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How G&W Electric Equipment Supports Microgrid Reliability

Discover our state-of-the-art microgrid, which showcases how G&W Electric’s reclosers, switchgear, and sensor technologies enhance reliability and resilience. Through advanced automation, the system intelligently manages power generation and energy storage, automatically isolating from the main grid during an outage to maintain uninterrupted operations.

LEARN HOW OUR UNIQUE STORY BEGAN

G&W building

From Storm to Sustainability

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Watch how it all started.

John Mueller headshot.

When a severe snowstorm completely shut down our operations, G&W Electric recognized the benefits of installing a microgrid to deliver uninterrupted premium power to support our critical operations as well as our customers.

John Mueller

Chairman and Owner of G&W Electric

Our Microgrid Installation

In service since late 2022, the microgrid has helped prevent costly production disruptions, reduced environmental impact, and provided additional energy that can be returned to the grid. Learn more about the installation process:

View Installation PROCESS

Solar Panel Roofing Builds a Strong Foundation for G&W Electric’s Microgrid

What Sets the G&W Electric Microgrid Apart: Bifacial Solar Panels at Its Facility

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Key Microgrid Assets at Our Facility

Flywheel

Flywheel Energy Storage

  • The 1.3 MVA flywheel is a solid cylinder with a large mass. It spins at tremendous speeds, up to 2,800 rotations per minute
  • Containment – mechanical failure can be catastrophic because of the huge forces involved, so the flywheel is housed within a strong enclosure
  • Motor and Generator – when energy is being stored, electricity drives the motor to spin the flywheel. When the stored energy is being recovered, the motor acts as a generator to convert the spinning motion back to electricity.

Solar panels

Solar Array

  • Nearly 6,000 panels installed across the roof covering over 370,000 sq. ft. – about the size of 7.7 football fields
  • Cutting-edge bi-facial solar panels that generate energy from both sides
  • Panels will optimize the use of direct sunlight and reflection which will generate 18-20% more energy than standard monofacial solar panel designs

Flow batteries

Flow Battery

  • 3 megawatt flow battery is the “heart and soul” of the microgrid system
  • Capable of operating at 150% of its nominal 2 megawatts
  • Generates 3 megawatts for 1.5 hours or 2 megawatts for 4 hours
  • The flow battery uses a vanadium electrolyte solution – environmentally friendly and fireproof
  • 20+ year lifespan and recyclable at end of life

6-way switch

G&W Electric Switchgear

  • Maintenance-free, high-speed switch with integrated visible break
  • Equipped with ABB REC670 relays
    • Only relay that can protect and monitor a 6-way looped switch
  • Forms a distribution loop with <6 cycle FLISR response
  • Ties the G&W Electric campus together electrically to increase reliability
Learn more aboutG&W Electric’s Switchgear.

GW Electric recloser

G&W Electric Reclosers

  • Viper-based Automatic Transfer (ATO) switches G&W Electric’s campus to an alternate, overhead source in less than 10 seconds
  • Uses an enhanced version of the noncommunicating loop scheme implemented across the utility’s service territory
Learn more about G&W Electric Reclosers.

LaZer microgrid flow chart

G&W Electric Power Grid Automation

  • High-speed reconfiguration (<6 cycle FLISR response)
  • Full monitoring and control
  • Ability to island from the grid and reconnect
Learn more about G&W Electric’s Power Grid Automation.

FAQs About Microgrid Applications

How does G&W Electric equipment support Microgrid protection and reliability?

G&W Electric provides reclosers, switchgear, sensors, and automation systems that help microgrids isolate faults, maintain stability, and transition smoothly between grid-connected and islanded modes. These components enhance protection schemes and improve overall system resilience.

Why are reclosers and switchgear important in a Microgrid environment?

Reclosers and switchgear play a critical role in managing power flow, maintaining voltage stability, and clearing faults quickly. In microgrids, they enable safe sectionalizing, controlled islanding, and the rapid reconfiguration needed to keep critical loads energized.

Can G&W Electric equipment integrate with distributed energy resources (DERs)?

Yes. G&W Electric’s reclosers, automation platforms, and high-accuracy sensors are designed to work seamlessly with DERs such as solar, wind, and battery storage. These technologies provide the monitoring, protection, and control needed for flexible and efficient DER operation.

How does automation improve Microgrid performance?

Automation systems—such as G&W Electric’s LaZer® automation—enable fast fault location, isolation, and restoration (FLISR), real-time monitoring, and intelligent islanding decisions. This helps microgrids maintain stability, minimize downtime, and maximize the use of local generation.

Does G&W Electric build Microgrids?

G&W Electric does not build full microgrid systems. Instead, we provide the critical protection, switching, sensing, and automation equipment that microgrid developers, utilities, and engineering partners rely on to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient microgrid performance.

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