Electricity + Control May 2019

ENERGY MANAGEMENT + ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

Global cooperation on microgrid solutions

Rolls-Royce and ABB have announced a global partnership on microgrid technolo- gy, integrating hybrid power systems and advanced automation. Together the com- panies offer an innovative, energy-efficient microgrid solution for utilities and com- mercial and industrial entities. A microgrid is a small-scale electric grid that combines power from distribut- ed energy generation sources, such as combined heat and power plants, diesel- and gas-powered gensets and renewable sources, with batteries. The microgrid provides the overall control to coordinate these resources to meet the requirements of the given load in respective applica- tions. Microgrids can function either off- grid, or connected to the main power grid. The ability of microgrids to separate them- selves seamlessly from the main grid, in the event of a potential grid fault or emer- gency, is an increasingly important feature. Reliable power supply – even during harsh weather conditions and times of peak consumption – is critical for econom- ic growth. Integrating renewable energy offers a sustainable solution to support un- interrupted power and clean energy use. Microgrid solutions benefit utilities, industries and commercial sites that are looking for reliable power supply as well as cost and carbon emissions reductions. They enable resilient power supply even with high penetration of intermittent re- newable energy sources like wind and so-

lar. Distributed energy resources and loads are intelligently coordinated by digital auto- mation and control systems to ensure the microgrid functions efficiently. Rolls-Royce offers the MTU Onsite En- ergy power system solutions, including mission critical, standby and continuous power, combined generation of heat and power and microgrids. Andreas Schell, CEO, Rolls-Royce Power Systems, notes that, “Due to the transformation towards decarbonisation, customers are looking to pursue sustainable power options that also deliver profitability. For this, we rely primarily on microgrids, which are autono- mous energy supply systems that are ef- ficient, reliable and environmentally friend- ly. Combining our integrated MTU diesel and gas genset system technology and our control solutions, with ABB’s modular microgrid solution, control capability and remote service, we are offering custom-

ers the combined strengths of two world leaders in technology.” Massimo Danieli, head of ABB’s grid automation business line within the com- pany’s Power Grids business, says, “ABB Ability™ e-mesh™ can ensure a stable power grid, even with a high share of re- newable energy from various sources working smoothly together with already installed gas or diesel engines. ABB has microgrid installations globally and through our partnership with Rolls-Royce Power Systems, we will further support the growing interest for microgrid solu- tions.” The ABB Ability™ e-mesh™ solution provides power generation asset owners a vertically integrated, unified view of their distributed energy resources and renewa- ble power generation that is quick to deploy and reduces operational costs. Cloud oper- ations, site and fleet optimisation, weath- er and load forecast and machine learning algorithms, offer insights for decision-making. This assists owners in identifying where to increase in- vestment on maintenance or how to increase revenue streams to operate assets more profitably. Enquiries: visit www.rrpowersystems.com or www.abb.com

Rolls-Royce Power Systems and ABB have joined forces to offer advanced microgrid solutions worldwide.

Surviving load shedding

there is a big cost difference between larger and smaller gener- ator units. It is also critical to service the generator regularly. • Convert to LED lights – Reducing the load from traditional lights or even CFLs to LEDs, reduces the amount of fuel used by a generator. • Solar solutions – When considering a solar system as an al- ternative power supply, it is also necessary to have sufficient battery capacity. • Install a battery back-up – Voltex has several battery backup systems that provide power when load shedding occurs. It is important to run only essential equipment through these peri- ods to get best run-time on the battery backup. • Solar charging – All Voltex battery backup systems have op- tions to add solar input. The batteries can then be recharged using solar technology rather than drawing electrical power. Enquiries: Voltex,Tel: +27 (0)11 879 2000, or email: info@voltex.co.za

The recent run of load shedding came without warning and disrupt- ed operations for many businesses. As the risk of load shedding remains for now, businesses are looking to implement systems that will enable them to maintain operations through power outages. Voltex offers a number of viable solutions. It has compiled some simple ‘survival tips’. • Switch to laptops – Unlike desktop computers laptops have built- in batteries, so users can continue working during load shedding. • Only use a UPS for the server – Most companies have UPSs for the server and desktop computers. By switching to lap- tops, the backup time on an existing UPS will be longer. • Service the UPS regularly – Batteries need to be checked and replaced if necessary, to ensure the UPS is fully functional and available when load shedding occurs. • Install a generator – An energy audit done by an expert is essen- tial to assess the business’s requirements. In deciding on a gen- erator, cater only for essential loads, not the whole operation;

Electricity + Control

MAY 2019

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