EnSync and DCfusion have designed and will manage the Smart Energy Microgrid Marketplace on-site microgrid demonstration system during SPI. The design leverages EnSync Energy’s Matrix energy management system and DER Flex software — creating a microgrid that will power the Smart Energy Microgrid Marketplace area at the Las Vegas show.
DCfusion is engineering the solar-powered microgrid, while EnSync Energy’s technologies will serve as its command and control center. The Smart Energy Microgrid Marketplace will also provide connections for companies to demonstrate their technologies working in real time — including energy storage batteries, hydrogen fuel cells and more.
EnSync Energy’s command center, utilizing EnSync DER Flex technology, will gather data and determine which power sources to prioritize and ensure the loads are supplied with the most reliable and cost-effective energy. The Marketplace’s lead organizer is the EMerge Alliance, an open industry association leading the adoption of DC power distribution in commercial buildings through the development of EMerge Alliance standards. DCfusion is an active member.
“The microgrid not only showcases the range of cleantech companies working to advance solar, but it also provides a vision for the next generation grid, in which decentralized resources are aggregated to provide grid services that benefit all energy stakeholders,” Dan Nordloh, executive vice president of EnSync Energy he said.
By transmitting DC electricity, the companies say the microgrid will reduce energy losses incurred from converting from alternating current (AC) to DC, which is how electricity is typically distributed to businesses and residences. DC microgrids are also ideal for integrating solar power, energy storage and other renewables, as these energy sources are largely smaller-scale and often natively generate DC current.
“As electricity consumption shifts to a portfolio comprised of more renewables, the need for DC-based and hybrid DC-AC system design becomes increasingly critical,” said said David Geary, co-founder and principal engineer of DCfusion, adding “DC infrastructure is the invisible foundation of a clean energy future – no one talks about it, but it’s crucial to continuing the acceleration of solar and renewables deployment.”
