Compact microgrid controller integrated with field proven control systems, for low operating costs and a resilient microgrid.
Emerson’s microgrid controls solution, built upon the Ovation™ control system with an integrated microgrid controller, manages a microgrid’s distributed energy assets to cost-effectively produce low-carbon electricity while maintaining grid stability and operational resiliency.
It effectively automates control of all microgrid components and macrogrid interconnections to satisfy power demand and maintain stable operating conditions with minimal operational staffing.
Emerson’s Sustainable Grid Solutions transform unpredictable renewable energy into predictable, reliable power. With real-time demand forecasting, operational visibility and analytics, decision-making becomes easier and more precise. Renewable energy sources are now seamlessly incorporated into your traditional energy mix, maximizing efficiency from generation to delivery.
In this Electric Energy Online (EET&D) article, Emerson’s Rick Kephart outlines how implementing a single automation strategy for microgrid management provides numerous operational, maintenance and financial benefits.
Combining the size and ruggedness of a PLC with the power and ease-of-integration of the Ovation control system, the compact controller is ideal for microgrid applications.
The Ovation microgrid control system offers a comprehensive microgrid manager consisting of standard integrated functions. These include data acquisition for real-time monitoring, and process graphics providing system visualization. Alarm management, data archiving, and report generation allow for detailed analysis and informed decision-making. These features integrate seamlessly with the embedded energy management and electrical control applications.
Emerson’s microgrid manager includes energy management systems that optimize power production, power purchasing, energy storage and demand response. The system also protects the microgrid from high demand charges from the main power grid, and manages energy flow and voltage regulation at the point of common coupling. This fully integrated approach maximizes resource utilization and promotes grid resiliency.
Electrical control applications are integrated within the Ovation microgrid controller. These include applications such as breaker control and interfacing with intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), as well as load-shedding (demand management). Additionally, voltage control functionality is embedded with generator VAR control, transformer tap changer control, and capacitor bank control. Lastly, grid synchronization ensures seamless operation and integration with the grid.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microgrid Controllers and Control Systems
A microgrid controller is a critical component of a microgrid system, responsible for managing and coordinating its various elements. A microgrid can function either connected to the main power grid or independently in "island mode." The controller ensures optimal and reliable operation by regulating the generation and consumption of electricity from diverse sources like solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage, and conventional generators, and by balancing the electrical load to match the available supply.
The microgrid controller also plays a pivotal role in managing the connection and disconnection from the main grid, ensuring seamless transitions between grid-connected and island modes. It enhances system reliability by swiftly addressing faults, disturbances, or outages and providing backup power during grid failures. Additionally, it maintains power quality by adhering to voltage and frequency standards, delivering high-quality power for sensitive equipment.
Scalable and robust microgrid controllers can extend the centralized system cost-effectively to various distributed assets or applications requiring direct control near microgrid generators or equipment. These controllers utilize built-in, flexible networking capabilities via local or wide-area networks, such as cellular or wireless communication technologies, to manage critical distributed assets effectively. The controllers and associated control strategies can be easily integrated and expanded within the overall architecture as needed, accommodating microgrid additions or process modifications.
Microgrid owners can maximize their existing investments through native data link protocols that connect the platform to a range of Ethernet-enabled devices, commonly included in packaged equipment like battery management systems and photovoltaic power inverters.
A microgrid control system, also known as a microgrid automation system, is a comprehensive solution for managing distributed energy resources (DERs), load centers, and grid connectivity to ensure reliable, balanced operation of an islanded or grid-connected microgrid. Microgrid control systems are commonly deployed in campuses, military bases, industrial facilities, and remote communities to enhance energy resiliency, reduce costs, and support sustainability goals.
Ultimately, the microgrid control system supervises and arbitrates between power generating assets, load centers, and auxiliary equipment to maintain a stable, balanced island of operation. When connected to the main grid, it can import power when needed or when external costs are more favorable than internal generation. Overall, the control system integrates components like the controller, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), engineering tools, hardware, and software within a unified platform, enhancing operator decision-making through a single, comprehensive view of all microgrid processes.
