Attached – In the middle of the 52 photovoltaic panels that cover the roof of the Energy Independence Squarein this municipality, an imposing work of art makes its way that allows the sun’s rays to pass through it to tattoo, every day, the “solidarity” of the space.
That word, which summarizes the meaning of the establishment of community microgrids, moves to the rhythm of the sun, appearing at different points in the square with an infinite variety of light intensities. The peak moment is at 1:30 pm, when the sun sets in the middle of the space, adjacent to the headquarters of Village Housethe organization that manages the project.
For Arturo Massol Deyáassociate director of Casa Pueblo, the work –of the artist Antonio Martorell– integrates “the sun with art, technology and the aspiration of a community that wants a fair energy transition, in community hands with access and democracy”.
The new Casa Pueblo microgrid has 120 solar panels –which Maximo Energy installed–, divided between the “solar canopy” of the plaza and the roof of two residences. The solar power is 55 kilowatts and 80 kilowatts of battery storage.
“We have built a microgrid that is three times larger than the Casa Pueblo microgrid, which has the radio and solar cinema connected. This, in particular, are multiple roofs to provide electricity and energy security to five neighbors (four homes and a business) and the plaza, as an energy oasis for the community.”explained Massol Deyá, who highlighted that this would be the first microgrid network in Puerto Rico.
1/12 | Plaza de la Independencia Energetica: solar oasis in the mountains. The Plaza de la Independencia Energética, in Adjuntas, was officially inaugurated on Saturday, December 21. – Jorge A Ramirez Portela
Although the new microgrid, in itself, is an additional step towards the “energy insurrection” that Casa Pueblo promotes, the creation of the Energy Independence Plaza – officially inaugurated this Saturday – represents an opportunity to test the viability of microgrid networks. .
Precisely, the future of microgrids and their possible interconnection has been the engineer’s area of study Maximiliano Ferrariof the Oak Ridge National Laboratoryin Tennesseefor the past three years.
“This research project has integrated Casa Pueblo as part of our study, because they have an infrastructure in the plaza and, now, we are working on this infrastructure, where we have multiple microgrids. So, it is an ideal place to study how microgrids can be interconnected”Ferrari added.
“Normally, microgrids are isolated, but if we can connect multiple microgrids, one microgrid can begin to support the other. The objective is to extend the period in which microgrids can be without connection to the electrical grid“, he said about the initiative that integrates the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüezthe University of Tennessee and the University of Central Florida.
research center
Based on the interconnection of solar microgrids, the project will also have the Solar Microgrid Network Research Center to continue developing knowledge and fine-tuning the technology to link these photovoltaic systems.
The director of Casa Pueblo highlighted that the Center will provide an opportunity to take research beyond models and variables in computers to tests in a real setting. In addition, they want it to be a space to train engineers and electricians regarding microgrids.
“This space, in addition to leaving a footprint of service, will also generate knowledge to advance in that energy transition that one wants to see in Puerto Rico and that one wants to see advancing in the future.” Caribbean and in the whole world”Massol Deyá verbalized.
The connection of the microgrids of Casa Pueblo and the Plaza will initially be done directly and, next year, an electronic power system will be tested.
“Part of the research process was to see what is the easiest way to interconnect microgrids, and what we realized is that the most ‘plug and play’ way to connect microgrids – which may have different controllers, different equipment, different owners – “It is with energy converters, which what they do is convert energy from AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current) and from DC to AC again,” said Ferrari.
Beyond solar energy
The space where the Plaza de la Independencia Energética is currently located used to be an abandoned house, which the organization acquired with the money they had saved from the monthly donations made by the Friends of Casa Pueblo.
“We have transformed these urban spaces, which were abandoned, into a public space”emphasized Massol Deyá.
Beyond the energy and technological issue, the Plaza will be a community and artistic space. Proof of this are the work of Martorell and the nine “speaking columns”, covered by murals created by various artists based on the values of Casa Pueblo.
The space also has a weather station, a rainwater harvesting system, WIFI connection and the Casa Pueblo solar forest. It also has a butterfly garden and an urban garden, which was developed Corali Massol Ortiz.
In addition, they will have the documentary “Casa Pueblo: La gota que se río”, by Filmes Zapatero, on display. The 29-minute piece abounds in the “social power” that unites the individual capacities of people for a collective good, something that, according to Massol Deyá, has made possible the feat of so many community organizations like Casa Pueblo.
This initiative is a “step up” from what was previously built, noted Massol Deyá, due to its relevance to the country’s energy reality, which is why they want the project to inspire and exemplify a route towards an energy transition.
“It can feed, help, clarify and see that this transformation is within reach, that it can be done, that it exists, that it is happening, that what is required is the will and vision to act,” he highlighted, establishing that the concept “independence energy” runs through the political discourse, as it would impact the development of the country and, eventually, be in a position to choose a decolonizing alternative.