From answer to engineering action
These FAQs provide orientation. For an operating plant, verify the answer against the SLD, controller manuals, register maps, protection settings and site operating sequence.
Frequently asked engineering questions about EMS, SCADA, BESS, generator synchronization, hybrid controls and industrial automation.
What is the difference between EMS and SCADA?
SCADA primarily provides supervisory visibility, alarms, trends, historian and control. An EMS adds energy-oriented decision logic such as peak shaving, source coordination, charge/discharge scheduling, load management and operating optimization. Many industrial systems combine both.
Can JME integrate existing equipment instead of replacing it?
Often yes. The practical requirement is access to usable electrical interfaces, communications/protocol information and enough technical documentation to verify safe control. Existing equipment should not be replaced merely because it is from a different vendor.
Why does a PV–genset system need dynamic curtailment?
If facility load falls while solar remains high, the genset can be forced below its selected minimum loading or, in an unsafe operating case, into reverse power. Dynamic curtailment reduces PV output to preserve the required generator loading margin.
What is the difference between zero export and PV–genset control?
Zero-export control limits power flow to the utility grid. PV–genset control coordinates solar with a running generator and must consider generator loading, synchronization, reverse power and operating stability. They solve different constraints even though both may curtail solar.
How is BESS power in kW different from energy in kWh?
kW is instantaneous charge/discharge power; kWh is stored energy. A project must size both independently against the required duty cycle, duration, C-rate, efficiency, SOC limits and expected degradation.
Can a BESS provide seamless backup during an outage?
Only if the selected PCS/BESS architecture supports the required grid-forming/islanding behavior and the transfer/protection scheme is designed accordingly. Not every BESS can provide seamless transfer merely because it has storage capacity.
What should be checked before retrofitting an existing automation system?
Start with backups, I/O mapping, interlocks, communications, protection, undocumented dependencies, spare capacity, failure modes and a rollback plan. The goal is to reduce complexity rather than simply move it elsewhere.
Does JME recommend one battery or controller brand?
No preferred battery brand is required for the engineering approach. The design should follow the site requirement, verified technical data, compatibility and lifecycle considerations.
For detailed technical material, visit the Knowledge & Engineering Guides, Engineering Glossary or BESS Knowledge Hub.