Powering the Future: Unlocking the Potential of Direct Current | Schneider Electric

Summary

In this talk, Schneider Electric partners John Moy and Sebastian Ghana explore the emerging technology of DC microgrids as a solution to grid congestion and sustainability challenges. They discuss the benefits of DC systems, including increased energy efficiency and resilience, and the importance of partnerships in driving innovation. The speakers highlight the impact of grid limitations on businesses and the potential of DC microgrids to offer scalable, efficient energy solutions, emphasizing the role of standardization through the Current OS Foundation for interoperability and safety.

Takeaways

• 🤝 Schneider Electric and DC Systems are partnering to innovate in the space of DC microgrids, focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency.
• 🚀 DC microgrids are seen as a new and exciting technology that fills a market niche, particularly in the face of increasing demand for electric vehicles and sustainable energy solutions.
• 🏭 Electro International, a panel build company based in the Netherlands, has specialized in Schneider Electric products for 30 years, focusing on industry, machine builders, and data centers.
• 🔌 Grid congestion in the Netherlands is a significant issue, limiting the capacity for businesses to expand or even start, highlighting the need for alternative energy solutions like DC microgrids.
• 💡 The shift towards electric vehicles and heat pumps is increasing the strain on the electrical grid, necessitating innovative solutions to manage energy demand sustainably.
• 🛠️ DC Systems is working on implementing DC microgrids within existing AC installations, creating hybrid grids that offer increased efficiency and resilience.
• 🔋 The use of DC microgrids can lead to a 7-10% increase in energy efficiency by reducing the need for ACDC conversions, with some applications seeing even greater savings.
• 🛡️ DC microgrids offer enhanced resilience, as demonstrated by a case in Amsterdam where a building continued to operate during an outage, running on battery and PV installation.
• 🌐 The Current OS Foundation, initiated by Schneider Electric, aims to create interoperability standards for DC systems, ensuring plug-and-play compatibility between different manufacturers' products.
• 📉 The cost of implementing DC microgrids is becoming more feasible as semiconductor technology advances and the demand for sustainable energy solutions grows.
• 🌟 DC microgrids are scalable and can be easily expanded, such as adding more EV charging stations, due to the standardized behaviors set by the Current OS Foundation.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the discussion in the video script?

The main topic of the discussion is the importance of partnerships and the emerging technology of DC microgrids, particularly in the context of Schneider Electric's initiatives.

Who are John Moy and Sebastian Ghana, as mentioned in the script?

John Moy is one of the partners from Schneider Electric in the Netherlands, and Sebastian Ghana is the managing director for DC Systems, focusing on DC microgrid technology.

What is the significance of DC microgrids in the current energy market?

DC microgrids are significant as they fill a niche in the market by providing a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient way of distributing energy, especially in areas facing grid congestion.

What challenges do business owners face in the Netherlands regarding grid capacity?

Business owners in the Netherlands face challenges such as grid congestion, where there is no capacity left in the grid for extending factories or building new ones, forcing them to make decisions on which equipment to use or not use.

How does the increasing demand for sustainable energy sources impact the Dutch grid?

The increasing demand for sustainable energy sources, such as electric vehicles and heat pumps, is putting a strain on the Dutch grid, leading to more grid congestion and the need for new solutions.

What is the role of Electro International in the context of Schneider Electric?

Electro International is a panel build company based in the Netherlands that has been working exclusively with Schneider Electric for nearly 40 years, focusing on panel building for various markets, including data centers.

What benefits can DC microgrids provide in terms of energy efficiency?

DC microgrids can provide energy efficiency benefits of 7 to 10% by changing the way energy is converted and distributed, reducing the need for multiple ACDC converters and allowing for more direct and efficient energy use.

How does the concept of 'Electricity in a Box' relate to DC microgrids?

The concept of 'Electricity in a Box' relates to DC microgrids by offering a scalable and modular solution that can include solar panels, EV chargers, and other DC loads, all managed within a contained system.

What is the Current OS Foundation and its role in DC microgrids?

The Current OS Foundation is an initiative aimed at creating interoperability standards for DC microgrids, ensuring that devices from different manufacturers can work together seamlessly in a DC system.

How does the script address the safety concerns related to high-voltage DC systems?

The script addresses safety concerns by discussing the advancements in solid-state technology, which allows for super-fast breaking and protection in DC systems, making them safer and more manageable.

What are some of the future steps or resources mentioned in the script for those interested in learning more about DC microgrids?

The script mentions visiting booths for demonstrations, checking the homepage of DC Systems, and looking out for training videos and online resources that will be launched to educate people on DC microgrid technology.