Multinational power company launches microgrid solution

Last month, multinational power solutions provider Cummins announced the launch of its new PowerCommand Microgrid Control product line for managing, coordinating and optimising distributed energy resources (DER) – such as the MGC300 and MGC900.

The launch of this new solution package is focused on affordability and ease of use as a mass of new customers is initiated into the microgrids and energy management markets, the company says.

This launch marks a critical milestone for the company’s existing supervisory system level control capabilities and microgrid solutions, which offers a suite of PowerCommand Digital Master Controls for a variety of applications globally.

“Throughout our history, we have been leaders in innovation and sustainability. We continue to invest in future technologies and products to meet emission requirements around the world and to work with our stakeholders in supporting decarbonisation.

“For the power generation market, this includes integrated microgrid solutions with battery storage, system-level controls and over time, hydrogen technologies, in addition to diesel and natural gas,” says Cummins energy management segment executive director Ann-Kristin de Verdier.

With the addition of the PowerCommand Microgrid Controllers,Cummins continues to build on an ecosystem of products that work efficiently together to simplify and integrate microgrid deployments.

The company’s PowerCommand product line comprises a one-stop-shop suite of solutions that encompasses new hardware, software and services covering all facets of customers’ acquisition, management and servicing of microgrid controllers.

In launching this new solution,Cummins has created a peace-of-mind guarantee for its customers by simply leveraging its core expertise in supervisory controls, power generation, and comprehensive customer service.

The features of this new launch have a range of possible applications: they optimise DERs for existing users and accommodate prospective DER adopters – particularly those reluctant to enter a previously dispersed distributed generation universe with many standalone products.

Key features of the program include, firstly, new controllers such as the MGC300 and MGC900 which were added to the PowerCommand product line-up and can now accommodate both renewable energy and stationary storage integration into the microgrid as well as generator sets and transfer switches.

Secondly, the flexible pricing scheme involves the team evaluating the possible microgrid control solutions based on customer defined objectives and constraints (such as budget). A solution is then tailored to meet those requirements.

The third feature is the comprehensive project compatibility. Across the spectrum, PowerCommand Microgrid Controls accommodate large, medium, small and micro project sizes, bringing unprecedented level of granularity to the range of possible packages aimed at addressing specific customer needs.

Lastly, the user-friendly human-machine interface with enhanced end-user interface includes DERs along with the traditional sources. Customers can now easily check system status and review performance on the device.

Further, PowerCommand controls are available in thousands of applications including electric power generation and distribution systems, industrial plants, data centers, commercial buildings, hospitals, wastewater treatment plants, transportation systems, pipeline stations, and more.

“Globally, there is a need for clean energy which is reliable and cost effective. We see green incentives or mandates increasingly used to accelerate the energy transition, and renewables are taking up a greater share of investment in energy resources.

“Renewables help reduce our carbon footprint, but they also create greater volatility across our networks. This leads to increased demand for balancing services and opportunities for customers to participate in new ways in energy markets, for example with microgrids,” de Verdier notes.

For instance, for offgrid applications, the company sees reducing carbon and other emissions, as well as economics, as drivers for new microgrid solutions, especially as costs of new technologies such as storage and photovoltaics are coming down.

“We, in the power generation business, are trying to address these trends by integrating these renewable technologies into new solutions and innovative business models.”

All PowerCommand power system products are supported by Cummins’ distribution network of more than 8 000 distributor and dealer locations in over 190 countries.

Cummins distributors ensure customers are supported from sale to final commissioning globally.