Streamline BESS Operations with Real-time Linux ECS Control
8/22/2024
The ECU-150 IoT gateway supports streamlined battery energy storage control & monitoring to optimize operations
Renewable energy generation and energy storage control hubs need secure access to upstream grid and market opportunities. Building out a successful technology architecture and integration of required equipment can be costly and time-consuming.
A battery energy storage system (BESS) typically involves connecting to and monitoring various equipment and subsystems, which may include a battery management system (BMS), power conversion system, power distribution, environmental control system (ECS), energy meters, or additional components like control and video surveillance systems.
By intelligently monitoring and controlling BESS equipment, operators can optimize power management through load balancing and peak shaving, resulting in operations that are more efficient, economical, and environmentally sustainable. To achieve effective control, management, and digital transformation in energy storage, a reliable Industrial IoT framework is required.
Advantech recently partnered with a global energy storage leader to provide industrial technology solutions for building critical infrastructure in Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for energy management farms. The customer required an ECS controller for comprehensive system control and 24/7 environmental monitoring.
Key specifications included a Linux operating system, a power-efficient CPU, expansive I/O, and support for legacy system functions to ensure backward compatibility.
Advantech provides rugged, reliable hardware tailored to the demands of energy applications, which frequently encounter extreme temperatures and electromagnetic interference. The customer chose Advantech’s ECU-150 IoT gateway for its ECS controller.
High-performance quad-core IoT gateway for energy storage
The ECU-150 is a high-performance IoT gateway, featuring an NXP i.MX8M Quad Core processor and open platform design. It offers robust connectivity with two isolated RS-232/485 serial ports, two 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, and a USB 3.0 port.
This Linux-compatible gateway comes with the intuitive EdgeLink configuration tool, enabling system integrators to create tailored solutions for solar and electrical power generation, as well as factory automation. With support for robust data collection, seamless cloud integration, and video monitoring, the ECU-150 is ideal for demanding applications.
In addition to the ECU-150, the customer also integrated an Advantech unmanaged Ethernet switch into the system framework. To build an IoT network that enables real-time data visualization and monitoring, gateways and switches play a crucial role. These components make it possible to create a high-speed, low-latency network for transmitting data to either a local server or a cloud-based server at a remote monitoring and control center.
The customer installed one EKI-7XXX series managed Ethernet switch per server in the EMS farm. Advantech’s EKI-7XXX family series offers rugged managed switches with diverse port options and protocols for connecting field assets. Equipped with Advantech IXM technology for smooth implementation and deployment, these switches provide high reliability for secure, continuous data transmission.
System Architecture
Advantech’s hardware prioritizes openness and scalability, ideal for organizations planning to expand and adapt systems in the future. Open platforms empower developers to create highly scalable systems and effortlessly transition them between various platforms and cloud environments.
The Hardware
Advantech Managed Ethernet Switches
- Hardened, rugged design for reliability & stability
- Supports Advantech IXM technology
- Provides fast Ethernet and Gigabit combo ports, in addition to numerous network protocols like SNMP, PROFINET, and Ethernet/IP
- Communicates with networking management system
ECU-150 IoT Gateway
- NXP i.MX8M Quad Core Cortex A53 1.3G CPU
- 4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC for system storage
- 2 x RS-232/485 isolated serial ports
- 2 x 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports
- Expansion modules for CANbus
- Optional Wi-Fi/Cellular/4G expansion
- Modbus, MQTT, IEC-60870-5, DNP3.0, OPC-UA, BACNet (ECU-150- 12A1&ECU-150-12A1U need container EdgeLink)
- Linux OS
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