GE’s New Dual-Genset Switchgear Can Manage 64 Loads

GE announced its latest paralleling switchgear for mission critical facilities, such as data centers and hospitals, which can manage failover for 64 separate power loads in a building.

Such granularity provides a lot of flexibility in setting up how a building’s backup power system works. For example, the system can be programmed to switch power off in a cafeteria if a server room needs the capacity in case of a utility outage.

Another big feature in the latest Digital Commander Paralleling Switchgear is the two-generator configuration. This makes it possible to do maintenance on a generator without affecting the data center’s ability to withstand an outage, since another generator is available.

Using both the dual-genset feature and the ability to manage lots of separate loads, if there is a utility outage, and one of the generators isn’t working, the system can be set up to put critical loads on the working generator, while switching off power to non-critical areas of the facility.

“If a generator fails and backup power is needed, mission-critical facilities can’t afford to have power interruptions,” Travis Deutmeyer, product manager for GE’s Critical Power business, said in a statement. “Digital Commander helps to prevent these interruptions and gives facilities the flexibility to prioritize their power needs and redirect power to where it’s needed the most.”

The new GE switchgear is called Digital Commander because of its fully digital design. IT doesn’t have analog meters or require manual processes. Everything is done through its 18-inch touchscreen.

The system can control up to 16 generators from the screen. It supports a range of vendors, including Caterpillar, Cummins, Kohler, and MTU Onsite Energy.