Whether for residential, commercial, or industrial applications, Rubicon’s microgrid controllers provide robust and versatile energy management, adapting to the ever-changing demands and opportunities within the energy landscape.
Microgrids are self-contained systems that generate power using renewable energy, batteries, or generators, providing communities with clean and reliable energy. Introducing Rubicon’s APEX Microgrid Controller System (MCS)…
A promising alternative
In South Africa, microgrids have gained popularity due to the energy crisis, which has been characterised by frequent power outages caused by ageing infrastructure and high demand. Considering the current constraints to generate energy reliably at a national level, microgrids offer a promising alternative to traditional energy distribution, delivering clean and uninterrupted power.
Rubicon’s APEX MCS optimises power management to ensure cost-efficient and uninterrupted power supply in grid-connected and islanded microgrids. Its in-house APEX energy manufacturing facility produces energy solutions, including microgrid controller systems, engineered to perform in local conditions.
The APEX MCS family of controllers is specifically designed for demanding power management applications, both on-grid and off-grid. These controllers effectively manage and control microgrid elements based on site-specific requirements, grid regulations, and available power sources.
A standout feature is its ability to seamlessly transition between different operational modes. For example, the system can prioritise backup power today, shift to photovoltaic (PV) self-consumption tomorrow, and focus on tariff arbitrage the day after.
The key benefits of the APEX MCS include Time of Use (TOU) optimisation, battery arbitrage, and export limiting. Its controller’s integration with cloud services enhances the control of local energy sources, setting it apart from other products in the microgrid market.
A flexible solution
The MCS offers a flexible and intelligent solution for modern energy management needs. Leveraging advanced cloud services and adaptive control strategies ensures that energy is always managed in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.
The APEX MCS is versatile and suited for a variety of use cases, namely:
- Microgrid systems: Optimises the management of energy sources and loads in both grid-connected and islanded microgrids, ensuring cost-effective and uninterrupted energy delivery.
- Decentralised energy plants: Provides robust control and coordination for decentralised energy plants, enhancing efficiency and reliability.
- DNP3 control with multiple inverters: Enables advanced DNP3 control for seamless integration and management of multiple inverters within a microgrid. This ensures synchronised operation and optimised performance.
- Battery energy storage systems (BESS) and genset control: Reduces diesel usage by efficiently managing BESS and genset operations. This optimises energy storage and generation to lower operational costs and environmental impact.
- Remote monitoring: Offers real-time remote monitoring capabilities, allowing users to oversee and control their energy systems from anywhere. This ensures optimal performance and rapid response to any issues.
By addressing these diverse use cases, the APEX MCS provides a comprehensive solution for modern energy management, delivering enhanced efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
“The APEX MCS is a testament to intelligent and adaptable energy management, empowering users to achieve a new level of control and efficiency coupled with peace of mind,” says Rubicon, whose extensive industry experience allows its team to provide high-level technical support.