Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation and a global provider of solutions for solar solutions and energy storage power conversion chain, is bringing truly game-changing innovations to Intersolar 2016.
New offerings for utility-scale, and commercial, power generation
As well as a comprehensive lineup of solutions for all scales and scopes of global renewable generation, Schneider Electric is launching the Conext SmartGen™ an intelligent, cloud-connected 1500 volt utility scale power conversion system, with a suite of supporting software solutions called the Power EcoSystem™, including the cloud-based monitoring and control solution Conext™ Advisor 2. Also launching is a new PV Hybrid solution, developed in cooperation with DEIF, and the Conext™ CL-60, a 60 kW inverter with the highest power density for the large commercial and utility scale solar market.
"This ground-breaking lineup reflects Schneider Electric's drive to lead the solar industry at a time of fundamental, transformative change," says Laurent Bataille, EVP, EcoBuilding and Solar Division, Schneider Electric, "the companies investing in renewable energy are displaying increasingly mature behaviors with a stronger focus on total cost of ownership and an appetite for more secure returns. They expect Schneider Electric to play a key role in bringing them the combination of technology and global capabilities to keep their assets productive over a longer operating life."
Leveraging cloud connectivity and the Internet of Things to optimize utility-scale generation: Conext SmartGen™ inverter and the Power EcoSystem™
The flagship product launch is the utility-scale SmartGen™ Power System. The SmartGen™ is the new paradigm for large-scale renewable power installations. It records and stores its own operation and service history, has self-diagnostic capabilities and can send proactive service warnings and reports to the cloud. Housed in a water- and dust-sealed corrosion-proof enclosure, it is designed to deliver up to 2MVA of power for 30 years. Its wide operation range, combined with best-in-class efficiency and unprecedented service life maximize its energy generation lifetime. Says Arnaud Cantin, VP of the Solar Power Plants & Energy Storage Line of Business, "For large-scale renewable power, there's never been a power conversion solution like the SmartGen™. With cloud connectivity to the Power EcoSystem™, 30-year reliability and best-in-class efficiency, it is simply the best and most secure solar investment you can make."
The SmartGen™ inverter is the center of the Power EcoSystem™, a suite of software solutions including Conext™ Viewer, the Conext™ Power Cloud, Conext™ Advisor 2, and the Power Plant Controller. Leveraging the power of the Internet of Things, "These solutions empower remote operators, service staff and financial analysts, with centralized control, monitoring, data analytics and predictive maintenance, for optimal performance and maximum ROI," Cantin stated.
Conext™ Advisor 2 accesses solar power plant performance data, delivers detailed KPIs, provides high-level analysis, and enables faster, better-informed decision making by utilizing Schneider Electric EcoStruxure architecture, powered by Microsoft Azure using the Azure IoT Suite.
In cooperation with DEIF: new green options with PV Hybrid solution
Designed for grid-tied and off-grid power generation, the PV Hybrid solution combines efficient, reliable diesel generation with clean, low-cost solar power. The PV Hybrid solution responds to a real and growing need in the market: from remote work sites to commercial institutions, there are many diesel-based power plants, for primary and backup power, where the operators want to add PV power for its financial and environmental advantages.
Developed in cooperation with DEIF, this solution represents the best of both worlds: DEIF is renowned for advanced, efficient diesel power control systems, while Schneider Electric is known for innovation and excellence in solar power conversion. This flexible solution features Schneider Electric Conext™ CL inverters, with controllers transducers and accessories from DEIF.
Conext™ CL-60 String Inverter: cost-effective, high-efficiency distributed power generation for commercial solar applications
At 60kW, the new Conext™ CL-60 String Inverter is Schneider Electric's most powerful inverter for commercial applications. It can turn a commercial rooftop or unused land into a profitable source of green, renewable energy. The Conext™ CL-60 is durable, easy to install and service, with an industry-leading maximum efficiency of 98.9%, it's designed from the ground up to maximize revenue.