Microgrids

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.

In 2018, the SEL powerMAX system won the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) microgrid challenge, a rigorous 21-week microgrid control and cybersecurity evaluation competition.

Configuring a reliable microgrid goes beyond merely selecting the right components. Microgrids pose a difficult and unique set of engineering challenges. Our power system engineers are leaders in microgrid development, design, and implementation—and they’re focused on finding the best possible solution for your unique situation.

SEL leverages the time-proven strengths of relay-based protection and control architecture and our products’ unmatched reliability to create resilient and efficient microgrid systems. By designing for reliability first, we reduce operations costs, improve system performance, and deliver an unbeatable lifetime return on investment for our customers.

Every microgrid project includes four steps that ensure the success of your SEL-engineered solution.

1. Define System Requirements
   Front-end engineering design (FEED) establishes and defines technical requirements, applicable standards, and project guidelines. SEL has field-proven success with microgrid projects and decades of experience as a trusted utilities solution provider. We draw on this experience to develop a plan that prevents unexpected changes, reduces risk, and ensures efficient execution of the project.
2. Evaluate System Performance
   We use our expertise in system modeling and studies to perform detailed simulations, which help microgrid owners make key decisions. These studies and simulations can be used to plan a new microgrid, evaluate and improve an existing microgrid, or investigate a specific system vulnerability.
3. Perform Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing
   SEL microgrid control systems that connect to the utility grid are tested in our state-of-the-art Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) lab. We put the actual SEL hardware that will run the system through an intense battery of tests to verify that the whole system performs as expected. This lets us commission your microgrid quickly and smoothly.
4. Transfer Knowledge
   Comprehensive training is part of the implementation process. We provide a complete set of materials and documentation along with onsite personnel training and advanced engineering training for ongoing system and configuration management.  Advanced engineering training is also available. In addition, you have access to free technical support for the life of your SEL solution.

Quality and Security

All of our products are designed, tested, and manufactured in SEL-owned and -operated facilities in North America.

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.

Products You Can Rely On

Our products are designed to withstand the world’s most challenging environments, exceeding all industry standards for temperature, shock, and electric stress. An optional conformal coating adds an extra level of protection against contaminants in extreme environments.

Every SEL product comes with a ten-year unconditional warranty—the best in the industry. If any product fails under warranty, we’ll repair or replace it for free.