Microgrids
Commercial, Campus, and Community Microgrids
Verified Reliability
SEL owns and operates the largest for-lease controller hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing facility in North America. This facility contains a large number of Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) racks used exclusively for testing SEL protection and control systems under realistic conditions.
Every powerMAX commercial microgrid control system includes a factory acceptance test (FAT) in our testing labs—and you’re invited to participate. In addition to observing and verifying the full functionality of the system, you can request testing scenarios, ask questions, and work directly with our engineers to fully understand its operation.
Independent third-party evaluations—and performance in installations around the world—verify that SEL powerMAX microgrid systems are the world’s most advanced and reliable.
Adaptive Protection Ensures Safe Operation
Integrating DERs and novel topologies is even more challenging in microgrids than in conventional distribution systems. DERs in microgrids can modify fault currents, change fault current flow paths, result in bidirectional power flows, and affect protective device operations.
powerMAX microgrid controls seamlessly address these challenges with adaptive protection schemes that change relay settings in response to the system status and needs, ensuring that personnel and equipment are always protected, regardless of the network configuration.
Automatic separation systems in the powerMAX microgrid controls simplify the connection between your generation sources and the utility grid.
Pre-engineered functions allow our relays and controllers to detect an unstable or failing macrogrid and proactively island the microgrid power system to avoid blackouts, even when closely timed events occur. These systems identify and isolate dangerous open-circuit, shorted-circuit, and back-feed conditions, enabling a seamless transition to an island mode of operation.
The Microgrid Control System Leaders
Independent third-party evaluations—and performance in installations around the world—verify the effectiveness and reliability of SEL powerMAX microgrid systems.
Our Support
Quality and Security You Can Rely On
All of our electronic devices are designed, tested, and manufactured in SEL-owned and -operated facilities in the United States.
The SEL Engineering Services team follows rigorous engineering procedures for design, development, testing, and commissioning of electric power systems. We continually identify, monitor, and improve best practices to ensure your satisfaction.
We practice secure supply chain management, including verified chains of custody, responsible sourcing, and keeping quantities of critical parts in reserve. Our quality management system is certified to ISO 9001 Quality Management System requirements.
Unbeatable Support
When you choose SEL, you get more than products and services—you get a partnership. Our customer support teams are experts in power system products and applications, and they’re available for the entire life of your SEL solution.
Engineering Services project engineers are ready to assist you in various project stages from planning through final commissioning of the system. Afterward, you have access to technical support from SEL application engineers, at no charge, as long as SEL products remain in service.