribution network and the environment. Government policy increasingly supports the renewal of critical infrastructure and the adoption of green energy alternatives, but the adoption of these alternatives has been slow because of the cost of retrofitting existing structures. It is proposed, to address these issues, to incorporate a trigeneration microgrid into a residential development from inception. These microgrids are based on combined cycle power generation and incorporate maximal renewable energy platforms. Case studies are presented for 13 cities and show that incorporation of these technologies into a development from inception not only reduces strain on the power grid, but also drastically reduces emissions and accelerates the time to repay investment as compared to same-sized developments, not including these technologies.