By Warrick Gibbens, Power Generation Leader, Cummins Southern Africa Contact online >>
By Warrick Gibbens, Power Generation Leader, Cummins Southern Africa
CUMMINS'' sophisticated technologies are designed to support integrated microgrid solutions around the world, from off-grid and remote locations to urban and life-saving applications. Our solutions fully integrate all components of a microgrid, including diesel and natural gas gensets, hydrogen technologies, renewable energy sources, battery storage systems, system level controls, transfer switches, and remote monitoring capabilities.
Microgrids are locally controlled power sources that can integrate multiple energy resources such as diesel, gas, wind, or solar power. Microgrids provide independent power so that when the traditional power grid experiences loadshedding, for example, a microgrid can immediately switch to backup generators and batteries.
The microgrid control allows the components to function as a seamlessly integrated power source so that weather, utility prices, and performance data can be monitored to enable well-informed decisions to assist in keeping costs low and Powering a World That''s Always On™.
Cummins'' range of diesel and natural gas generators are suited for all microgrid power generation requirements, ranging from 17 to 3 750 kVA. Advanced Microgrid Controls support multiple configurations and design implementation solutions to adapt to evolving microgrid requirements. With a single interface, this control supports a truly integrated microgrid power system.
PowerCommand Cloud™ is a cloud-based system for to check system status, identify faults, or access critical notifications remotely. Trend data can be accumulated over time to optimise resources, balance loads, and inform decision making to optimise operations.
Cummins works with third-party providers as needed to incorporate battery storage and solar photovoltaic equipment. In addition, it continues to invest in future technologies and products to meet emission requirements around the world, supporting the push for decarbonisation.
SCHNEIDER Electric, the global leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, has launched a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) designed and engineered to be part of a flexible and scalable, architecture. BESS is the foundation for a fully integrated microgrid solution that is driven by Schneider Electric''s controls, optimisation, electrical distribution, and renowned digital and field services.
The climate crisis and geopolitical tension mean energy security is not guaranteed today. Resilience can be improved by ensuring access and storage of various on-site energy sources quickly, efficiently, and safely.
As an integral part of a microgrid system, BESS captures energy from different sources, accumulates this energy, and stores it in rechargeable batteries for later use. Battery Energy Storage is the only Distributed Energy Resource (DER) that enables the widest range of customer energy-use cases, including resiliency, demand-charge reduction, services, renewable self-consumption, decarbonisation of electrical energy, and variable generation smoothing.
"Reliable energy supply cannot be taken for granted. With over two decades of expertise in power conversion and batteries, storage is at the core of Schneider Electric''s proposition. Now, we are proud to introduce a solution that has been thoroughly designed and tested," said Bala Vinayagam, Schneider Electric''s senior vice president of microgrids. "Our aim is to deliver this cornerstone technology to the market that enables multiple use cases for resilience, sustainability, and energy cost savings. We are providing greater demand-side flexibility at scale to the microgrid sector by enabling our local expert partners to deliver a safe and compatible system.”
Comprised of battery modules, battery racks, a battery management system, power conversion unit, and controller, BESS has been tested and validated to work as an integral component with Schneider Electric''s microgrid systems. It is also fully integrated into the software suite, which includes EcoStruxure Microgrid Operation, and EcoStruxure Microgrid Advisor. With defined commercial references and options, selections include configuration and advanced safety controls, BESS minimises energy costs and delivers the following features:
"Our new Battery Energy Storage System marks a significant step forward in enabling storage and connection with Distributed Energy Resources that is flexible enough to meet the future energy demand needs," Vinayagam said.
"Amidst the global pursuit of net-zero objectives and the imperative for an enhanced grid, we are working closely with our trusted network of partners to deliver the technology required to fully unlock the potential of simplified battery storage and power conversion."
THE Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Power Africa, a US Government-led initiative coordinated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have teamed up to launch the Microgrid Centre of Excellence (CoE) for future power systems at the CSIR to promote decentralised renewable energy solutions to address climate change and increase energy access.
The partnership is a stepping stone for the CSIR, Power Africa, and USAID to identify, develop and implement solutions that capacitate energy stakeholders with microgrid and smart grid technologies. It is intended to enable the advancement of renewable energy project development, and increased access to reliable and clean energy, in line with South Africa''s Just Energy Transition (JET) goals.
A microgrid is a self-contained grid that uses renewable energy, batteries for energy storage and generators to produce power. Microgrids can either complement the national grid or work independently from it, providing communities access to more sustainable and resilient energy supplies.
These grids rely on pragmatic, scalable, and cost-effective technology that can reduce carbon emissions and align with government priorities, including the JET. Microgrids can enhance energy security, improve the reliability of supply, and stabilise the national grid. They can be implemented for commercial, industrial, and campus customers, as well as in remote communities to support economic and enterprise development.
Speaking at the launch, CSIR chief executive officer Dr Thulani Dlamini hailed this partnership as one that will advance microgrid and smart grid technologies to build future power and enhance energy capacity.
"Together with our partners, we were able to set up a real-time digital simulation laboratory to optimally support the implementation of smart grids and microgrids power generation. This facility analyses and tests microgrid technology at full power and actual load levels before implementation. This reduces the risks of deployment and helps to optimise the performance of microgrid hardware, communications and security systems. The establishment of this centre here at the CSIR will support stakeholders in seeking alternative ways to reach universal access to electricity," said Dr Dlamini.
The Internet of Things systems, 5G connectivity, and artificial intelligence enable us to connect, monitor and manage our local renewable sources to ensure a more efficient, reliable and sustainable microgrid infrastructure.
The collaboration between Power Africa USAID, and the CSIR to establish a CoE on microgrids, smart grid research and studies will be done in two phases.
The collaboration will assist local utilities with microgrid implementation projects, focusing on capacity-building while simultaneously understanding and finalising the scope for the establishment of the CSIR Microgrids CoE with associated smart grid laboratories and related infrastructure.
Power Africa''s Off-Grid Program spans 26 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and has resulted in over 5 million direct connections since 2018. Power Africa is focused on accelerating microgrids through the development of supportive regulatory and policy frameworks. It works with microgrid developers to refine business models and operations, engages local communities, and ensures a strong fit between the technologies deployed and the local environment.
Power Africa''s acting coordinator, David Thompson, noted at the launch that "This initiative will provide invaluable support to energy stakeholders, enabling them to develop and implement renewable energy projects with confidence and success. We firmly believe that by working together, we can drive meaningful change and make lasting progress toward universal access to clean and reliable energy.
The creation of a CoE for microgrids will include the deployment of real-time digital simulations and fourth industrial revolution-related technologies essential for building expertise and promoting coordinated efforts.
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