Page 39 - Energize August 2022

VIEWS AND OPINION

Ideal power ecosystem for IPPs

by Warrick Gibbens, Cummins Southern Africa

hile Cummins has traditionally focused on diesel technology, it continually embraces
innovative new solutions. This makes it a perfect partner for Independent Power
WProducers (IPPs) focusing on renewable energy but still relying on diesel power. We
supply fully-fledged hybrid systems integrated with our diesel gensets, that allow for other power
sources in the energy mix for completely reliable backup power. The company’s holistic solutions
optimise customer downtime, reliability and redundancy.
Cummins is a leader in the evolution of the traditional power system to a complete power
ecosystem. Its “emissionised” gensets offer green energy solutions. For example, while solar
power and battery backup can offset carbon emissions to a certain extent, Cummins has
developed emissionised genset technology to reduce gas emissions, thus partnering with
customers to reduce their carbon footprint, and working toward a cleaner solution.
The company’s technologies are designed to support integrated microgrid solutions around
the world, from off-grid and remote locations to urban and life-saving applications. Its solutions
fully integrate all components of a microgrid, including diesel and natural gas gensets, hydrogen
technologies, renewable energy sources, battery storage systems, system level controls, transfer
switches and remote monitoring capabilities. Warrick Gibbens
Microgrids are locally controlled power sources that can integrate multiple energy resources
such as diesel, gas, wind, or solar power. Microgrids provide independent power so that when the It continues to advance technology and
traditional power grid experiences loadshedding, for example, a microgrid can immediately switch power solutions essential to our future. It
to backup generators and batteries. understands that strong communities and
The microgrid control allows the components to function as a seamlessly integrated power business depend on a healthier planet,
source so that weather, utility prices and performance data can be monitored, to enable well- and understands that it cannot do this
informed decisions to assist in keeping costs low and Powering a World That’s Always On. alone. Hence PLANET 2050 is its long-range
business strategy with an environmental
The advantages of microgrids are: lens which uses actions, advocacy and
• Resiliency: When one energy source fails, microgrids ensure continuous power by immediately partnerships to do our part to drive change
switching to other connected sources. for a healthy planet.
• Decarbonisation: Microgrids can incorporate renewable energy sources, offering a practical
solution for decarbonisation efforts. The goals cover three major priorities:
• Efficiency: Intelligent microgrid controls monitor performance to ensure efficiency. Energy 1. Address climate change and air
resource technologies, available government incentives and utilities can reduce the total cost emissions
of ownership. 2. Use natural resources sustainably
• Flexibility: Modularity caters for changing energy needs with ease by matching the provided 3. Partnering so that our communities are
power to the needed load. better because we are there

Cummins’ range of diesel and natural gas generators are suited for all microgrid power generation By 2050, Cummins’ aspirational targets
requirements, ranging from 17 to 3750 kVA. Advanced Microgrid Controls support multiple include carbon neutrality, to waste nothing,
configurations and design implementation solutions to adapt to evolving microgrid requirements. and have a net positive impact in every
With a single interface, this control supports a truly integrated microgrid power system. community in which it operates. These are
The company offers PowerCommand Cloud, a cloud-based system which checks system big goals, and it is committed to realising
status, identifies faults, or accesses critical notifications remotely. Trend data can be accumulated them.
over time to optimise resources, balance loads and inform decision-making to optimise
operations. Contact Sbu Gule, Cummins Africa Middle
The company is developing advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology, delivering uninterrupted East, Phone 011 451-3400,
continuous, on-demand or standby power supply. When generating cleaner, renewable hydrogen, Ame.abo.communication@cummins.com
Cummins’ electrolysers deliver high-purity hydrogen with secure, simple operations, low Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
maintenance and global support from installation to start-up. CumminsAfricaME/
Cummins works with third-party providers as needed, to incorporate battery storage and solar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/
photovoltaic equipment. In addition, it continues to invest in future technologies and products company/cummins-africa/
to meet emission requirements around the world, supporting the push for decarbonisation. The Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cummins_
company is committed to making people’s lives better by powering a more prosperous world. Africa

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