Frequently asked questions

FAQ

• Why purchase an Energy Management System (EMS)?

  To stop the consumption of fossil fuels, electrification will only increase in the coming decades. Companies and organizations are therefore increasingly investing in their own generation and storage methods, such as solar panels, wind turbines and batteries, in controllable electrical appliances (e.g. heat pumps, heaters and generators), as well as in production equipment such as machines and vehicles (trucks, vans and passenger cars).

  Due to these developments, simultaneous electricity consumption (also known as peak load) is increasing significantly. This can lead to overloading of the electricity network in the Netherlands, also called grid congestion.

  The long-term structural solution is the strengthening or expansion of the electricity grid by the grid operator (TenneT). However, for various reasons, this will take decades. Companies and organizations cannot wait for this and must therefore also find alternative solutions to reduce grid congestion in the short term.

  The government and grid operators are taking various corrective and incentive measures, such as fines, time-dependent tariffs, main connection power restrictions, subsidies and energy taxes. However, various studies show that these measures are not sufficient. Companies and organizations themselves, collectively or individually, must also take action to reduce the local peak load on the power grid. Here, an Energy Management System (EMS) plays a crucial role and is also easily achievable.

• What does an energy management system (EMS) do?

  Every company or organization has a contract with their grid operator for (re)delivering electricity, also called Connection and Transmission Agreement (ATO). This contract takes into account the (peak) load of the local electricity grid to which the company is connected. In doing so, maximum import and export limits for electricity are set. Exceeding these limits can result in fines and, if repeated, even disconnection.

  An EMS automatically ensures, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, that the local generation, storage, consumption and purchase and sale of electricity remains in balance with the contracted maximum import and export limits. At the same time, available electricity is optimally managed, taking into account costs, carbon emissions and security of supply, exactly as determined by the customer.

• How does the Embion EMS work?

  The Embion EMS consists of an on-site installed controller (hardware) and a sophisticated software system that monitors and controls all electrical devices at the end user's premises 24/7, depending on parameters and control limits set by the user. Control essentially includes starting, stopping or dimming appliances at the right time and buying and selling electricity, continuously ensuring that import and export limits are not exceeded.

  Every second of the day, both internal and external changes occur that affect electricity consumption, generation, storage and costs (for example, due to weather conditions, peak loads or price volatility). Since this cannot be controlled manually, the Embion EMS provides the solution.

  Within the goals and control limits set by the end-user, the system optimizes security of supply (comfort), CO₂ emissions (e.g. by maximum use of own generation) and electricity costs.

  Via a clear dashboard, the end user is accurately informed about the performance of the entire installation and can make further improvements if necessary. Practical experience shows that an EMS can save 20-30% annually on electricity costs and 10-20% less CO₂ emissions thanks to own generation and lower consumption.

• Can you use the Embion EMS to collaborate with other companies in an energy hub?

  Yes, with the Embion EMS you can set up a collective energy management together with other companies, also called CEMS or energy hub. In such an energy hub, the electrical installations of all participating companies are interconnected. This allows you to better coordinate and optimize peaks and troughs in electricity generation, storage and consumption.

  The system ensures that each participant benefits from joint flexibility, while a fair and transparent settlement model ensures that the costs and benefits are distributed correctly. This allows all companies in the hub to manage their electricity use more efficiently, save costs and reduce carbon emissions, while keeping collaboration simple and manageable.

• How is the Embion EMS installed?

  The installation of the Embion EMS is performed by a licensed e-installer. Beforehand, the installer makes sure he knows which devices (brand and type) are to be connected, this is called the pre-scan.

  On site, the e-installer then installs one Embion controller (hardware) and realizes the data communication between this controller and all electrical devices to be controlled locally. After that, the installer activates the EMS by connecting the controller to Embion's web app (the Embion HUB) via the Internet. For each device, he sets the desired parameters and control limits as agreed with the end user. Once this is done for all devices, the EMS is fully operational.

  Installation and activation of the Embion EMS is simple and can usually be completed within half a day to one day. This can also be done by your own trusted e-installer, who can schedule and perform the work completely independent of Embion. If the installer has questions during the work, Embion offers the possibility to contact its technical support team, which provides remote support.

• Does an EMS limit a company's growth, flexibility or continuity?

  The Embion EMS has been developed with emphasis on user-friendliness and flexibility. The end user decides at what rate which functionalities or devices will be linked to the EMS, allowing the system to grow with the business.

  The system is prepared for new brands and types of controllable devices coming onto the market, as well as enhancements to existing devices. Integration or modifications are tested and made available by Embion engineers in cooperation with suppliers. If required, unique, customer-specific devices or machines can also be linked. As a result, the Embion EMS offers maximum flexibility for the end user.

  Regarding continuity, the Embion EMS can function without internet connection. In case of a temporary Internet failure, the controller continues to perform control and all data are stored locally. Once the connection is restored, the data are synchronized with the cloud application so that the dashboard shows the correct information.

• Is the placement of the Embion EMS safe?

  Yes, both technically and in terms of cybersecurity. Electricity is critical for businesses, making maximum secure installation essential. In addition to technical safety, cybersecurity plays a prominent role in the design of the Embion EMS, due in part to the increasing deployment of IoT devices and geopolitical risks. The system meets high cybersecurity standards to ensure reliable and secure operation.

• What are the requirements for an EMS?

  An EMS can basically be placed in any business where controllable electrical devices are present, e.g. for:

  • Generation: solar panels, wind turbines, generators

  • Storage: batteries, charging stations, boilers, heat pumps
  • Consumption: cars, machinery, heating, air conditioning

  
  In addition, a dynamic energy contract with the power company and/or an aggregator is required.

  The Embion EMS is independent of brands and suppliers. It can control many brands and types of devices, be installed by any e-installer and be linked to different energy companies and aggregators.