Product Deep Dive

The Energy Control Center (ECC)/Microgrid Control Center (MGCC) from Schneider Electric, is a standardized low voltage microgrid control center. It is designed to simplify and optimize the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)—like generator (Genset), solar photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)—that are used to manage, store, and provide power to the microgrid.

The ECC/MGCC brings together multiple DERs, including utility. DERs perform their core functions autonomously and exchange information with the microgrid control system.

Standard version of Energy Control Center (ECC)/Microgrid Control Center (MGCC), tested and validated with EcoStruxure Microgrid Flex software only allows the following options:

• NEMA 1/NEMA 3R: User can select ECC/MGCC designed for indoor applications (NEMA 1) or ECC designed for outdoor applications (NEMA 3R).

• HMI: User can decide to have or not have SCADA (Local HMI) for NEMA 1 ECC. HMI is not available for NEMA 3R ECC.

• DER and Load Breakers: User can select the PowerPacT^TM circuit breakers, in the middle section of the ECC/MGCC, as per the requirement and available space.

Tested and validated energy control center/microgrid control center consists of three distinct sections:

• Section 1 (Left): Automation and control section

• Section 2 (Middle): I-Line distribution section—to house the feeder circuit breakers for DERs and loads.

• Section 3 (Right): Mains section

Section 1: Automation and Control Section

Automation and control section has the following major components:

EcoStruxure Microgrid Advisor (EMA) Controller: Reference—HMIBMO64TPMA1

Features:

• Easy-to-install, standard power supply, and network connectivity

• Compatible with tested DERs—local electrical energy production sources (PV), controllable loads, and battery energy storage systems

• Fully compatible with Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Microgrid Operation (islanding capability, DER management)

Specifications:

EcoStruxure Microgrid Operation—Medium Sites (EMO-M) Controller: Reference—TM251MESE

Features:

• EMO-M controller offers an innovative, high-performance solution in the field of modular machines and distributed architectures.

• Compatible with tested DERs—local electrical energy production sources (PV), controllable loads, and battery energy storage systems

• Processing power and memory size of the controller is ideal for targeting high-performance applications.

Specifications:

ST6 Local Human Machine Interface (HMI)/ Local SCADA (Optional): Reference—HMIST6600

Local monitoring and control of DERs is now made easier, with the local HMI.

Microgrids need to balance energy generation and demand in real-time. This requires fast and accurate measurements of active and reactive powers, frequency, current and voltage levels, to enable proper power quality control and automated operation.

SCADA performs the following actions:

• It enables the control commands/functions from the microgrid controller to the different actors of the microgrid structure.

• It displays information coming from the microgrid controller: machine status, notifications, power flows, switch status, as well as other options.

• It provides seconds time-stamped sequence of event recording to enable event reconstruction and analysis.

The main local HMI window is displayed as follows:

Metering

PM5563, multifunction meter with 0.2% accuracy enables energy metering of solar photovoltaics.

All other DERs and loads can use embedded meter of circuit breakers or externally installed meters.

Other Components

Other standard components required for functioning of automation and control section are also included in this section:

• MCBs for protection of the components inside

• UPS for control supply

• Power supply as per the control supply needs for various components

• Firewall and its components for secured network architecture and remote access using LAN network available on site

• Ethernet switches for port extension

• Interposing relays for safe connection between I/Os of microgrid controls and other components inside

Section 2: I-Line Distribution Section

• House the feeder circuit breakers for DERs and loads.

• This section has 3000 A I-Line bus as standard

• User can select the PowerPacT^TM circuit breaker current ratings, in this section, as per the requirement and available space.

• Circuit breakers with motor operator as standard are available for options in this section.

• Maximum rating of PowerPacT P-frame with motor operator available is 1200 A (80% rated)

• Maximum number of selectable circuit breakers

  • PV—Two

  • Genset—One

  • BESS—One

  • Loads—Ten (As per the available space in the section)

• Metering: Embedded metering of the circuit breakers can be used for metering (if needed).

Section 3: Mains section

• 3000 A individually mounted, fixed, MasterPact^TM MTZ circuit breaker has been used as standard for mains.

• Metering: Embedded metering of circuit breakers can be used for metering (if needed).

• Surge protective device also available as standard in the mains section.

• Multi-function protection relay for sync check and reverse power protection functions has been used as standard. Other protection function can be activated during commissioning (if needed).

Other technical specifications: