Microgrids
Garrison Microgrids
SEL powerMAX garrison-scale microgrid control systems are designed for military bases and similar applications where resiliency is paramount.
Designed for Ultimate Reliability
Microgrids have low inertia compared to the larger macrogrid. The powerMAX system is ideal because the SEL Real-Time Automation Controller (RTAC) makes automated control decisions at near-relay speeds, allowing the system to maintain the balance between generation and load in response to fast-developing adverse conditions.
If a generator or communications are lost, the system automatically reroutes power. If generation doesn’t meet the load requirements, powerMAX prioritizes loads and minimizes load shedding to maintain power.
For military installations that use backup diesel generation, powerMAX can parallel existing diesel generators. The benefits of paralleling include wet-stacking correction and fuel savings, which increase resiliency and prolong mission capability.
Additionally, the powerMAX control system doesn’t rely on proximity to any given generation source or load; it can be located anywhere within the base, allowing for a more strategic base layout.
Flexible Integration and Retrofits
SEL’s TMS-MIL-STD-compliant microgrid is unique in that it works with all makes and models of generators, inverters, and loads. You can easily retrofit existing commercial off-the-shelf and tactical microgrid system (TMS) generators in the field with an SEL control system. If a generation device communicates, we can connect, control, and parallel it.
Cybersecurity: Defense in Depth
SEL microgrid systems use a defense-in-depth approach to guarantee information assurance and secure operation. We apply cybersecurity in a layered approach that maximizes reliability and minimizes the intrusiveness of controls on existing critical processes.
In addition to physical security, SEL implements four digital zones of defense in our systems.
The cybersecurity structure in SEL microgrid controls ensures resilient power to critical facilities and protects not only against malicious attacks, but also against internal errors, with the ability to control user access to different information throughout the system.
The Leaders in Microgrid Controls
Independent third-party evaluations—and performance in installations around the world—verify the effectiveness and reliability of SEL powerMAX microgrid systems.
At the Top of the Leaderboard
SEL is the top vendor of microgrid control systems in the Guidehouse Insights 2021 microgrid controls leaderboard report, which evaluates the strengths of the world’s 16 leading microgrid control system providers.
The Guidehouse Insights leaderboard report evaluates microgrid control vendors on 12 metrics—including islanding ability, controls functionality, pricing, geographic reach, and market staying power—to arrive at composite scores for strategy and execution.
Navigant Research (now Guidehouse Insights) also recognized SEL as the industry leader in its 2018 leaderboard report.
Winning Performance
In 2017, SEL powerMAX was recognized as the top-performing control system at a microgrid symposium hosted by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and the MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
Later that year, a powerMAX microgrid control system won a rigorous, 21-week procurement competition held by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
SEL outperformed the competition by achieving economical operation and superior stability under a wide array of difficult operating conditions. A powerMAX microgrid control system is now installed at the NREL Energy Systems Integration Facility, where it is used to test emerging microgrid technologies.
SEL Microgrid Controller Wins NREL Competition
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) invited five teams to compete in a two-part, 21-week microgrid controller competition.
Our Support
Security and Quality 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.