Georgio Labaki-designed microgrid points to the future of grid power in Lebanon

Flexible DEIF control solution

The objective was to expand the genset-powered plant in the village of Baabdat, Lebanon, into a microgrid that would save fuel and provide reliable power for more than 100 residential units, a clinic centre, a school, a Christian convent, and most of the shops in the village.

Instead of just putting in standalone PV or battery systems, Bureau D’Études Georgio Labaki designed an integrated plant with 400 kVA of diesel generators, 300 kWp of PV systems, and three battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a combined capacity of 150 kVA/400 kWh. These power sources, and the grid, feed a busbar that supplies power to all connected consumers – controlled and coordinated by DEIF devices.

“We have two AGC 150 Generator controllers, one ASC-4 Solar for the photovoltaic system, ASC-4 Battery units for the batteries, and finally an AGC 150 Mains,” explains Georgio Labaki. “Each controller was programmed to control its power source, and all controllers communicate using an Ethernet network, creating a smart grid. All power sources are synchronised on the busbar, delivering the same voltage and frequency. Whenever we have a shortage, for example if the BESS state of charge drops below a set level, the diesel generators automatically start up and synchronise with the batteries and PV system to feed the load. The PV system will help the diesel generators, reducing their fuel consumption, while also recharging the batteries.”

“A smooth and straightforward process”

DEIF supported Bureau D’Études Georgio Labaki throughout, ensuring a smooth development process. As the controllers are compatible with all major power hardware brands, Georgio Labaki was free to select any PV and BESS that fit the company’s requirements. In fact, DEIF worked with the BESS hardware vendor to develop bespoke control software, for example ensuring internal coordination between the three individual BESS units. DEIF’s global presence and technical expertise allows the company to work with any power hardware vendor anywhere to create flexible solutions for any control application. This greatly reduces the effort required to design and build microgrids, a fact that was much appreciated by Georgio Labaki.

“As a consultant, how can I work with a company which does not have any experience?” he comments. “DEIF has the experience and the tools to do whatever you want, if you need to expand or modify something. The integration of the DEIF controllers with the PV and the BESS was a smooth and straightforward process. Of course, we encountered a few technical issues, but DEIF support was readily available and highly helpful. Whenever I sent an email, DEIF provided help after a few minutes. After we designed the electrical part of the system, the DEIF team conducted two training sessions on all DEIF controllers to be installed or integrated to prepare us for the commissioning process. These trainings facilitated our progress and enabled us to achieve our goals quickly.”

An inspiration for all of Lebanon

Based on the success of the microgrid project, Bureau D’Études Georgio Labaki are now set to expand the plant. The next phase of the project will expand the existing infrastructure and is anticipated to provide power for the entire village of Baabdat. Georgio Labaki, however, believes that the smart microgrid solution should be a source of inspiration for the entire country.

“It should be used elsewhere,” he says. “We should focus on modifying our grid and update it to a smart grid. We currently have around 1,000 megawatts of PV power installed here in Lebanon, but how can we work with this power and avoid problems with frequency and voltage if we don’t have a smart grid? We should establish communication between all the power plants in Lebanon and the PV plants that already exist. We need to know the exact load and consumption to provide the exact power needed. This is very important, and this type of smart grid with a power management solution is a must for Lebanon.”

“We are extremely satisfied”

Georgio Labaki is very satisfied with the performance of the DEIF controllers, and the performance of DEIF as a partner company.

“DEIF has everything you need in terms of power controllers,” he concludes. “For both BESSes and PV systems, the team at DEIF has already developed all the necessary applications, and working with DEIF has provided us with valuable hands-on experience, further enhancing our knowledge and proficiency in this area. The main takeaway is the importance of consistently utilising DEIF controllers in all our projects. We are extremely satisfied with them in terms of their ability, responsiveness, and stability for heavy-duty applications. The project at Baabdat was very successful, not least thanks to DEIF.”