Providing a fully digital system and design flexibility for backup power in mission-critical applications, GE has introduced its new Digital Commander Paralleling Switchgear. GE’s new switchgear improves the management and control of backup power in systems with up to 64 automatic transfer switch or circuit breaker loads in a two-generator bus configuration. This capability prevents a generator failure from interrupting power to the most critical loads and the redirection of generator capacity to the highest priority loads.
Controls up to 64 Loads in a Two-Generator Design
Digital Commander’s two-generator bus design, coupled with its ability to control a large number of unique loads, allows a mission-critical facility to better segment its backup power, isolate problems and assign priorities for system shutdowns in the event of backup power loss. In data center applications, Digital Commander facilitates full power system backup redundancy, ensuring power is supplied to critical server loads during a utility outage. For example, in the event of a generator failure in a hospital, the facility can more readily shut down power to non-critical applications—such as a cafeteria—while keeping life-safety applications, such as electricity flowing to the operating room, up and running.
Digital Commander’s two-generator bus design also enables uninterruptible system maintenance; when one generator set is out of service, having other generators synchronized on the same bus provides the needed backup power should an outage occur.
“If a generator fails and backup power is needed, mission-critical facilities can’t afford to have power interruptions,” said Travis Deutmeyer, product manager, GE’s Critical Power business. “Digital Commander helps to prevent these interruptions and gives facilities the flexibility to prioritize their power needs and redirect power to where it’s needed the most.”
Digital Design and Easy-to-Use Touch-Screen Controls
Digital Commander’s fully digital design eliminates analog meters and manual processes, improving reliability and cost savings. The system features an 18-inch advanced touch-screen control system that is color coded and animated for ease of operation. It also has a system-mimic capability that enables the user to see and control the entire power-generation system from a single screen. Digital Commander can be programmed with multiple passwords, allowing employees with different roles access to the system.
Digital Commander controls up to 16 generators including systems from Caterpillar Inc., Cummins, Kohler and MTU Onsite Energy. In a 16-generator system, it uses less than half the footprint for controls compared to a traditional paralleling-switchgear system.
