Home > Resources > Articles > Renewables find success in ‘black start’ experiment

Renewables find success in ‘black start’ experiment

June 14, 2022 | 428 views

shutterstock_704507554.jpg
Have you ever thought about what would happen if a power station failed? Without electricity to bring itself back online, it would be near impossible for a station to begin operating again, like trying to set fire to paper without a flame.

This scenario would quickly lead to widespread chaos, with hospitals and schools plunged into darkness, refrigeration, and sanitation seriously hampered and transport systems brought to a standstill.

For these reasons (and many, many more), governments and electricity networks often have complex and rigorous plans in place to bring dead power stations back online at the earliest.

Spotlight

The Cadmus Group, Inc.

Cadmus provides professional consulting services that help clients achieve their goals and create social and economic value today and for future generations.

OTHER ARTICLES
SOLAR+STORAGE

A vision for renewable energy

Article | April 5, 2021

Right now, renewable energy makes up a very small part of the entire energy sector of Bangladesh. But as we move into the future, and concerns about the environment become too great to ignore, exploring cleaner and greener sources of energy becomes the need of the hour. Our economy is booming, and our population is growing, so it goes without saying that our energy requirements are immense. There is plenty of scientific evidence that burning fossil fuels indiscriminately is not sustainable in the long term, so we do need to up our game in looking at alternatives.

Read More
SOLAR+STORAGE

2020: The Year of Convergence in Corporate Renewables

Article | May 27, 2021

The rapid growth of corporate renewable procurement has been nothing short of a buyer-driven revolution in the United States’ electric sector. Almost 20 gigawatts (GWs) of corporate power purchasing agreements (PPAs) were completed in 2019 across the globe, up from 13 GWs of corporate PPAs in 2018 and triple the numbers from 2017.1,2 And the majority of this growth has come from the United States. Fortunately for those of us committed to renewable energy, we expect this trend to continue. But as should be expected in such a dynamic, buyer-driven sector, we are starting to see some noticeable shifts in the marketplace as it evolves and grows. I wanted to highlight some of the trends Constellation is watching for this year.

Read More
SOLAR+STORAGE

2020 Trends That Will Make Waves In The Energy Industry

Article | April 29, 2021

In the renewable world, energy is generated by weather and the amount of energy that can be produced depends on the current conditions. Energy storage can ensure a power supply is maintained when weather conditions are not optimal for generating energy. While energy storage products have already been introduced to all levels of the market there are several technology hurdles to overcome before energy storage will reach maximum potential. We believe there will be great advancements in 2020 on:

Read More

Solar Power, Great For The Environment? Or Is It The Last Thing We Need?

Article | February 10, 2020

Solar power is an undeniably a green, renewable form of electricity generation - but many organisations with questionable motives (even here in New Zealand) are trying to persuade the public (and Government – hi lobbyists!) that solar power isn’t that environmentally friendly, and that it's even harmful. At the expense of bullish corporate profits, solar power is often thrown under the bus. This article lists the facts - putting an end to the negative spin on solar so often found in the media. When solar panels produce power, they do not; create any air pollution, use zero water, create carbon emissions, noise pollution, and they won’t disturb surrounding ecosystems. Solar power is a renewable energy source, the sun’s rays are infinite, fill your boots.

Read More
SOLAR+STORAGE

5 New Solar Power Technologies in 2021

Article | April 5, 2021

Right now, renewable energy makes up a very small part of the entire energy sector of Bangladesh. But as we move into the future, and concerns about the environment become too great to ignore, exploring cleaner and greener sources of energy becomes the need of the hour. Our economy is booming, and our population is growing, so it goes without saying that our energy requirements are immense. There is plenty of scientific evidence that burning fossil fuels indiscriminately is not sustainable in the long term, so we do need to up our game in looking at alternatives.

Read More
SOLAR+STORAGE

Installation of a Solar System in 2021

Article | May 27, 2021

The rapid growth of corporate renewable procurement has been nothing short of a buyer-driven revolution in the United States’ electric sector. Almost 20 gigawatts (GWs) of corporate power purchasing agreements (PPAs) were completed in 2019 across the globe, up from 13 GWs of corporate PPAs in 2018 and triple the numbers from 2017.1,2 And the majority of this growth has come from the United States. Fortunately for those of us committed to renewable energy, we expect this trend to continue. But as should be expected in such a dynamic, buyer-driven sector, we are starting to see some noticeable shifts in the marketplace as it evolves and grows. I wanted to highlight some of the trends Constellation is watching for this year.

Read More
SOLAR+STORAGE

More Solar Ready To Help Power Pumping For SA Water

Article | April 29, 2021

In the renewable world, energy is generated by weather and the amount of energy that can be produced depends on the current conditions. Energy storage can ensure a power supply is maintained when weather conditions are not optimal for generating energy. While energy storage products have already been introduced to all levels of the market there are several technology hurdles to overcome before energy storage will reach maximum potential. We believe there will be great advancements in 2020 on:

Read More

Solar Power, Great For The Environment? Or Is It The Last Thing We Need?

Article | February 10, 2020

Solar power is an undeniably a green, renewable form of electricity generation - but many organisations with questionable motives (even here in New Zealand) are trying to persuade the public (and Government – hi lobbyists!) that solar power isn’t that environmentally friendly, and that it's even harmful. At the expense of bullish corporate profits, solar power is often thrown under the bus. This article lists the facts - putting an end to the negative spin on solar so often found in the media. When solar panels produce power, they do not; create any air pollution, use zero water, create carbon emissions, noise pollution, and they won’t disturb surrounding ecosystems. Solar power is a renewable energy source, the sun’s rays are infinite, fill your boots.

Read More
MORE ARTICLES

Spotlight

The Cadmus Group, Inc.

Cadmus provides professional consulting services that help clients achieve their goals and create social and economic value today and for future generations.

Related News

SOLAR+STORAGE, INDUSTRY UPDATES

Tigo Energy to Reveal Solar Solution at Genera Energy and Environment Fair in Madrid

Tigo Energy | February 20, 2023

Tigo Energy, Inc., a company specializing in intelligent solar and energy storage solutions, will introduce the Tigo EI Residential Solar Solution on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at the Genera Energy and Environment Fair in Madrid. Representatives from Tigo's business and engineering divisions will be at the conference to meet up with Spanish PV experts and demonstrate the new Tigo solar-plus-storage system. Introduced fot the Iberian market, the solution is comprised of Tigo TS4 Flex MLPE products, modular DC-coupled energy storage components, a new collection of single-phase and three-phase inverters, and the Tigo EI Link, which functions as a communications hub and central connection point for all inverter, grid, PV, and battery connections. Through module-level monitoring, Tigo Energy Intelligence software processes energy data from the EI Residential Storage System, allowing installers to manage and monitor their fleet of customer systems with just a few mouse clicks. Customers of Tigo in the EU will also enjoy industry-leading warranties and a skilled, multilingual support team, ensuring that installers receive optimal support with Tigo products. Attendees of the Genera Energy and Environment Fair can learn about the EI Residential Solution by joining one of the conference's presentations on February 21st, 22nd and 23rd, hosted by Grupo Noria at booth 8-8B04 and by DSP Solar at booth 8-8D15v. In addition, customers can visit the Genera International Energy and Environment Fair in Ifema, Madrid, from February 21 to 23, 2023, to learn more about the Tigo Flex MLPE product line and the Tigo EI Residential Solar Solution. About Tigo Energy Tigo Energy, based in Campbell (California), is the global leader in Flex MLPE (Module Level Power Electronics), which develops innovative solar power storage and conversion products that provide customers with greater freedom of choice. The Tigo TS4 platform increases solar output, reduces operating expenses, and improves security. When paired with the Tigo Energy Intelligence (EI) platform, it provides insights at the module, system, and fleet levels to boost solar performance and reduce operating costs. Tigo was founded in 2007 in Silicon Valley to promote the adoption of solar energy. Its global team supports customers whose systems produce gigawatt-hours of safe solar energy on seven continents.

Read More

SOLAR+STORAGE

Silfab Solar Expands Product Line with ELITE Solar Panels

Silfab Solar | February 28, 2023

Silfab Solar Inc., a leading photovoltaic (PV) modules manufacturer in North America, has recently announced that the next generation of Silfab ELITE – a more powerful and visually pleasing line of American-made solar panels – is now being shipped to installers throughout the country. The company utilized its patented X-pattern technology to create an efficient and robust solar panel that merges integrated cell design with an innovative conductive backsheet. Silfab ELITE generates 410 watts of power with an efficiency rating of 21.4%, with one of the best warranties in the industry. Additionally, the solar panels are exclusively manufactured in Washington at one of the most technologically advanced facilities in the United States. Silfab has manufacturing facilities across North America to serve the expanding US solar market. The company uses industry-leading automation for ultra-high efficiency module production, enables partnerships for next-gen technology applications, and provides 30-year performance warranties for its entire line of solar panels. Consistently ranked as a top provider of solar panels in terms of durability and efficiency, Silfab is the result of stringent testing and quality assurance measures coupled with superior customer service. Paolo Maccario, Chief Executive Officer at Silfab, shared, "Silfab has designed, engineered, and developed the most powerful and absolutely stunning solar panel exclusively manufactured in the United States. With its all-black sleek look, ELITE provides the aesthetics homeowners have been looking for," He added, "ELITE is another example of Silfab's 40-year record of technological and engineering prowess that give American homeowners and businesses the energy independence they deserve. ELITE puts America solar products back on top." (Source – PR Newswire) About Silfab Solar Inc. Silfab Solar, headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, is a leading North American manufacturer of premium quality PV modules. The company's 40+ years of experience in the solar industry have enabled it to become a design and development leader in its field. Silfab operates from Toronto, Canada and Bellingham, Washington (USA), with automated ISO 9001-2015 quality production lines that use just-in-time manufacturing to deliver top-notch PV panels. The panels are specifically designed for and dedicated to the North American market, ensuring they meet the region's unique requirements.

Read More

ENERGY

Power Integrations Launches 900 V GaN Flyback Switcher ICs

Power Integrations | March 21, 2023

Power Integrations, the leader in high-voltage integrated circuits (ICs) for energy-efficient power conversion, today announced a 900-volt gallium-nitride (GaN) extension to the company’s InnoSwitch3™ family of flyback switcher ICs. The new ICs, which feature the company’s proprietary PowiGaN™ technology, deliver up to 100 watts with better than 93 percent efficiency, eliminating the need for heat sinks and streamlining design of space-challenged applications. InnoSwitch3 designs also offer exceptional light-load efficiency making them ideal for providing auxiliary power in electric vehicles during low-power sleep modes. The AEC-Q100-qualified InnoSwitch3-AQ family is particularly suitable for EVs based on 400-volt bus systems where the 900-volt PowiGaN switch provides more power and increased design margin―required for 12-volt battery-replacement systems―with enhanced efficiency over silicon-based converters. “The dominant bus voltage for electric vehicles is 400 volts,” stated Peter Vaughan, automotive business development director at Power Integrations. “EV manufacturers are optimizing their new generation of 400-volt systems and re-engineering various power stages in the vehicle, such as the on-board charger. The 900-volt PowiGaN switch is extremely beneficial because it easily accommodates inductive noise spikes, yet it can operate from as low as 30 VDC, enabling systems to meet functional safety active discharge requirements. The extra power delivered by our GaN technology matches the increasing power demands of EV manufacturers, moreover, efficiency in power conversion―even in auxiliary systems―is important for both range extension and thermal management.” In the industrial space, extra power and increased efficiency are extremely advantageous in applications such as appliances, three-phase motors and auxiliary power supply units (PSUs) in servers. The new 900-volt parts are pin-for-pin compatible with existing 725-volt and 750-volt InnoSwitch3-EP parts and offer increased safety margin which is ideal for countries with unstable line voltages. “Our ability to deliver GaN parts rated at up to 900 volts demonstrates the reliability and ruggedness of our PowiGaN technology,” stated Silvestro Fimiani, senior product marketing manager at Power Integrations. The new 900-volt InnoSwitch3-EP and InnoSwitch3-AQ off-line CV/CC flyback switcher ICs employ synchronous rectification, a valley switching discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) and continuous conduction mode (CCM) flyback controller. FluxLink™ communication technology enables the IC package to bridge the isolation barrier, optimizing efficiency and eliminating the need for optocouplers. PowiGaN technology enables InnoSwitch3-EP ICs to deliver up to 100 watts (230 volts alternating current [VAC] plus or minus 15 percent) without heat sinks. InnoSwitch3-EP devices incorporate multiple protection features including line over- and under-voltage protection, output over-voltage and over-current limiting, and over-temperature shutdown. Devices are available with standard and peak power delivery options. Automotive InnoSwitch3-AQ devices can also deliver 100 watts from a 400-volt bus and provide performance and protection features similar to those of the popular 1700-volt silicon-carbide InnoSwitch3-AQ ICs currently used in 800-volt EV systems. Availability & Resources Pricing for the new 900-volt GaN InnoSwitch3-EP devices for industrial applications start at $2.00 for 10,000-unit quantities. For the InnoSwitch3-AQ automotive-qualified devices or further information on all Power Integrations’ solutions, contact a Power Integrations sales representative or one of the company’s authorized worldwide distributors: Digi-Key, Farnell, Mouser and RS Components, or visit power.com. About Power Integrations Power Integrations, Inc. is a leading innovator in semiconductor technologies for high-voltage power conversion. The company’s products are key building blocks in the clean-power ecosystem, enabling the generation of renewable energy as well as the efficient transmission and consumption of power in applications ranging from milliwatts to megawatts.

Read More

SOLAR+STORAGE, INDUSTRY UPDATES

Tigo Energy to Reveal Solar Solution at Genera Energy and Environment Fair in Madrid

Tigo Energy | February 20, 2023

Tigo Energy, Inc., a company specializing in intelligent solar and energy storage solutions, will introduce the Tigo EI Residential Solar Solution on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at the Genera Energy and Environment Fair in Madrid. Representatives from Tigo's business and engineering divisions will be at the conference to meet up with Spanish PV experts and demonstrate the new Tigo solar-plus-storage system. Introduced fot the Iberian market, the solution is comprised of Tigo TS4 Flex MLPE products, modular DC-coupled energy storage components, a new collection of single-phase and three-phase inverters, and the Tigo EI Link, which functions as a communications hub and central connection point for all inverter, grid, PV, and battery connections. Through module-level monitoring, Tigo Energy Intelligence software processes energy data from the EI Residential Storage System, allowing installers to manage and monitor their fleet of customer systems with just a few mouse clicks. Customers of Tigo in the EU will also enjoy industry-leading warranties and a skilled, multilingual support team, ensuring that installers receive optimal support with Tigo products. Attendees of the Genera Energy and Environment Fair can learn about the EI Residential Solution by joining one of the conference's presentations on February 21st, 22nd and 23rd, hosted by Grupo Noria at booth 8-8B04 and by DSP Solar at booth 8-8D15v. In addition, customers can visit the Genera International Energy and Environment Fair in Ifema, Madrid, from February 21 to 23, 2023, to learn more about the Tigo Flex MLPE product line and the Tigo EI Residential Solar Solution. About Tigo Energy Tigo Energy, based in Campbell (California), is the global leader in Flex MLPE (Module Level Power Electronics), which develops innovative solar power storage and conversion products that provide customers with greater freedom of choice. The Tigo TS4 platform increases solar output, reduces operating expenses, and improves security. When paired with the Tigo Energy Intelligence (EI) platform, it provides insights at the module, system, and fleet levels to boost solar performance and reduce operating costs. Tigo was founded in 2007 in Silicon Valley to promote the adoption of solar energy. Its global team supports customers whose systems produce gigawatt-hours of safe solar energy on seven continents.

Read More

SOLAR+STORAGE

Silfab Solar Expands Product Line with ELITE Solar Panels

Silfab Solar | February 28, 2023

Silfab Solar Inc., a leading photovoltaic (PV) modules manufacturer in North America, has recently announced that the next generation of Silfab ELITE – a more powerful and visually pleasing line of American-made solar panels – is now being shipped to installers throughout the country. The company utilized its patented X-pattern technology to create an efficient and robust solar panel that merges integrated cell design with an innovative conductive backsheet. Silfab ELITE generates 410 watts of power with an efficiency rating of 21.4%, with one of the best warranties in the industry. Additionally, the solar panels are exclusively manufactured in Washington at one of the most technologically advanced facilities in the United States. Silfab has manufacturing facilities across North America to serve the expanding US solar market. The company uses industry-leading automation for ultra-high efficiency module production, enables partnerships for next-gen technology applications, and provides 30-year performance warranties for its entire line of solar panels. Consistently ranked as a top provider of solar panels in terms of durability and efficiency, Silfab is the result of stringent testing and quality assurance measures coupled with superior customer service. Paolo Maccario, Chief Executive Officer at Silfab, shared, "Silfab has designed, engineered, and developed the most powerful and absolutely stunning solar panel exclusively manufactured in the United States. With its all-black sleek look, ELITE provides the aesthetics homeowners have been looking for," He added, "ELITE is another example of Silfab's 40-year record of technological and engineering prowess that give American homeowners and businesses the energy independence they deserve. ELITE puts America solar products back on top." (Source – PR Newswire) About Silfab Solar Inc. Silfab Solar, headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, is a leading North American manufacturer of premium quality PV modules. The company's 40+ years of experience in the solar industry have enabled it to become a design and development leader in its field. Silfab operates from Toronto, Canada and Bellingham, Washington (USA), with automated ISO 9001-2015 quality production lines that use just-in-time manufacturing to deliver top-notch PV panels. The panels are specifically designed for and dedicated to the North American market, ensuring they meet the region's unique requirements.

Read More

ENERGY

Power Integrations Launches 900 V GaN Flyback Switcher ICs

Power Integrations | March 21, 2023

Power Integrations, the leader in high-voltage integrated circuits (ICs) for energy-efficient power conversion, today announced a 900-volt gallium-nitride (GaN) extension to the company’s InnoSwitch3™ family of flyback switcher ICs. The new ICs, which feature the company’s proprietary PowiGaN™ technology, deliver up to 100 watts with better than 93 percent efficiency, eliminating the need for heat sinks and streamlining design of space-challenged applications. InnoSwitch3 designs also offer exceptional light-load efficiency making them ideal for providing auxiliary power in electric vehicles during low-power sleep modes. The AEC-Q100-qualified InnoSwitch3-AQ family is particularly suitable for EVs based on 400-volt bus systems where the 900-volt PowiGaN switch provides more power and increased design margin―required for 12-volt battery-replacement systems―with enhanced efficiency over silicon-based converters. “The dominant bus voltage for electric vehicles is 400 volts,” stated Peter Vaughan, automotive business development director at Power Integrations. “EV manufacturers are optimizing their new generation of 400-volt systems and re-engineering various power stages in the vehicle, such as the on-board charger. The 900-volt PowiGaN switch is extremely beneficial because it easily accommodates inductive noise spikes, yet it can operate from as low as 30 VDC, enabling systems to meet functional safety active discharge requirements. The extra power delivered by our GaN technology matches the increasing power demands of EV manufacturers, moreover, efficiency in power conversion―even in auxiliary systems―is important for both range extension and thermal management.” In the industrial space, extra power and increased efficiency are extremely advantageous in applications such as appliances, three-phase motors and auxiliary power supply units (PSUs) in servers. The new 900-volt parts are pin-for-pin compatible with existing 725-volt and 750-volt InnoSwitch3-EP parts and offer increased safety margin which is ideal for countries with unstable line voltages. “Our ability to deliver GaN parts rated at up to 900 volts demonstrates the reliability and ruggedness of our PowiGaN technology,” stated Silvestro Fimiani, senior product marketing manager at Power Integrations. The new 900-volt InnoSwitch3-EP and InnoSwitch3-AQ off-line CV/CC flyback switcher ICs employ synchronous rectification, a valley switching discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) and continuous conduction mode (CCM) flyback controller. FluxLink™ communication technology enables the IC package to bridge the isolation barrier, optimizing efficiency and eliminating the need for optocouplers. PowiGaN technology enables InnoSwitch3-EP ICs to deliver up to 100 watts (230 volts alternating current [VAC] plus or minus 15 percent) without heat sinks. InnoSwitch3-EP devices incorporate multiple protection features including line over- and under-voltage protection, output over-voltage and over-current limiting, and over-temperature shutdown. Devices are available with standard and peak power delivery options. Automotive InnoSwitch3-AQ devices can also deliver 100 watts from a 400-volt bus and provide performance and protection features similar to those of the popular 1700-volt silicon-carbide InnoSwitch3-AQ ICs currently used in 800-volt EV systems. Availability & Resources Pricing for the new 900-volt GaN InnoSwitch3-EP devices for industrial applications start at $2.00 for 10,000-unit quantities. For the InnoSwitch3-AQ automotive-qualified devices or further information on all Power Integrations’ solutions, contact a Power Integrations sales representative or one of the company’s authorized worldwide distributors: Digi-Key, Farnell, Mouser and RS Components, or visit power.com. About Power Integrations Power Integrations, Inc. is a leading innovator in semiconductor technologies for high-voltage power conversion. The company’s products are key building blocks in the clean-power ecosystem, enabling the generation of renewable energy as well as the efficient transmission and consumption of power in applications ranging from milliwatts to megawatts.

Read More

Events