Microgrid runtime
Microgrid Sizing & Backup Runtime Estimator
Use this estimator to size backup power blocks around critical load, UPS bridge time, battery runtime, generator capacity, and fuel hours.
The output gives an RFP-ready checklist for BESS, UPS, generator, switchgear, controls, islanding, and utility coordination questions.
How to use this calculator
Use when evaluating on-site power, backup runtime, or microgrid options for constrained or reliability-sensitive AI capacity.
- 01
Enter the buyer scenario
Start with the editable microgrid runtime inputs and replace defaults with current quotes, tariffs, engineering values, or buyer assumptions.
- 02
Review the modeled outcome
Use the modeled outcome, decision checks, and copied brief to compare the scenario against buyer constraints.
- 03
Verify the result before acting
Check the caveats, source table, and related guides before treating the output as a quote, bid, or final site decision.
Calculator inputs
Scenario defaults are editable. Replace them with current quotes, utility tariffs, tax counsel inputs, or engineering values before relying on the output.
Microgrid controls required
Modeled outcome
Ask vendors to show the transfer sequence, islanding controls, protection study, fuel logistics, emissions assumptions, and maintenance bypass plan.
Supported outage load
47.2 MW
UPS energy
7.87 MWh
BESS energy
94.4 MWh
Generator nameplate
54.28 MW
Fuel volume
167,654 gal
Decision checks
- Supported outage load: 47.2 MW
- BESS energy: 94.4 MWh
- Generator nameplate: 54.3 MW
Provider questions
- Show the transfer sequence from utility loss through UPS bridge, BESS dispatch, generator pickup, and grid resynchronization.
- Which loads are supported during outage mode, and what load-shed sequence protects critical IT capacity?
- What controls platform owns islanding, synchronization, protection trips, and operator override?
- What maintenance bypass and test windows are required without reducing the committed critical load?
Evidence to request
- Single-line diagram covering UPS, BESS, generators, switchgear, controls, protection, and maintenance bypass.
- Runtime calculation showing supported load, reserve margin, fuel rate, fuel storage, and replenishment assumptions.
- Commissioning plan for transfer, islanding, black-start if required, and grid resynchronization.
- Emissions, noise, fire-code, and utility operating-approval assumptions for the proposed design.
Risk flags
- Black-start requirement adds controls, commissioning, and operating-procedure diligence beyond simple backup sizing.
- Islanding requires utility coordination, protection settings, and a tested resynchronization sequence.
- Fuel volume is large enough that replenishment logistics and permit limits should be evaluated early.
How does the microgrid runtime model work?
The estimator adds critical IT load and outage overhead to size supported load, then calculates UPS energy for bridge minutes, BESS energy for longer runtime, generator nameplate with reserve margin, and approximate fuel volume for the target hours. It treats microgrid sizing as an availability and controls problem as much as an equipment problem, so the output includes questions about islanding, synchronization, protection, emissions permits, maintenance windows, and utility operating agreements.
What should buyers verify before using the result?
- Fuel consumption varies by generator technology, loading, ambient conditions, and maintenance state.
- Battery storage can bridge, shave peaks, or provide short-duration backup, but longer outage strategy needs detailed engineering.
- Permitting, emissions, noise, utility interconnection, and operating procedures can constrain technical designs.
Related guides and tools
Which sources support this microgrid runtime model?
| Source | Use in this tool | Link |
|---|---|---|
| NREL Voices of Experience: Microgrids for Resiliency | Microgrid resiliency concepts and planning considerations. | Open |
| IEEE Electrification, Evolving a Data Center Into a Microgrid | Microgrid and backup architecture context for data centers. | Open |
| Schneider Electric UPS design considerations | UPS as bridge power before generator backup. | Open |
| PVB data center BESS UPS backup and cost guide | Battery storage, UPS, and backup runtime concepts. | Open |
| Utility Dive storage and data center reliability coverage | Battery storage use cases amid data center power constraints. | Open |
| U.S. EIA Electric Power Monthly | Electricity price and sales context for power cost assumptions. | Open |
| Pillsbury power purchase and interconnection agreements | Data center PPA and interconnection agreement structures. | Open |
| Orrick powering data centers guide | Power procurement and interconnection considerations for data centers. | Open |