EDSA Introduces Paladin® SmartGrid™, the First MicroGrid Master Controller for Management and Control of Microgrids Using Alternative Energy Sources

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – January 5, 2010 – EDSA, (www.edsa.com) the leading developer of power analytics solutions for the design, testing, and management of complex electrical power systems, today unveiled its Paladin® SmartGrid™ software platform, a new software solution that removes a major obstacle to the widespread use of alternative energy. Paladin® SmartGrid™ is a “master controller” enabling the use of on-premise and distributed energy sources – such as solar, wind, or local co-generation – without jeopardizing the reliability of the legacy utility grid.

Paladin SmartGrid is now nearing final testing at an undisclosed customer site, and is scheduled to be commercially released by the second quarter of 2010 – far ahead of the timeline that industry experts envisioned such vital technology becoming available. For example, industry analysts at the Galvin Initiative – authors of the book “Perfect Power: How the Microgrid Revolution Will Unleash Cleaner, Greener, More Abundant Energy” – envisioned that “a fully functional master controller for micro grids does not yet exist,” noting that development of such a sophisticated platform could take “3 to 5 years.” But by basing Paladin SmartGrid on Paladin Live – already deployed and proven in financial data centers, FAA facilities, public power grids, and other mission-critical operations – EDSA was able to bring the technology to market far faster than previously thought possible.

From Promising to Practical

Industry watchers estimate that between $100-165 billion will be invested in modernizing and “adding intelligence” to power grids across the United States over the next 20 years, resulting in a flexible, easy-to-manage nationwide “Smart Grid.” More than $33 billion has been included in the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for Smart Grid, energy management, renewable energy, and related energy projects. A significant focus in these new programs involves Distributed Energy Resource (DER) systems, or “microgrids,” because – rather than relying solely on public power grids – they are intended to make standalone facilities both autonomous and integrated in order to enhance system efficiency, reduce overall energy costs, without degrading system reliability.

A major hurdle in the deployment of this renewable and distributed generation technologies lies in how to monitor and control consumption and demand, and effect seamless real-time “switchovers” from one source to another. Paladin SmartGrid is the first commercially-available software platform to enable the on-line management and control of next-generation “hybrid” power infrastructure incorporating both traditional utility power and on-premise power generation, e.g., co-generation, solar power, wind turbines, battery storage, etc.

Paladin SmartGrid is inherently designed to monitor and enable management of the dynamic nature, and inherently lower power “quality” feature of alternative energy sources, to meet both energy management goals, and the high levels of availability and reliability.

About The Galvin Initiative
The Galvin Electricity Initiative was launched by former Motorola CEO Robert W. Galvin to transform our electric power system into one that is fundamentally more reliable, efficient, secure and clean, and meets the needs of 21st century consumers. In 2010, the Initiative is accelerating its multistate campaign to spark a migration toward a consumer-driven electric power system. The campaign goal is to promote grid modernization through Perfect Power smart microgrids that place top priority on serving consumers and businesses with reliable, high quality, clean power. For more information about smart microgrids and the Galvin Electricity Initiative, visit www.galvinpower.org/microgrids and follow http://twitter.com/perfectpower.

About EDSA Micro Corporation
EDSA is a privately held developer of software solutions for the design, simulation, deployment, and preventative maintenance of complex electrical power systems. Founded in 1983, the Company’s Paladin® software products are used by thousands of commercial, industrial, governmental, and military customers worldwide, to protect more than $100 billion in customer assets. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., the Company’s worldwide operations include 30 sales, distribution, and support offices located throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. For more information about EDSA and its products, visit www.edsa.com.
 

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