Solar nanogrids bring light to disaster-hit zones

The systems are self-contained and completely off-grid, providing clean water as well as power

Spotted: As extreme weather events continue to increase in number and severity, analysts expect the global cost of damage caused by climate to reach between $1.7 trillion (around €1.6 trillion) and $3.1 trillion (around €2.9 trillion) per year by 2050. With such an increase in natural disasters, communities are being forced to strengthen and expand plans for contingencies and resilience. Clean water and electricity are two essentials that are frequently compromised after a storm, and the provision of power in an emergency is a difficult yet increasingly common challenge.

US-based Sesame Solar has created a mobile unit of solar nanogrids to power communities for weeks after a disaster. The nanogrids come in shipping containers or mobile trailers, making them extremely easy to transport. Once on-site, it takes a single operator only 15 minutes to set up the system before it begins generating power. 

The company’s nanogrids provide mobile communications connectivity, electricity, and water purification, and they can also double as mobile offices, pop-up stores, or health clinics. Run completely off-grid, the system can also incorporate a wind turbine for additional power generation. And when the battery capacity from solar and wind power drops to 35 per cent, a green hydrogen fuel cell kicks in to continue providing energy.  

In order to help make use of a nanogrid as accessible as possible, Sesame Solar includes augmented reality and training modules in the structure itself. And because of the compact size, users do not need to build anything or apply for any sort of permit to run the system. The solar panels fold out from the main body of the structure, and the integrated HVAC system keeps the nanogrid running in a wide range of weather conditions. Multiple nanogrids can also be set up near each other to form a higher-output mini-grid to handle higher energy loads. 

The potential that lies within the development of nano and microgrid renewable energy systems is being explored in a number of different ways. Two examples in Springwise’s database include low-voltage connections that distribute power between homes and a new method for restarting hydropower systems.

Written By: Keely Khoury