Eaton Develops Innovative Control System to Simplify, Expedite Microgrid Deployment and Support Secure, Predictable Power

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.

“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. 

Eaton’s electrical business is a global leader with expertise in power distribution and circuit protection; backup power protection; control and automation; lighting and security; structural solutions and wiring devices; solutions for harsh and hazardous environments; and engineering services. Eaton is positioned through its global solutions to answer today’s most critical electrical power management challenges.

Eaton is a power management company with 2014 sales of $22.6 billion. Eaton provides energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton has approximately 99,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries.

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