Strengthening Healthcare Resilience: The Power of Healthcare Microgrid Systems
New CMS Categorical Waiver: Expanding Alternate Power Options for Healthcare Facilities
In March 2023, the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality (CMS) issued a categorical waiver regarding healthcare microgrid systems (HCMSs). This waiver permits new and existing facilities under CMS regulations to use alternate power sources, aside from traditional generators or battery sets, provided they comply with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 99, 2021, NFPA 70, and other relevant codes. It is important to note this waiver does not apply to long-term care facilities, which must maintain an emergency generator if life support systems are in use.
Understanding Healthcare Microgrid Systems
An HCMS is a network of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources (DERs) within a defined boundary, operating as a single controllable entity concerning the utility (NFPA 99, 2021, 3.3.75). Equipped with an appropriate control system, an HCMS can self-manage, operate autonomously, and connect and disconnect from the utility as necessary.
HCMSs Benefits for Healthcare Facilities
HCMSs provide substantial advantages for healthcare facilities:
- Continuous Operation: The system operates 24/7/365, eliminating the risk of generator failure during critical times and enabling islanding during utility power disruption.
- Economic and Sustainability Goals: HCMSs utilize DERs to reduce carbon emissions, participate in utility demand response programs, and manage tariffs effectively.
- Cybersecurity: It is crucial to ensure the microgrid has adequate cyber security and isolation measures to prevent malicious disruptions.
- 24/7/365
- HCMSs operate continuously
HCMS Components
DERs in an HCMS can include photovoltaic arrays, combined heat and power plants, or natural gas fuel cells. Often, microgrids are paired with energy storage systems, such as battery energy storage systems (BESSs), to stabilize supply and manage peak demand periods.
Designing a BESS for HCMSs
When designing a BESS, it is essential to consider both the discharge rate and duration. The battery type can also have implications for space conditioning and fire protection requirements. To mitigate some of these issues, it is common for the BESS to be outside, often in a containerized unit.
Natural Gas Microturbines and Cogeneration
Incorporating natural gas microturbines in combined heat and power HCMSs can reduce the need for steam or hot water boilers by utilizing waste heat for cogeneration. This waste heat can also produce chilled water via absorption or steam-fired chillers (tri-generation). In regions like Wisconsin that have a high percentage of coal power plants, DERs using natural gas can serve as a transitional step toward decarbonization.
A smart microgrid featuring energy generation, storage, and conversion systems.
HCMSs and Sustainability
HCMSs are a critical strategy for the healthcare sector in achieving sustainability goals, as recognized by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, which supports microgrid financing for healthcare facilities. With the increasing trend towards electrification and aging utility infrastructure, HCMSs advance decarbonization efforts while providing economic benefits and enhanced resilience.
In summary, the CMS waiver on HCMSs represents a significant opportunity for healthcare facilities to enhance their power reliability, achieve sustainability objectives, and improve economic efficiency. By leveraging DERs and advanced control systems, HCMSs offer a resilient, environmentally friendly power solution for the healthcare sector.