What is a Nanogrid?

Extreme weather events, supercharged by climate change, are on the rise globally. We've already seen it in the U.S. this spring with increased rainfall and flooding in the Northeast. The toll taken by droughts, fires, hurricanes and storms this year is staggering, potentially matching or even surpassing last year's $145 billion in damages. 

But there's a silver lining: innovative, sustainable technologies, like mobile nanogrids with solar panels and hydrogen fuel cells, are stepping up to the challenge.

So What Exactly is a Nanogrid?

A nanogrid is a small-scale, self-sufficient power grid system. Often smaller than a microgrid, they are faster, easier to deploy and more affordable. Nanogrids primarily  serve a single building or a specific load; however, they can be clustered together to support higher demand. This concept is a key component in the development of smart energy systems. Unlike larger grid systems, a nanogrid operates within a single domain of power, which encompasses aspects like voltage, capacity, reliability and administration.

Sesame Solar’s Renewable Mobile Nanogrid

Sesame Solar specializes in creating Mobile Nanogrids, which are compact, self-contained, mobile energy systems designed for use in critical services and emergency scenarios, as well as any off-grid power scenario. As a self-generating energy source, these Mobile Nanogrids usually produce about 100 kW. They can be clustered together to form a minigrid; however they are a Distributed Energy Resource (DER) when decoupled. Fueled by solar power and green hydrogen, Sesame Solar is the first company to make green hydrogen accessible in a mobile capacity, as well as the first to create a 100% renewably powered Mobile Nanogrid. 

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Sesame Solar's Nanogrids have retractable solar walls that increase the size of the solar array, while also being easy to transport and deploy. We like to say "Open Sesame" to access the treasure of Clean Mobile Power and Turnkey Solutions Inside serving a variety of industries. The origin of Sesame Solar’s name comes from the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves in the collection, The Thousand and One Nights. Orphaned and alone, Ali Baba hides in a forest and finds hidden treasure in a cave, which he accesses by saying, "Open Sesame," and he secures the entrance by saying, "Close Sesame." 

Our solar panels can fold up for ease of transport and the green hydrogen, a clean fuel, is created through a process called electrolysis that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. This hydrogen is then stored safely on board for use when needed. When Sesame’s Nanogrid batteries run low, they automatically switch to using hydrogen fuel cells for power, ensuring continuous operation. As the solar panels recharge the batteries, the system scales back on hydrogen usage. Additionally, in areas with good wind conditions, the inclusion of wind turbines can further enhance their energy production capabilities.

Sesame’s Nanogrids are also equipped with Atmospheric Water Generation, which allows them to autonomously generate the water needed to make green hydrogen gas to power the fuel cell—no supply chain required. The water is made from humidity in the air, then deionized. All you need is sunshine to generate this clean energy loop!

Each Nanogrid is tailored to specific energy needs, with components like solar panels, batteries and hydrogen systems all customized. The physical design of the Nanogrids is also adaptable, ranging from trailer-sized units to compact versions that can be airlifted.‍

‍Beyond just providing power, these Nanogrids can be configured for various uses such as mobile clinics, offices, emergency response centers, retail spaces, or military applications, making them a versatile solution for a range of scenarios. As Co-Founder and CEO Lauren Flanagan describes the Nanogrids, 

‍“The Mobile Nanogrid is powered by solar and battery, and many of them also have green hydrogen as backup power. And the Solution Inside can be a variety of things, from a mobile office to an emergency response center for first responders to a medical clinic.  It could be a communications center. There's a variety of things you can put inside it, but it's a complete solution that is ready to use and can be set up in 15 minutes by one person.” 

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Benefits of Nanogrids

A nanogrid is essentially a network of renewable energy resources, smartly managed to balance supply and demand in small-scale scenarios. Key characteristics of nanogrids include their self-sufficiency, integrating renewable power generation, controls, and usually, energy storage systems. This setup makes them particularly adaptable for use in North America and other regions where the demand for such systems is growing.  These off-grid solutions are not only reliable but also environmentally friendly, helping communities both adapt to the inevitable changes in climate and prevent those that can still be avoided. 

From charging essential devices and medical equipment, ensuring access to communications, clean water and medical aid, mobile nanogrids can be rapidly deployed and easily used in various extreme weather and emergency situations. Nanogrids are increasingly seen as key players in the transition to more sustainable, reliable, mobile energy systems, offering the following key benefits:

• Decentralized Energy Generation: Nanogrids enable the creation of decentralized energy systems, allowing single buildings or small communities to generate and manage their own power, often with renewable sources like solar or wind energy. This reduces reliance on larger, centralized power grids and promotes sustainability.

• Contribution to Net-Zero Goals: As part of broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions, nanogrids are instrumental in reaching net-zero CO2 emission goals. They support the integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid, thereby reducing fossil fuel dependence.

• Disaster Resilience: Nanogrids offer crucial benefits in disaster situations by providing essential services like electricity and clean water. Their small scale and mobility make them ideal for rapid deployment in emergency scenarios.

• Smart City Integration: The development of nanogrids is closely linked with the evolution of smart cities. They are expected to play a vital role in the emergence of smart, sustainable urban environments by efficiently managing energy distribution and storage.

• Autonomous Operation and Customization: Future nanogrids are likely to be increasingly autonomous, capable of generating clean power for extended periods. Their compact and customizable design makes them adaptable to various needs and situations.

• Reliable Energy Resource: They are emerging as stable and reliable energy resources, offering continuous power support, especially useful during power outages and in remote locations.

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The Future of Nanogrids

The future of nanogrids in clean energy technology is highly promising, with significant potential for innovation and impact. Nanogrids represent a promising approach to energy management, especially in the context of increasing adoption of renewable energy sources and the need for more efficient, reliable, localized energy solutions. These small-scale power grids are becoming increasingly significant as we seek more sustainable and efficient energy solutions, especially in the context of increasing weather events.

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