ABSTRACT
Chapter 3 considers the roots and early history of microgrids. How did microgrids originate and evolve? It traces the history of microgrids beginning with Thomas Edison’s first microgrids in the U.S. Early microgrids were developed using both hydropower and fossil fuels. By the late 1880s, there were over 200 hydropower-driven microgrids in the U.S. Combined heat and power systems were co-located to provide electricity and heat to communities and factories. This chapter describes models of microgrids that originated from marine applications and buildings. Buildings that power themselves are considered to be nanogrids. Models for microgrids include marine examples such as military and cruise ships, residential nanogrids, plus green and net zero energy buildings. From these humble roots, microgrids have the potential to revolutionize our thinking about how buildings function and to disrupt the electric utility industry. Providing alternatives to fossil fuels for transportation systems is challenging. Today, the electrification of vehicular transportation systems provides justification for contemporary examples of microgrids.
