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wiredInUSA - October 2015
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Located 22 miles off the coast of southern
California, Catalina Island relies on an
independent microgrid to provide power.
To manage the microgrid’s multiple
sources of electric generation more
efficiently, Southern California Edison (SCE)
is to employ automation technologies
from Emerson Process Management.
Catalina Island’s Pebbly Beach generating
station is both an electric generating
station and a liquefied petroleum gas
distribution facility. Emerson’s Ovation™
control system will help SCE manage six
diesel generators, 23 microturbines and
a battery storage system, as well as the
island’s LPG plant and water treatment
and desalination facilities.
By giving SCE operators a concise view
of all generating assets, the system will
help determine the most efficient way to
meet energy demands while reducing
environmental impact. Emerson’s SCADA
technology will also help them maintain
stable grid voltage while enabling rapid
response to changes in demand caused
by fluctuations during the tourist season.
“Catalina Island has always operated as a
microgrid because of its location, but now
we see these types of projects becoming
more prevalent elsewhere,” commented
Bob Yeager, president of Emerson Process
Management’s power andwater solutions.
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