The PowerBooster gives companies more energy
A flexible solution for extra power using local generation and energy storage
The power grids are coming under increasing pressure. Maximum capacity has been reached in many places: new connections are simply not possible. Energy-intensive companies that are looking for new business locations are increasingly being turned down by grid operators. Technical service provider Equans now has a solution: the PowerBooster, a flexible solution for extra power using local generation and energy storage. It helps companies safeguard their core activities. Technolution Spark is developing the required energy management system for Equans.
Flexible energy sources
If the grid has nearly reached maximum capacity, grid operators cannot offer major consumers additional transport capacity. For example: if a company needs 2 Megawatt at peak moments, but the power grid only has a remaining capacity of 1 Megawatt, the grid operator will have to refuse the request. Equans can help companies in this situation by offering a combination of sustainable energy sources and storage batteries, complemented if necessary by generators. The PowerBooster gives the client its own source of flexible energy that is used whenever the company’s use exceeds the grid operator’s capacity.
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Energy management and power management
The PowerBooster ensures that the consumer always has the right amount of sustainable energy. This means that generation, consumption and storage must be attuned very finely to each other. The system is managed by the advanced, layered Energy Management System (EMS) that Technolution Spark is developing. The EMS directs the whole system. It monitors the energy balance and determines for example what happens to sustainably generated energy. This can either be used immediately or stored in one of the systems large batteries. The EMS also looks after use optimization of the batteries and ensures that the generators are used as little as possible. In addition, the EMS fulfils the important task of safeguarding security of access to the PowerBoost equipment.
On the operational side, the PowerBooster also has a system for power management, the delivery of power to the consumer’s devices and machines. This has been developed by Equans. The power management system ensures the seamless supply of energy at the right moment and prevents overloading. The PowerBooster’s flexible interplay between energy management and power management makes it a powerful solution for grid congestion.
“Together with Equans, we are looking for solutions with an open infrastructure that creates optimal flexibility, both in the technology and in the user’s energy needs.”
Open infrastructure
Reusability, sustainability and a standardized approach – these are important aspects for Equans. Although every location is different, quick analysis and implementation are crucial for the end users.
“The complexity of energy supply means that the PowerBooster cannot be a ‘standard device’”, says Winifred Roggekamp, a domain architect with Technolution Spark. “Our approach is perfectly suited to the interplay between many different factors. Together with Equans, we are looking for solutions with an open infrastructure that creates optimal flexibility, both in the technology and in the user’s energy needs.”
“Very true. We developed this great and flexible technology by bundling our knowledge and expertise”, says Peter Heijnen, a digital consultant with Equans. “Technolution Spark and Equans are a good match as partners. Ultimately, our clients are the ones who benefit from this.”
“We developed this great and flexible technology by bundling our knowledge and expertise”
Other possible applications
If the PowerBooster has sufficient energy capacity, it can also be used for other applications, such as reserve power or balancing energy (FCR/aFRR). In addition, grid operators are working hard to develop contract formats for flexible transport power, which is interesting for many companies. The EMS is the link between these dynamic forms of useful transport capacity and the technical installation that monitors the process. Equans is therefore working together with grid operators and energy supplies to set up flex services linked to the EMS.
