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Microgrids: the future of decentralized energy explained with EDIBON’s AEL-MGP Equipment

For decades, the traditional energy model has relied on large, centralized power plants that generate electricity and distribute it through extensive grids to end users. While this model has proven effective, it now faces major challenges: the need to integrate intermittent renewable energy sources, the urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing vulnerability to extreme weather events or grid failures. In this new context, microgrids are emerging as an advanced, resilient, and sustainable technical solution.

What Is a Microgrid?

A microgrid is a localized electrical network composed of loads (energy consumers) and distributed generation sources—preferably renewable—that can operate either connected to the main grid or entirely independently. This islanding capability allows the system to continue supplying power even when the main grid fails, making microgrids especially valuable in remote areas, critical facilities (such as hospitals or data centers), or communities seeking greater energy independence.

Unlike the centralized model—where energy production and consumption are geographically distant—microgrids promote local energy generation tailored to the specific needs of each environment. This approach not only improves system efficiency and reliability but also reduces the carbon footprint by incorporating clean energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydro power.

Why are microgrids the future?

The implementation of microgrids is rapidly expanding worldwide, as they offer practical solutions to key challenges in today’s energy sector:

Sustainability: Microgrids enable greater integration of renewable energy, helping to achieve decarbonization goals.
Resilience: Their ability to operate autonomously ensures energy supply during emergencies or disconnection from the main grid.
Efficiency: Transmission losses are minimized since energy is generated close to where it is consumed.
Autonomy and Energy Empowerment: Microgrids allow communities, universities, industrial centers, and cities to manage their own energy production and consumption.

These benefits position microgrids as a cornerstone in the transition toward a more flexible, decentralized, and digitalized power system.

Technical training for a new energy model

As the energy model evolves, so must technical education. Engineers, technicians, and students need to acquire the skills to design, operate, and optimize real-world microgrids. Aware of this need, EDIBON has developed the Microgrid Power Systems training equipment (AEL-MGP) , an advanced educational unit for both theoretical and hands-on learning about microgrids.

The AEL-MGP features a modular and fully flexible design, making it suitable for various educational levels and areas of specialization. Its practical approach allows users to simulate real-life scenarios, study dynamic behaviors, and understand the interaction between different generation, storage, and consumption technologies.

A real microgrid in the classroom: AEL-MGP components

The equipment is anchored by the Conventional Energy Power Plant (PWP-CE), which serves as the foundation, ensuring frequency and voltage stability. Additional modules simulate the primary technologies used in microgrids:

PWP-WE (Wind Generation): Enables the analysis of wind power generation, variability, and integration into the system.
PWP-HE (Hydroelectric Generation): Simulates a hydro plant to study its regulatory capabilities.
PWP-PE (Photovoltaic Generation): Reproduces the behavior of a solar plant, focusing on irradiance and inverter performance.
PWP-BE (Battery Energy Storage): Demonstrates how energy can be stored to offset the variability of renewables.
PWP-FE (Flywheel Energy Storage): Offers insights into kinetic energy storage as a method for grid stabilization.

These components enable the design of hybrid configurations, integration of diverse storage technologies, and in-depth analysis of a microgrid’s dynamic behavior.

Centralized SCADA control: real-time data for smart decision-making

One of the most powerful features of the AEL-MGP is its integration with the SCADA system (EMG-SCADA)—a real-time supervision, control, and data acquisition platform that centralizes system management. The SCADA software allows users to:

Monitor all modules in real time
Remotely control generation and storage systems
Create dynamic consumption and production profiles
Conduct power quality analysis
Simulate failure scenarios

Thanks to SCADA, the system not only simulates the physical operation of a microgrid but also teaches the fundamentals of advanced energy control and management, providing realistic and applicable learning experiences.

Practical case studies: beyond theory

The AEL-MGP allows users to apply complex concepts beyond basic electrical design. Some of the real-world scenarios that can be simulated include:

Black start of a microgrid without external grid support
Hierarchical management of multiple generation sources
Island mode control under disturbances
Power flow analysis in a distributed network
Response to unexpected events or blackouts
Evaluation of power supply quality based on load behavior

This practical approach is essential for training future leaders of the energy transition—professionals equipped to solve real challenges using real equipment.

Industry-Aligned training for the energy transition

With the AEL-MGP, EDIBON not only delivers a cutting-edge educational solution, but also provides a comprehensive platform for training technicians and engineers capable of leading the transformation of the energy sector toward more sustainable, autonomous, and intelligent models.

The unit is specifically designed for use in technical universities, vocational training centers, research laboratories, and industrial environments that aim to equip their professionals with expertise in state-of-the-art technologies.

Want to see It in action?

You can now watch an explanatory video where our experts demonstrate the AEL-MGP in use and explain its educational applications across various learning contexts.

Microgrids are among the most promising technologies shaping the present and future of energy. They represent a fundamental shift in how we produce, distribute, and consume electricity. Studying and implementing microgrids requires powerful, precise, and technically relevant training equipment.

With the AEL-MGP, EDIBON reinforces its commitment to quality technical education by offering a robust and versatile platform to understand microgrid operations and train the professionals who will lead the global energy transformation.