The Experimental Power Grid Centre (EPGC), one of the largest experimental power grid facilities in the world opened this month. Located on Jurong Island, the S$38 million venture is the Agency for Science, Technology and Research's (A*STAR) centre for energy research.

The facility is set to open the way for cutting-edge research to develop future energy technologies which can be eventually commercialised.

At the opening, a collaboration was inked with the HDB to improve integration of renewable energy into housing estates. What they will try to do is look at all kinds of energy they can harvest - be it wind, solar or battery. And they will see how we can optimise this in the grid. EPGC also signed MOUs with two international companies - National Instruments and Meidensha Corporation Japan.

The collaboration with US-based National Instruments will involve the development of advanced measurement and control technologies for smart grids. Meidensha, one of the leaders in Japan's heavy electric industry, is looking to develop high-efficiency control technology for advanced medium voltage inverters, used in industrial pumps and fans.

EPGC also entered a research collaboration agreement with SP PowerGrid. The facility will allow for novel energy technologies to be experimented in a safe environment - before taking them "live" to real electrical networks.

Second feature is the renewable energy sources. Sun is not in your control; wind is not in your control; how are you going to estimate how much solar energy? If it changes suddenly, what is the impact on the grid? So in order to do research and to do a controlled experiment you need to try out these scenarios. The emulators can help you programme.

The centre has a capacity of one megawatt, which is enough to power 500 households. It is also designed to be customisable, so various power networks can be configured.

Vision: To lead in ushering new technologies for intelligent and decentralised power distribution, interconnection and utilisation.

Mission:

• To undertake research and development (R&D) in core areas for intelligent and decentralised power distribution, interconnection and utilisation.
• To carry out collaborative R&D with A*STAR Research Institutes, Universities, Industry and Public Agencies.
• To promote quick adoption and implementation of innovative technologies.

iGrid: Intelligent and decentralised power distribution networks
iDERS: intelligent DERS: Intelligent control and management of distributed energy resources
iEuse: Intelligent Energy Use: Smart and interactive energy utilisation

Activities:

• R&D in Modelling and analytical tools
• Design and development of hardware and software systems
• Verification and evaluation of new methods and technologies at "EPGC" (http://energy.a-star.edu.sg/) and other pilot plants

Research Theme:

• Renewable energy integration
• Electric vehicle integration
• Microgrids
• Transition technologies
• Flexible and self-healing
• Large complex systems
• Storage systems
• Diagnostics
• Smart demand response
• Decentralised control
• Power converter systems
• Plug and play
• Life cycle assessments
• Smart user

 
Command and Control Facility:

Sited in Fusionopolis, with two main features:

• To serve as a remote control centre for the Experimental Power Grid Centre Facility.
• To provide the modelling and simulation platforms to be used by EPGC and partners' researchers in the development of models and algorithms to be tested in EPGC facility.

 
It is equipped with:

• 9.8m-wide display wall.
• 10 high-performance workstations.
• High speed broadband connection to EPGC facility.

 
Sited in Jurong Island, with five main features:

• Flexibility to connect and manage a wide range of distributed energy resources (DERs).
• Configurable in different topologies (e.g. radial, loop).
• Capability to emulate/simulate a wide range of grid conditions and disturbances.
• Rated up to 1MW.
• Remote monitoring from Command and Control Facility.

It is equipped with:

• Initial assets: Solar PV, Diesel engines, Energy Storage, wind and power grid emulators.
• Test bays to accommodate any type of DER.
• Diverse fuel supply (diesel, biodiesel, natural gas, biogas, hydrogen)
• Configurable Microgrid Central Controller
• Power Electronics laboratory.

Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #08-12 Connexis North
 
Tel: +65 64082900 or email: [email protected]

Finnish firm Neste Oil opened the world's biggest renewable diesel plant in Singapore recently, taking advantage of massive palm oil production in nearby Malaysia and Indonesia.

Clean diesel produced from the S$986 million plant using feedstocks such as palm oil and animal fat will be marketed in Europe, Canada and the United States, which already have legislation in place supporting biofuels.

With an annual capacity of 800,000 metric tonnes, the Singapore facility is the biggest renewable diesel plant in the world. The plant produces Neste Oil's patented NExBTL renewable diesel, which the company says is the cleanest diesel fuel in the world, although it is more expensive than conventional diesel.

NExBTL can be used in all diesel engines and significantly reduces exhaust emissions compared with regular diesel. About 45 per cent of the facility's feedstock is currently palm oil from neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia, while the rest comes from other by-products of the palm oil production process and waste animal fat from Australia and New Zealand.

The palm oil industry in both Malaysia and Indonesia has come under pressure from environmental campaigners who believe it causes deforestation and threatens species such as orangutans and rhinos. Neste Oil said that its Singapore plant had obtained an International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) certificate from Germany, guaranteeing that it has met tough environment standards.

Neste Oil has earmarked 80 per cent of its research and development for finding ways to produce clean diesel from other feedstocks like algae and microbes. Algae will not compete for fresh water or land because production plants can be built on wasteland and the algae can be grown in seawater.

1 Tuas South Lane
 
Tel: +65 66312300

Diesel at Paragon recently flaunted its newly revamped concept store representing the modern kick ass attitude with its woody interiors, dark panels, vintage furniture and fixtures. Greasy, grubby models showed off the latest denim collection to the theme of Dirty New Age and the Powder of Diesel.

Representative of Diesel’s Brand DNA, Dirty New Age showcased the label’s long-term expertise in specialty denim washes, diving deep into the world of dirt where well sculpted models got themselves tar stained in the name of grub. Powder of Diesel on the other hand, is inspired by special touches of beauty. A combination of extreme femininity with bold sensuality, the collection blends cosmetic references with innovative fabrics and cuts.

This season sees two new collections added to the Italian label’s staple. Dirty New Age (for men) showcases the brand’s expertise in specialty denim washes. The new collection explores the world of all things grimy and rugged. Guys cann expect to wear their favourite traditionally cut Diesel jeans in a variety of new and old washes. From clean and shredded to baggy and skinny, you have something to choose from no matter your choice of denim. The ladies’ collection Powder of Diesel, on the other hand is inspired by a woman’s most feminine moments.

290 Orchard Road 02-17/18 Paragon

Tel: +65 67323525