Electricity and Control February 2020

ENERGY MANAGEMENT + THE INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

New storage solutions for hybrid micro-grids DHYBRID– specialist inhybridpower plants – is enhancing its hardware and software portfolio with micro-grid- optimised lithium-ion storage solutions. The new storage systems work seamlessly with DHYBRID's Universal Power Platform (UPP), which controls the interaction of solar systems, storage units and diesel generators in local power grids. In combination with the UPP, the storage systems allow for a truly uninterruptible power supply. Such supply is necessary when, for example, computers or devices must be prevented from losing power during problems with the grid. This sets the solution apart from a conventional storage-supported backup power supply, which can still sometimes experience brief interruptions. Hybrid micro-grids present special requirements for storage systems. Unlike conventional energy systems, hybrid micro-grids must be able to switch seamlessly between different energy sources. This also changes the master and slave roles in the system and places special demands on the control system and on storage-relevant components such as the battery inverter. CEO of DHYBRID, Benedikt Böhm, says, "We adapt the configuration of our storage systems individually to each project in order to optimise them for the respective micro-grid. We use data from more than 70 projects that our team has been working on in more than 20 countries. The UPP, which orchestrates the components in the system, ensures the necessary flexibility and a technology-agnostic approach.” DHYBRID’s new storage solutions are installed in 10-, 20- and 40-foot air-conditioned containers and can be monitored using a SCADA system with VPN access. This makes them particularly suited to guaranteeing supply security in areas with no grid connection or with a challenging climate. The storage capacity is between 100 kWh and several MWh. The systems use high-quality lithium-ion cells from manufacturers such as Samsung and LG, depending on the performance required as well as the area of application. These manufacturers also provide battery

management to ensure safe control of the battery cells and modules to the highest standard in all operating states. The integrated battery inverter, too, is custom- planned and configured for each project. In South Africa The new storage system can be seen in use at the Cheetah Plains Lodge in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. This particular system has a capacity of 1 MWh and works together with three solar installations with a combined output of 300 kW and a 150-kVA diesel generator. It supplies the lodge’s micro-grid with three-phase electric power. DHYBRID’s UPP is used to monitor and control all important grid parameters and enables automated operation of the system. The project was undertaken in collaboration with DHYBRID’s local partner Blockpower. DHYBRID, headquartered inMunich,Germany, provides renewable and hybrid energy systems internationally – for islands, industry and utilities. The company offers turnkey solutions and individualised control systems for hybrid energy projects. It combines conventional energy supplies such as diesel generators or utility grids with renewable energy systems and storage technology as well as comprehensive customised control systems. For more information contact Marja Anacker at DHYBRID, email: m.anacker@dhybrid.de, or visit: www.dhybrid.de

The DHYBRID storage system in a 20-foot container.

Container installation of energy storage and control systems for the hybrid power plant at Cheetah Plains Lodge, Kruger National Park.

1 MWh capacity: the lithium-ion storage system in an air-conditioned 20-foot container.

Electricity + Control

FEBRUARY 2020

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