The collaboration aims to bring technology developed by Siemens Energy Management Division with Bentley’s network management, design, and operations applications. This will form a new integrated system for analysis, design optimization, and distributed energy resources.
The aim is to reduce costs, improve reliability and improve resilience in response of utility power networks. The companies bring different areas of expertise to the venture. Bentley’s, according to the website Power Engineering, has expertise in infrastructure design and Siemens has detailed knowledge of the transmission and distribution of electrical power.
Distributed energy resources refers to electrical generation and storage performed by a variety of small, grid-connected devices referred to as distributed energy resources. These are so-termed smart utilities, decentralized, modular and more flexible technologies, that are located close to the load they serve.
The two companies both have sophisticated systems which work with energy systems. Bentley Systems have developed Open-Utilities applications and Siemens have their own Power System Simulation suite. The new venture will require both firms to integrate their products to make the capabilities available within one single unified application.
In terms of the immediate plans, these include developing integrated analysis that will make use of geospatial network management to supply a model to designers, planners and engineers. One focus here will be with eliminating disconnected processes which lead to cost inefficiencies through lost power. Also in the design offering will be tools for engineers to put together viable, low-cost designs which will be reliable and resilient. A third area will be a focus on integrating renewable energy sources into an established grid.
It is expected these new approaches will aid utility owners and those tasked with managing operators to share critical information.
Commenting on the new partnership, Ralf Christian, CEO of Siemens Energy Management division, stated: “The energy industry trend toward decentralisation represents a significant challenge as well as a great opportunity for power producers and consumers alike, and our strategic alliance with Bentley Systems will help our customers better leverage this changing landscape through the combination of our powerful solutions.”
