ABB and Rolls-Royce in microgrid and automation collaboration.

ABB and Rolls-Royce have announced a global partnership on microgrid

technology and advanced automation.

The two companies will offer a microgrid solution for utilities, commercial and industrial entities that combines Rolls-Royce genset technologies via its MTU Onsite Energy brand with ABB’s grid automation solutions.

Rolls-Royce Power Systems chief executive Andreas Schell said the collaboration was in response to “the transformation towards decarbonization” and the need “to pursue sustainable power options that also deliver utmost profitability”.

“For this, we rely primarily on microgrids, which are autonomous energy supply systems that are efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly.

“Combining our integrated MTU diesel and gas genset system technology and our control solutions, with ABB’s modular microgrid solution, control capability and remote service, will offer customers the combined strengths of two world leaders in technology.”

ABB said that its Ability e-mesh solution will provide generation asset owners with “a vertically integrated, unified view of their distributed energy resources and renewable power generation that is quick to deploy and that reduce operational costs”.

The solution comprises cloud operations, site and fleet optimization, weather and load forecast and machine learning algorithms to deliver “infinite insights for decision-making, such as knowing where to increase investments on maintenance or how to increase revenue streams to operate assets more profitable”.

Massimo Danieli, head of ABB’s grid automation business in the Power Grids business, said the solution “can ensure a stable power grid, even with a high share of renewable energy from various sources, working smoothly together with already installed gas or diesel engines”.

4 Αpril 2019