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Eaton Control System Simplifies Microgrid Deployment

September 12, 2016 by Power Pulse1595211359

Power management company Eaton today announced a microgrid energy system designed to help simplify and expedite the deployment of complex microgrid and energy storage systems. Designed for critical applications requiring secure, safe and efficient reliable power, the innovative solution is engineered to help customers deploy stand-alone power systems using existing and new assets with the adaptability to easily meet future needs. The system incorporates Eaton's new Power Xpert Energy Optimizer™ controller and provides a modular, scalable approach to microgrid control in military, campus, utility, healthcare, commercial, community and other applications.

At the 2016 Solar Power International conference in Las Vegas, Eaton showcasing its microgrid energy system, Power Xpert Energy Optimizer controller, and complete portfolio of balance of system (BOS) solutions for solar and energy storage applications in booth 2845 from September 13 through 15.

“Eaton understands the challenges associated with deploying grid-dependent power systems to enhance energy surety and provide a critical line of defense against unexpected power loss,” said John Stampfel, vice president and general manager, Electrical Engineering Services and Systems Division, Eaton. “By applying a modular design, industry-leading substation hardware and expert engineering support, Eaton is helping customers achieve secure, reliable microgrid and energy storage systems in nearly any application.”

The services provided with Eaton’s microgrid energy system are designed to help enhance reliability and streamline project management, and include: microgrid feasibility studies, total system design, control system deployment, integration with existing third-party generation assets and critical loads, project implementation, commissioning and system start-up, and ongoing maintenance. Eaton can also deliver a complete microgrid or energy storage system with turnkey system design and project management.

With a scalable design, Eaton’s microgrid energy system and Power Xpert Energy Optimizer controller are configurable for specific requirements. The modular approach allows the system to efficiently scale to meet a wide range of applications, and adapt to evolving generation and load assets.

The system’s control module helps maintain stability, shave peak demand, shift load and manage black start. The system can also maximize renewable energy contribution and/or provide utility demand response functionality. With weather and price forecasts, the Eaton technology can provide predictive control strategies that can help to proactively manage generation assets to maximize system performance.

Eaton’s microgrid energy system leverages industry-leading Cooper Power series SMP hardware and Yukon® Visual T&D HMI solutions. These products are used worldwide in harsh substation automation applications. Based on open standards, these devices are designed to make system operation and maintenance easier, while providing fast communications.