Blog
10 Benefits of using a Microgrid
A microgrid is a localized energy system that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main power grid. It consists of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and advanced control systems. The main benefits of a microgrid include: Download Infographic 1. Energy Resilience and ReliabilityMicrogrids can operate autonomously…
The Domestic Content Bonus Credit: What do we know now?
A few weeks ago, I attended a webinar – hosted by PV Magazine in conjunction with Clean Energy Associates – about the Domestic Content Bonus Credit in the Inflation Reduction Act. The webinar discussed Notice 2023-38, which is guidance released by the IRS and US Treasury in May regarding the IRA, and some of the…
The Great Power Systems Debate: SCR vs SMPS Rectifiers
Two major considerations when deciding what type of rectifier to purchase are the cost and ease of maintenance. With regard to SCR vs SMPS rectifiers, their ultimate differences and similarities may surprise you. But first, let’s discuss the key characteristics of each of these rectifiers. What is an SCR or Thyristor Rectifier? An SCR or…
4 FAQs about DC Coupling in Utility-Scale Energy Storage
The installation of DC Coupled solutions in utility-scale energy storage, pioneered by Dynapower in 2018, has grown quickly in popularity. However, there are still some common misconceptions about this topology and its applications that I’d like to address. In short, DC coupled solutions are less expensive, simpler, lower maintenance, and revenue-positive solution for most PV…
If you can’t stand the heat…
Heat. When you are looking to kick back on a beach with a cool umbrella drink, it’s a good thing. For electronics? Not so much. In fact, heat management is one of the most critical, if not THE most critical factor in ensuring high reliability and longevity for your equipment. Rectifiers have three major parts:…
DC Coupled Energy Storage – a Game Changer for Renewables
As the demand for renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, continues to skyrocket, so does the need for efficient energy storage solutions – and DC Coupled Energy Storage offers an outstanding option in many applications. Since this technology is new to many people, I wanted to publish this blog to discuss the basics…
Good, Better, Best: 3 Approaches to Managing Industrial Rectifier Maintenance
Rectifiers play an extremely important part in industrial production and their performance can make or break your targets for production and profit. So industrial rectifier maintenance should be a high priority, right? Well…in my experience, I’ve seen a wide range of approaches to caring for rectifiers but, generally, they fall into one of three categories:…
Observations on Stationary Storage from Grid-Scale Renewable Development Day
Last week, I had the chance to catch a panel discussion on energy storage systems – specifically stationary storage – at the virtual renewable energy conference event offered by LEK Consulting and Piper Sandler. Our General Manager, Adam Knudsen, was on the panel along with participants from Fluence Energy and Powin and focused on “Unlocking…
The countdown to the H2 Hub award announcement
The clock is ticking down on the Department of Energy’s award decisions for the $8B in funding available to create 6-10 Hydrogen Hubs. The hub funding was authorized in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and further support is coming from “green” hydrogen production credits in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. (For…
“Make hydrogen while the breeze blows, wind and tide wait for no man” – Danish Proverb, adapted
The Danish Consulate of New York hosted a roundtable on Hydrogen and Offshore wind in NYC this week. Hosted by Ambassador Berit Basse, the agenda included speakers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Invest in Denmark team, the Danish Energy Agency, and COWI, the lead consultancy behind the government’s hydrogen infrastructure master plan. While nominally…
SUR/FIN 2023: Dynamically adapting to the needs of the metal finishing industry
We recently attended the 2023 SUR/FIN Conference—an annual conference and expo held by The National Association for Surface Finishing—where we connected with others in the metal finishing industry to share our expertise and discuss power systems that will help metal finishers to really polish their process. Donning blue plaid flannel shirts, Dynapower #SURFIN team 2023…
Key Takeaways from the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo
Earlier this month, together with Sara Millies-Lucke, Key Account Manager for E-Mobility, I attended the 2023 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo (ACT EXPO) in Anaheim. It was a great experience – both Sara and I came away from it very impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of all participants. Here are my key takeaways from the…
How the New Infrastructure Bill Will Affect Hydrogen Production in the U.S.
In November 2022, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—a rare and historic investment in U.S. infrastructure and a huge step forward in tackling the global climate crisis at foot. This monumental legislation apportions $65 billion to clean energy and grid improvements alone, but how much of that funding is going to hydrogen, and how will…
How to Determine the True Value of Solar With Battery Backup Power
As climate change continues to cause more distress to public life and mass blackouts and power outages become increasingly common, businesses are turning to solar combined with energy storage solutions to combat some of the problems with our traditional power grid system. But as building owners and investors study the ROI of a backup battery…
How to reduce or eliminate demand charges with energy storage
Understanding the breakdown of electricity usage can generate substantial savings for business owners. When it comes to electricity bills, most commercial and industrial power customers simply accept the charges and pay them—but this doesn’t have to be the case. According to a recent blog post by Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, utility demand charges can account…
How Energy Storage Can Mitigate Power Outages
Power outages often strike quickly and with little warning, leading to downtime and massive repair costs—and disaster preparation rarely occurs until it’s too late. Fortunately, most of these losses are completely preventable by investing in energy storage solutions like battery backup power. The cost of a power outage Even short-term power outages can be disastrous…
Rectifiers: Nearly Everything You Need to Know
What is a Rectifier? A rectifier is an electrical device used to convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) by allowing a current to flow through the device in one direction only. Diodes work like one-way valves within the rectifier to maintain this flow of current. This process is generally known as “rectification.” While…
Dynapower: Connecting Power to Clean Transportation
As pressure intensifies to rid the world of harmful greenhouse gases, the transportation industry is undergoing a massive shift—and for good reason. The transportation sector in the U.S. emits the largest amount of greenhouse gases (28%), and its transition to alternative fuels is imperative to the slowing of catastrophic climate change. Gas and diesel-powered cars,…
How to Maximize EV Charging Station Profitability with Energy Storage
The production of electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to rise sharply due to a combination of global public policy pressure, climate concerns, and rising gas prices. Bloomberg estimates that by 2025, plug-in EVs will make up 23% of new passenger vehicles, rising from $6.6 million in sales to $20.6 million. Although EV adoption rates will…
Green Hydrogen: A Solution to Decarbonization
Dynapower’s innovation in power supplies is now helping to power the production of hydrogen fuel with clean energy from solar and wind, furthering the world’s decarbonization efforts. With the help of our DC/DC converters and inverters, this “green” hydrogen revolution is sweeping across the globe, making way for a clean energy future. As part of…
The power of energy storage microgrids to improve grid resiliency
An increased focus on grid resiliency along with the proliferation of Distributed Energy Resources (DER)—such as solar and wind—has made microgrids an attractive alternative to the traditional centralized grid system. But what are microgrids, and what value can they provide to grid resiliency? What are microgrids? Microgrids are small collections of loads controlled locally by…
DC Coupled Solar Plus Storage: Maximize PV Production & Profits
Traditional solar plus storage applications have involved the coupling of independent storage and PV inverters at an AC bus, or alternatively the use of multi-input hybrid inverters. Here we will examine how a new cost-effective approach of coupling energy storage to existing PV arrays with a DC to DC converter can help maximize production and…
Selecting The Right DC Power Supply for Green Hydrogen Production
As engineers start to think about the design and prototype for hydrogen production components, the starting point is not always immediately clear. When it comes to generating green hydrogen through electrolysis, you have a few options depending on your specific application. You’re getting ready to invest a lot of money into scaling your production up. We…
Reverse DC-Coupled PV+Storage
In 2018, Dynapower deployed the first DC-DC converter in a DC-coupled PV+S (PV + storage) configuration at an existing utility-scale PV+S installation. Since then, the innovative solar-plus-storage solution has gained traction due to the ability of DC-coupled PV+S to increase PV energy capture and decrease the costs as compared to AC-coupled energy storage solutions. Recent…
How Energy Storage Can Transform Grid Resiliency
Mass blackouts and power outages have been plaguing hundreds of thousands of Californians in the past week. The outages are a result of one of the state’s largest utility companies–Pacific Gas & Electric–shutting off power to avoid potential wildfires. This has sparked quite a debate among the public and media. PG&E has received criticism from…
Dynapower’s Black Start Technology for Microgrids
Islanded operation, or operation in the the absence of grid connection, is a primary application of energy storage systems. In the case of a microgrid, the ability to island enables energy storage to provide backup power, increasing resilience and reliability of the microgrid. In the event a microgrid were to be de-energized due to a…
Dynapower’s DC Pre-Charge Units
When DC voltage is applied to the input of an energy storage inverter, large inrush currents will occur as the DC bus capacitance will initially appear as a short. Without the use of a pre-charge unit, these inrush currents can damage the batteries, the capacitors and IGBTs. Essentially, a pre-charge circuit puts resistance in series…
Engineering Upgrades: A Breakdown of Our Touchpad and Touchscreen Controllers
At Dynapower, we refer to engineering upgrades as a term used to describe putting a non-original part in a machine as opposed to a repair—which refers to a like part for a like part exchange. An easy way to understand this is if you blow out your tire and replace it with the exact same…
SCR vs. SMPS Rectifiers: A Maintenance Perspective
A major consideration when making a decision on what type of rectifier to purchase is the cost and ease of maintenance. With regard to SCR vs SMPS rectifiers, the ultimate differences and similarities in this area may surprise you. But first, let’s discuss the key characteristics of each of these rectifiers. What is an SCR?…
Dynapower Receives TÜV Rheinland Certification for Its DC-to-DC Converters
Dynapower is proud to announce that its DPS-500 DC-to-DC converter for solar plus storage has been certified for IEC 62109 from TÜV Rheinland. It is the first DC to DC converter designed for utility-scale solar plus storage applications to receive this important safety designation. “Dynapower designs and builds the safest, highest performing energy storage inverters…
