- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
A programmable logic controller or programmable controller is an industrial computer that has been ruggedized and adapted for the control of manufacturing processes, such as assembly lines, machines, robotic devices, or any activity that requires high reliability, ease of programming, and process fault diagnosis
- Remote Terminal Units (RTU)
A remote terminal unit is a microprocessor-controlled electronic device that interfaces objects in the physical world to a distributed control system or SCADA system by transmitting telemetry data to a master system, and by using messages from the master supervisory system to control connected objects.
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are used for controlling, monitoring, and analyzing industrial devices and processes. The system consists of both software and hardware components and enables remote and on-site gathering of data from the industrial equipment.
Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) is a system of software and hardware elements that allows organizations to control and monitor industrial processes by directly interfacing with plant-floor machinery and viewing real-time data.
Using a SCADA system, industrial organizations can:
- Control industrial processes locally or at remote locations
- Monitor, gather, and process real-time data
- Directly interact with devices such as sensors, valves, pumps, motors, and more through human-machine interface (HMI) software
- Record events into a log file
SCADA systems are crucial for industrial organizations since they help to maintain efficiency, process data for smarter decisions, and communicate system issues to help mitigate downtime.
The basic SCADA architecture begins with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or remote terminal units (RTUs). PLCs and RTUs are microcomputers that communicate with an array of objects such as factory machines, HMIs, sensors, and end devices, and then route the information from those objects to computers with SCADA software. The SCADA software processes, distributes, and displays the data, helping operators and other employees analyze the data and make important decisions.
- Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
A distributed control system is a computerized control system for a process or plant usually with many control loops, in which autonomous controllers are distributed throughout the system, but there is no central operator supervisory control.
This is in contrast to systems that use centralized controllers; either discrete controllers located at a central control room or within a central computer. The DCS concept increases reliability and reduces installation costs by localizing control functions near the process plant, with remote monitoring and supervision.
Distributed control systems first emerged in large, high value, safety critical process industries, and were attractive because the DCS manufacturer would supply both the local control level and central supervisory equipment as an integrated package, thus reducing design integration risk. Today the functionality of Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and DCS systems are very similar, but DCS tends to be used on large continuous process plants where high reliability and security is important, and the control room is not geographically remote. Many machine control systems exhibit similar properties as plant and process control systems do.
The key attribute of a DCS is its reliability due to the distribution of the control processing around nodes in the system. This mitigates a single processor failure. If a processor fails, it will only affect one section of the plant process, as opposed to a failure of a central computer which would affect the whole process. This distribution of computing power local to the field Input/Output (I/O) connection racks also ensures fast controller processing times by removing possible network and central processing delays.
The accompanying diagram is a general model which shows functional manufacturing levels using computerized control.
Referring to the diagram;
Level 0 contains the field devices such as flow and temperature sensors, and final control elements, such as control valves
Level 1 contains the industrialized Input/Output (I/O) modules, and their associated distributed electronic processors.
Level 2 contains the supervisory computers, which collect information from processor nodes on the system, and provide the operator control screens.
Level 3 is the production control level, which does not directly control the process, but is concerned with monitoring production and monitoring targets
Level 4 is the production scheduling level.
Levels 1 and 2 are the functional levels of a traditional DCS, in which all equipment are part of an integrated system from a single manufacturer.
Levels 3 and 4 are not strictly process control in the traditional sense, but where production control and scheduling takes place.
- Power Management Systems (PMS)
Power Management System PMS is in charge of controlling the electrical system. Its task is to make sure that the electrical system is safe and efficient. If the power consumption is larger than the power production capacity, load shedding is used to avoid blackout. Other features could be to automatic start and stop consumers (e.g., diesel generators) as the load varies.
Electrical energy in any combination of the Generators is implemented according to calculations of the electric power tables of each vessel. PMS System decides which Generators combination will be the best according to the Load Consumptions. The capacity of the Generators is such that in the event of any one generating set will be stopped then it will still be possible to supply all services necessary to provide normal operational conditions of propulsion and safety. Furthermore, it will be sufficient to start the largest motor of the ship without causing any other motor to stop or having any adverse effect on other equipment in operation. In general a PMS Power Management System performs the following functions on a Ship.
- Automatic Start/Stop/Standby Generators according to Load Demand
- Large Motors Automatic Blocking
- Load Analysis and Monitoring
- Three (3) Phase Management and Voltage Matching
- Redundant Power Distribution
- Selection of Generators Priority (first leading main, second and third stby generator in sequence)
- Equal Load Division between generators
- Tripping of non-essential load groups (load shedding in two steps)
- Blocking of heavy consumers
- Operation of second generator in case first generator will be loaded 80% of its capacity
- Operation of standby generator, in case of malfunction in any one of the two generators
- Manual, secured, semi-automatic and automatic mode operation selection of generators
- Control selection for generators in engine control room
- Energy Management Systems (EMS)
An energy management system (EMS) is a set of tools combining software and hardware that optimally distributes energy flows between connected distributed energy resources (DERs). Companies use energy management systems to optimize the generation, storage and/or consumption of electricity to lower both costs and emissions and stabilize the power grid.
How does an energy management system work?
An EMS collects, analyzes and visualizes data in real time and dynamically controls energy flows. An energy management system is the building block of future energy use cases as it intelligently monitors and controls a variety of energy assets within a household, building or larger site.
Common components of an energy management system
Gateway: a data collection and processing system that ideally operates independently of manufacturers.
Software: a range of sophisticated algorithms that create rules and restrictions to control energy assets according to specific needs e.g. to maximize self-sufficiency, charge devices in order of preference or to set limits for energy consumption according to local grid requirements.
Interface: a platform that enables users to visualize live and historical data, view KPIs, set parameters, and manage energy flows.
Different EMS applications
HEMS (Home Energy Management System) is where an EMS is used in a household to intelligently manage small assets, such as an electric vehicle, heat pump, photovoltaic (PV) system and/or battery.
BEMS (Building Energy Management System) is a method of monitoring and controlling a building’s energy needs. It usually incorporates the management of heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC), lighting, security measures and, increasingly, EV charging needs.
FEMS (Factory Energy Management System) allows the industry sector to make energy generation and consumption more efficient.
CEMS (Community Energy Management System) builds on the previous applications of EMS and integrates HEMS, BEMS and/or FEMS to enable holistic, smart energy management of entire communities on a larger scale.
Different types of energy management systems
Rule-based energy management system
A rule-based energy management system focuses on designing and implementing the logic governing energy distribution among connected DERS. It relies on established rules and predefined guidelines to make real-time decisions about energy allocation. The rule-based approach ensures operational stability, making it suitable for scenarios where straightforward decision parameters can achieve effective energy management.
Forecast-based energy management system
A forecast-based energy management system, on the other hand, specializes in crafting advanced optimization strategies for complex energy management scenarios that rule-based EMS cannot address. This system aims to enhance profitability, computational efficiency, and security in a changing energy landscape. By analyzing various forecasting strategies, considering factors like model types, data availability, and optimization frequency, this approach helps prosumers make informed decisions about energy usage and production.
The system factors in real-time data, such as rooftop PV production, battery status, and load consumption, along with external information like spot electricity prices or weather forecasts. This enables the EMS to make intelligent decisions on when to charge or discharge a battery, when to use locally-generated solar energy or draw power from the grid, and how to constantly optimize energy management strategies to accommodate the three D’s of the new energy era – digitization, decarbonization, and decentralization.
Cloud-based energy management system
what is a cloud-based energy management system
A cloud-based EMS is a cutting-edge energy management software solution that revolutionizes energy management for utility companies, energy consultants, and businesses across various industries.
Leveraging the power of cloud computing, this system enables remote access to essential energy-related data and tools, eliminating geographical constraints. It encompasses a comprehensive suite of features, including data collection from energy meters and sensors, secure cloud-based storage, advanced analytics, and real-time reporting.
Users benefit from the system’s scalability, allowing it to effortlessly adapt to evolving needs. Moreover, it empowers energy managers and consultants with the ability to remotely monitor energy parameters, optimize consumption, and ensure compliance with energy regulations and standards.
By promoting collaboration and accessibility, it fosters transparency and efficiency in energy management practices.
Different EMS functions for different industries
E-mobility
In the e-mobility space, an EMS plays a pivotal role by enabling dynamic load management, efficient charging optimization, and smart bidirectional charging. The EMS actively manages the charging process of electric vehicles (EVs) by dynamically distributing power to minimize peak demand (peak shaving), while always avoiding grid overloads – this guarantees constant grid stability and cost-effectiveness.
Through advanced algorithms, the EMS optimizes charging schedules based on factors like capacity tariffs, travel requirements, and grid conditions, reducing operational costs and improving energy efficiency. In the case of bidirectional charging, the EMS intelligently controls when an EV charges and discharges – according to local supply and demand, electricity prices and other factors – to minimize costs, maximize self-sufficiency and stabilize the grid.
White goods
With smart meters and communication protocols like EEBus, an EMS facilitates real-time data exchange and enables coordinated energy management of white goods (e.g. washing machine, fridge, dishwasher). The EMS takes the total load of white goods into account to then adjust the energy consumption of heavy consumers (e.g. heat pumps and electric vehicles) accordingly. The EMS can also consider electricity prices and encourage operation at optimal times to reduce electricity costs and alleviate stress on power grids during peak periods. By aggregating data from various white goods, users are able to monitor consumption patterns and make more informed decisions about when they use devices.
Photovoltaics (PV)
EMS solutions allow sites with rooftop solar panels to maximize self-sufficiency and lower costs. For example, the EMS uses historical consumption patterns, forecasts and setpoints to ensure that rather than being curtailed, surplus solar power is used to charge or power other devices, such as a battery or electric vehicle (EV). It also feeds electricity back to the grid when prices are high and draws from the grid when prices are low to keep costs to a minimum. An EMS can be configured to reach different goals, for example to minimize costs or to minimize emissions.
what are the functions of an energy management system
Heating and cooling
A heat pump, favored for its high efficiency and low CO₂ emissions in heating and cooling, can leverage an EMS to unleash its full potential. EMS technologies integrate heat pumps into holistic systems to intelligently respond to demand fluctuations. In a HEMS, a heat pump’s operation can be adapted based on real-time electricity prices, grid conditions, and user preferences. This enables load shifting, where heat pumps adjust their operating schedules to times of lower electricity demand and pricing, resulting in reduced energy costs.
Integrated renewable energy resources
The integration and coordination of various energy sectors – such as electricity, heat, and mobility – aims to optimize the overall energy efficiency and enhance the integration of renewable energy sources. This is often called sector coupling. Electrification, a key aspect of sector coupling, involves the replacement of fossil fuel-based with electric technologies to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In this context, having an energy management system becomes crucial, as it enables the seamless coordination and control of distributed energy resources and their electricity flows across multiple sectors. An EMS maximizes the utilization of energy and minimizes waste to contribute to a more sustainable and integrated energy landscape.
The benefits of an EMS For businesses
Gain visibility and transparency
An EMS provides real-time monitoring, data analysis, key performance indicator (KPI) measurement, and visualization of energy consumption and savings. This enables more informed and effective decision-making to enhance efficiency, increase sustainability and optimize performance across an entire site.
Lower costs
By optimizing the utilization of each asset, an EMS ensures that costs are constantly minimized: electricity is drawn from power grids during cheap periods, locally generated electricity is maximized, and consumption is aligned with optimal weather and off-peak demand. In addition, use cases like dynamic load management and peak shaving ensure that power is optimally used within existing grid infrastructure. This eradicates or minimizes the need for costly grid extensions and significantly lowers grid fees.
Stay ahead in a changing landscape
By employing an EMS, businesses gain a competitive edge in an evolving energy landscape characterized by digitization, decarbonization, and decentralization. An EMS enables efficient energy resource management, the alignment of consumption and sustainability goals, and lowered costs. It seamlessly integrates variable renewable energy (VRE) sources into energy systems, to enable faster scaling of clean energy projects and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
what are the benefits an energy management system for businesses
Businesses can tap into new markets by offering tailored energy solutions that align with evolving trends and customer demands. New markets entail both new regions, with different regulatory environments, as well as new energy fields. Rather than simply offering individual products, companies are shifting their focus towards holistic energy solutions – this means that manufacturers, service providers and utilities are all moving beyond offering a single product to an energy-as-a-service model that offers greater customer value. This requires an energy management system to connect different devices and features into one solution. For example, rather than simply providing HVAC units, the manufacturer Viessmann shifted its focus to instead offer customers holistic home energy management systems.
Enhance agility with extendible features
Adaptable and extendible features are the key to accommodating constantly changing regulation and customer preferences. For example, rising and increasingly volatile electricity prices, combined with new regulation that pushes dynamic tariffs, has caused a significant push to time of use tariffs. Companies with an extendible EMS can more easily adopt new solutions as the market ripens for such complex use cases. In doing so, businesses can tailor their strategies to address customer needs, thereby enhancing agility and bolstering their market positions.
Reduce complexity with a single interface
An energy management system mitigates business complexity by offering a unified interface that consolidates various energy operations into a cohesive platform. This singular access point simplifies tasks by streamlining monitoring, control, and data integration for diverse energy assets. Real-time insights into energy usage, automation of control strategies, and centralized reporting enhance decision-making and resource optimization. The EMS’s cross-sectoral communication capabilities foster collaboration between energy assets, while its reduced training requirements for parties involved, especially the end user, expedite user proficiency.
Lower carbon emissions
With over 70% of greenhouse gas emissions attributed to the energy sector, an EMS serves as a powerful tool in the fight against carbon emission. For one, an energy management system enables demand response, allowing businesses to curtail energy usage during peak hours, thereby decreasing reliance on fossil fuel-based power generation.
And there is also load optimization that ensures that an equipment operates at peak efficiency, preventing energy wastage and lowering overall consumption, leading to reduced emission. On top of that, an EMS facilitates the seamless integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into the grid. By prioritizing the use of renewable energy when available, en EMS reduces the need for fossil fuels, which is the main culprit for carbon emissions.
The use of battery energy storage under EMS control further enhances emission reduction by storing excess renewable energy for use during peak demand periods. Lastly, data-driven decision-making, a hallmark of EMS, continuously analyzes consumption patterns, identifying opportunities for optimization and lower emission.
For end consumers
what are the benefits of an energy management system for consumers
Minimize energy costs (lower energy bill)
An EMS offers end users a host of benefits, chief among them being the substantial savings on energy costs. . In a household, for example, users can charge their EV and battery when PV generation is high or when electricity prices are low. They can also avoid high electricity loads during costly consumption spikes, which can significantly reduce power bills.
Maximize self-sufficiency
A PV system alone is not enough to maximize the self-sufficiency of a household. This must be combined with other assets to ensure that energy is produced, stored and consumed in the most efficient and intelligent manner. An energy management system combines all assets that produce, store or consume energy and optimizes the energy flows between them to ensure that self-generated energy reaches its maximum utilization. This leads to increased independence from the grid, as well as minimized costs and emissions.
Lower carbon footprint
Considering that household energy consumption in Europe accounts for around 60% of global greenhouse emissions (GHGs), an EMS plays an important role in emissions reduction. An EMS allows consumers to optimize their energy consumption, minimizing their reliance on the power grid and maximizing their self-generated solar energy. The consumption of energy devices within the house, coupled with e-mobility services, constitutes a substantial portion of a household’s CO2 emissions, especially in economies with a low share of renewables in the power mix. Smart and holistic energy management through an EMS ensures that rooftop solar covers as much energy demand as possible and only limited solar power goes to waste. In this way, renewable energy is more intelligently integrated and utilized in modern power systems.
- Data Loggers & Alarm Management Systems
Data loggers record sensor data over longer periods of time for monitoring, testing, and analyzing asset health and performance. Yokogawa data loggers are …
For a data logger to monitor, test, and analyze asset health and performance, it records sensor data over long periods of time. Yokogawa data loggers surpass the scalability of standard data loggers by utilizing a proprietary block architecture that enables you to easily and flexibly combine various modules and add expansion modules for up to 450 ch of input (GX/GP). They offer superior savings on rewiring labor and maintenance because you can add or remove modules even after installation.
E-house Solutions – Modular Substation / Prefabricated Substation
E-houses are prefabricated transportable substations, designed to house medium voltage and low voltage switchgear, critical power equipment and automation cabinets.
An E-house solution is a cost effective, risk reduced alternative to conventional concrete block, brick & mortar construction. Each E-house module is custom engineered to meet application requirements with respect to equipment layout, site footprint limitations and logistics considerations.
Installation of E-house fabrication and equipment occurs in and around our partner’s facility and is delivered as a functional, fully tested module. The delivery model of a prefabricated pre-tested solution provides a reduction in site installation and commissioning works while introducing schedule predictability and an overall reduced energization period.
The broad E-house portfolio includes modularized multi-building solutions; productized E-house designs; and larger single piece designs for specific project applications. Typically, site-mounted on elevated piers or directly above subsurface cable pits, E-houses can also be designed as trailer-mounted solutions.
Applications:
E-house solutions are ideally suited for any project where there is a benefit to reduce on-site work, especially for more challenging project situations, where minimized installation time is desired, when qualified personnel and materials are not always readily available, or at locations facing challenging environmental conditions. Such flexibility makes an E-house ideal for applications in segments including data centers, rail, energy storage, renewable, power generation, oil and gas, mining and processing industries.
Solution features:
Fully integrated system, reduced site work, for a higher level of safety and security.
Fully optimized, engineered, assembled and tested for rapid deployment.
Reduced complexity.
Single point of contact to execute the project package.
Simplified commercial agreement.
Shorter startup and commissioning time.
Our E-house solutions offer our customers a complete prefabricated solution for all their power distribution needs.
Each E-house is a cost effective, low risk building solution offering a fully turnkey product deliverable to site ready for energizing. They are suitable for a wide range of applications such as BESS, Oil and Gas, mining, renewable as well as private commercial customers.
A typical project offered from us is inclusive of the below.
- Medium voltage switchgear
- Low voltage and auxiliary switchboards
- Fire & Gas detection System, Automatic fire extinguishing system.
- UPS systems, Battery Chargers
- Mechanical and electrical systems for the building such as CCTV, access control, lighting systems
ADVANTAGES
- Compact and full assembled.
- Reduced complexity and shorter startup.
- Custom and modular sizing. Scaling of building possible.
- Customized internal configurations.
- Fully suitable for desert and coastal applications.
APPLICATIONS
- Utility on primary and secondary distribution grids
- Other electric energy generation plants
DESIGN
Our E HOUSES are fully customizable manufactured with either our steel-clad modular buildings or with using custom ISO containers depending on our clients’ requirements. Insulation of buildings provided depending on application.
Full project management and design is handled in house by us and our partners offering our clients a flexible and responsive service. </span
