Aspen Technology launches new microgrid management system

Aspen Technology has announced the launch of its Microgrid Management System aimed at industries with significant power requirements.

The system targets sectors such as refining, chemicals, and mining, where there is a reliance on on-site conventional and renewable power generation, alongside active load management and energy storage. The Microgrid Management System is built on the AspenTech OSI monarch SCADA platform, aiding companies in enhancing operational performance while striving towards net-zero emission targets.

In a context where energy demand is rising, and grid infrastructure is increasingly challenged by factors such as severe weather events and cybersecurity threats, solutions like AspenTech's MMS are becoming critical for high-energy consumers. These sectors are at risk of extended power outages and limitations in power consumption, which can lead to cascading effects on production and business continuity, including higher costs and environmental penalties.

Sally Jacquemin, Vice President of Power and Utilities at AspenTech, stated, "AspenTech's new microgrid solution reduces energy vulnerability and business risk by bringing innovation to asset-intensive industries based on decades of electric utility control and automation experience gained at more than 400 global utilities. AspenTech Microgrid Management System brings functionality and flexibility to the power challenge, helping heavy energy users achieve both operational and net-zero objectives."

AspenTech's MMS is part of its Digital Grid Management suite and offers customers enhanced power reliability through active, real-time management of power resources, including renewable energy. The system improves situational awareness, which helps maximise return on investment, and offers enhanced cybersecurity to protect critical loads.

The system incorporates a robust Industrial AI approach that forecasts power consumption and renewable generation up to 35 days in advance. This feature enables improved scheduling and optimisation, allowing for maximised use of generation resources while reducing emissions and electricity costs.

Standard features of the AspenTech MMS include real-time control, trending, alarming, and reporting to ensure system reliability. It also allows for the optimisation of renewable energies in concert with traditional electricity generation and battery storage, aligned with active load management. Users benefit from forecasting capabilities that enable peak shaving and optimised battery charging and discharging through a robust interface.

Additionally, advanced capabilities are accessible to customers through AspenTech's broader Digital Grid Management suite of solutions. These features provide further support for industries aiming to manage their power usage more effectively while progressing towards sustainability objectives.

AspenTech solutions address complex environments where it is critical to optimise the asset design, operation and maintenance lifecycle. Through the company's combination of domain expertise and innovation, customers in asset-intensive industries can run their assets safer, greener, longer and faster to improve their operational excellence.