The energy landscape is evolving toward a hybrid approach, integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind with energy storage systems and conventional power generation technologies. Plant-level control is key to smoothly integrating diverse generation sources.
Monitoring and managing each asset’s performance is essential for optimizing energy flows, ensuring grid stability, and providing reliable production in both on-grid and off-grid applications. Acelerex’s REX™ platform makes this possible with:
- Generation control for setpoints, frequency, voltage, on/off states, curtailment, and synchronization.
- Data acquisition, warranty management, rules logic, scheduling, and HMI through an advanced Energy Management System (EMS).
- Market Decision Engine (MDE) for predictive analytics and optimization, helping operators maximize efficiency, profitability, and grid reliability.
- Real-time monitoring for enhanced system reliability.
Acelerex’s REX™ Platform: Monitoring and Control for Hybrid Systems
Acelerex’s REX™ platform integrates core functionalities needed for remote monitoring, control, and optimization of power generation systems, providing a comprehensive suite of tools for both grid-scale power systems and microgrids.
Integrated DAS, SCADA, EMS, and MDE
- DAS (Data Acquisition System): Collects real-time data from connected assets, including solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage, and fossil fuel generators. Acelerex’s REX™ DAS enables operators to remotely access and control power sites, ensuring continuous monitoring, system adjustments, and data analytics for better decision-making.
- SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition): Allows operators to monitor and control the entire system remotely. Acelerex’s REX™ SCADA provides real-time visibility into solar, wind, storage, and diesel generator performance, enabling quick issue resolution.
- EMS (Energy Management System): Optimizes energy distribution, prioritizes renewables, and minimizes fossil fuel reliance. The EMS also integrates battery storage, efficiently managing charge and discharge cycles to balance supply and demand.
- MDE (Market Decision Engine): Uses predictive analytics and optimization algorithms to guide operators in dispatching power assets efficiently based on market conditions and grid demand forecasts.
Device-Level Control in Hybrid Systems
Acelerex’s REX™ platform enables precise control over every asset in the system:
- Diesel Generators: Starts and stops generators as needed, island operation, optimizing fuel efficiency and minimizing emissions.
- Solar and Wind Systems: Optimizes inverter and turbine operations to maximize renewable energy utilization.
- Energy Storage: Manages charge and discharge cycles to balance renewable generation and minimize fossil fuel dependency.
- Market Decision Engine (MDE): Adjusts dispatch strategies dynamically based on real-time and forecasted data, ensuring cost-effective energy distribution.
Case Studies: Real-World Applications of Hybrid Energy Systems
Grid-Scale Clean Energy Systems (Solar, Wind, Storage, and Fossil Fuels)
A grid-scale hybrid power plant integrating solar, wind, storage, and fossil fuel backup demonstrated the benefits of an optimized energy management system.
Energy Management and Control:
- Acelerex’s REX™ platform optimized battery storage utilization, ensuring energy was stored during peak renewable generation and discharged when needed.
- The MDE enabled efficient asset dispatch based on market prices and grid conditions.
Key Outcomes:
- Fuel Reduction: Optimized renewable integration significantly reduced fossil fuel usage.
- Grid Stability: Smart frequency and load control ensured grid reliability.
- Operational Efficiency: Remote monitoring allowed real-time system adjustments, minimizing downtime.
Microgrid Systems (Solar, Storage, and Demand Loads)
A microgrid system in a remote location integrated solar, battery storage, and diesel generators to ensure a stable power supply to a local community.
Energy Management and Control:
- Acelerex’s REX™ platform facilitated real-time data collection from solar panels, battery storage, and diesel generators.
- SCADA-enabled remote monitoring ensured seamless operations even during grid outages.
- The MDE optimized energy dispatch, reducing reliance on diesel generators.
Key Outcomes:
- Increased Reliability: Faster response times to outages ensured continuous power delivery.
- Cost Savings: Reduced diesel consumption minimized operational costs.
- Optimized Asset Utilization: Predictive analytics enabled efficient energy use.