'Plug and Play' microgrid module developed in Switzerland
ABB has launched a modular "plug and play" microgrid which aims to help maximise the use of renewable energy sources. The technology is designed to provide power access in remote areas and also a cost-effective, uninterrupted power supply to industry and communities during outages. The equipment needed to run the microgrid has been housed within a container for faster, easier deployment and customers can opt for microgrid configurations based on solar, wind, grid or diesel supply. Operation and maintenance are performed via a cloud-based service system.

Modular microgrid offers scalable, containerized solution for easy transport, fast and safe installation and commissioning

Zurich, Switzerland, October 10, 2016 - ABB today announced a modular and scalable 'plug and play' microgrid solution to address the globally growing demand for flexible technology in the developing market for distributed power generation. The cost-efficient, containerized solution is relevant for mature and emerging countries and will help maximize the use of renewable energy sources while reducing dependence on fossil fuels used by generator sets.

ABB's innovative technology with the PowerStore Battery and the dedicated Microgrid Plus control system as well as cloud-based remote service can not only provide power access to remote areas, but also secure cost-efficient uninterrupted power supply to communities and industries during both planned and unplanned power outages from the main grid supply.

All the equipment required to run the microgrid - ABB's power converter and dedicated control system, Microgrid Plus, as well as battery storage - has been integrated into a container for faster, easier and safer deployment. The customer can choose to configure the microgrid to integrate energy from solar, wind, main grid or diesel generator supply, based on the application and local conditions.

ABB's modular microgrid is compact and has four pre-designed variants in the range of 50 kW to 4,600 kW, to meet varying customer needs. The standard integrated functionalities include grid-connected and off-grid operation with seamless transition. It is a containerized solution designed for easy transpor­tation, fast installation and commissioning onsite. Operations and maintenance is enabled via a cloud-based remote service system, another example of ABB's clear positioning as a pioneering technology leader driving the energy and fourth industrial revolutions.

'Our modular, standardized and scalable microgrid solution will provide cost efficient access to reliable power for rural and urban applications, as a plug-and-play solution', said Claudio Facchin, President of ABB's Power Grids division. 'It exemplifies ABB's continued commitment to innovation and reducing environmental impact by enhancing the integration of renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil-fuels, all key elements of ABB's Next Level strategy.'

ABB is a pioneer and world leader in microgrid technology with more than 30 completed installations across a diverse range of applications, serving remote communities, islands, utilities and industrial campuses. ABB's comprehensive microgrid offering includes consulting, design and engineering, supply, installation commissioning and lifecycle services.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. For more than four decades, ABB is writing the future of industrial digitalization. With more than 70 million devices connected through its installed base of more than 70,000 control systems across all customer segments, ABB is ideally positioned to benefit from the Energy and Fourth Industrial Revolution. With a heritage of more than 130 years, ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 135,000 employees. www.abb.com

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