AlsoEnergy is advancing the vision of an easy-to-configure control solution for any combination of solar and storage assets with smart scheduling.
AlsoEnergy is advancing the vision of an easy-to-configure control solution for any combination of solar and storage assets with smart scheduling. Using algorithms and intuitive modes that work together to provide optimal plant operations in any situation, smart scheduling simplifies control of grid-connected facilities. One use case for AlsoEnergy control and smart scheduling is energy arbitrage. In this scenario, an asset owner can charge a battery from solar production or the grid when permitted during off-peak hours and discharge during peak hours to offset consumption from the utility grid. On a seasonal basis, the smart scheduler can ensure battery charging is complete before the peak pricing period begins. Smart scheduling can also supplement solar production to offset facility loads and complete the discharge by the end of the day to prepare for the next day’s cycle.
Scheduling has been expanded to support a range of plant control modes for real power, reactive power, and managing battery storage.
AlsoEnergy’s first scheduler released for utility controls was used for seasonal voltage scheduling. Scheduling has since been expanded to support a range of plant control modes for real power, reactive power, and managing battery storage. Each mode is designed for fast, accurate control and smooth transitions between scheduled operating modes. Battery operations can support several energy arbitrage modes and energy optimizations.
Real power scheduling supports:
- Scheduled dispatch for remote operations center (ROC) controls
- Curtailment setpoint
- Automatic Generation Control (AGC) setpoint
- Direct inverter power setpoint
Reactive power scheduling supports:
- Scheduled dispatch for ROC controls
- Voltage setpoint
- Power factor setpoint
- VAR setpoint
- Direct inverter setpoint
Battery storage scheduling supports:
- Scheduled dispatch for ROC controls
- Plant export and import limiting for energy arbitrage
- Plant power smoothing
- Inverter clipping capture
- Battery-directed charge
- Target battery state of charge
The scheduler interface uses an intuitive, graphical layout. It has up to five plant schedules that can be saved on the control and used seasonally. Each schedule consists of one week of configurable plant modes. Daily schedules can be configured one by one or copied from existing schedules. To configure a schedule for any 24-hour period, enable plant mode or modes and enter the desired setpoints, duration, start time, and end time.