We focused on implementing a micro-smart grid based on smarter design inspired by the way that trees communicate and the way that the body stores energy. Our smart grid focuses on two aspects: energy storage for emergencies and sending power more efficiently to where it is needed. Particularly, we favor blockchain and flow battery technology in our smart grid for the way that it reacts to blackouts and emergency situations. Blockchain technology also provides more security for specialized areas of the power grid.

Inspiration

We determined our solution by looking at how nature reacts, responds, stores and distributes energy. We found a connection between the ways trees communicate and blockchain technology. In nature, when a tree is sick other trees will send it nutrients for the sake of protecting the canopy. Blockchain technology works by targeting problem spots in a power grid to isolate and react to power disruptions and fluctuations in a way that is faster and supports the grid better. 

We found a connection between the way that the body stores energy and flow batteries. In some living organisms energy storage is electrochemical and takes the form of gradients of charged ions across cell membranes. Flow batteries use this similarly. A flow battery is a type of electrochemical cell where chemical energy is provided by two chemical components dissolved in liquids contained within the system and separated by a membrane. We chose flow batteries because they dispersed energy at a much more efficient rate than lithium ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.

Issues with Implementation

Determining where these microgrids are implemented was originally controversial for our team. We brainstormed this technology to make the world a better place but also understand the economic need for a company to seem viable to customers and investors. Although our eventual goal is to change the world for the better we developed a plan for scaling our company. Certain places in society have more priority of energy in blackouts. Essential buildings could include hospitals, government buildings, grocery stores, servers and traffic lights.