Take an in-depth exploration into Cummins' state-of-the-art Microgrid Testing Facility

Employee showing the PIC lab

In 2022, Cummins Inc. proudly celebrated the opening of a new microgrid laboratory, the Power Integration Center (PIC), at their campus in Fridley, MN. The PIC is one of the largest and most configurable microgrid testing facilities in the world. Regardless of your power system needs (hypothetical or planned), this marvel of a facility is built to test those possibilities in a zero-risk environment. 

Since its opening, the PIC’s team of engineers have hosted hundreds of tours and simulated a myriad of testing scenarios in collaboration with customers and partners from various markets. Today, they’re pulling back the curtain and providing all with an in-depth look into the facility. 

“This virtual tour is the most detailed look Cummins has provided of the PIC. With it, we’ll be able to demonstrate the capabilities of the facility to customers and partners who can’t make the trip to Fridley and provide education about microgrids to a wider audience,” said Corey Bergendahl, Engineering Manager for the PIC. 

The four main components of the PIC:

Outdoor Testing Pads 

The largest part of the lab’s 20,000 square foot design (about four times the area of a basketball court), the outdoor pads provide the dedicated space needed to test any source or load that can be integrated into a microgrid (ex. Gensets, Battery Energy Storage, Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers, EV Chargers, and more). The outdoor testing pads are comprised of: 

  • Five 500 kW Testing Pads
  • Two 2000 kW Testing Pads
  • Two 500 kW RLC Load Banks

Electrical Mezzanine

  • This area boasts several unique features including: Utility Distribution Substation
  • Step-Down transformer – 13.8 kV to 480 V
  • Two 1 MW utility feeds
  • Distribution switchgear
    Solar Inverter Testing (Photovoltaic/PV)
  • 400 kW rooftop solar array
  • 105 kW DC simulation power supply
  • Programmable weather scenarios
    Bi-Directional Inverter Testing (Battery Energy Storage/BESS)
  • 120 kW battery simulator
  • Emulates different battery chemistries and size capabilities
  • Allows you to quickly adjust the state-of-charge for the virtual battery system 

Main Switchgear Room 

This room houses a 2 MW switchgear lineup that’s the primary working switchgear utilized for customer simulations within the lab. The switchgear is separated into three buses with tiebreakers in-between and a ring bus around the back allowing for the creation of multiple different power system topologies including: 

  • Isolated Bus
  • Common Bus
  • Single Transfer Pair
  • Dual Transfer Pair
  • Main-Tie-Main
  • Dual Transfer Pair with Tie

Engineering Control Room
The control room acts as the central nervous system for the whole facility. Signals from the sources, loads and connections are brought together for our team of engineers to conduct and visualize the extensive testing needed to evaluate solutions.

As governmental regulations change, the cost of operations increases, inclement weather persists and power grid instability runs rampant, the need for reliable and efficient microgrid solutions is more prevalent than ever. The PIC is an answer to those needs and allows customers to thoroughly test solutions with zero operational risk.

“The needs of our customers are ever evolving and there’s a heightened focus on dependable, flexible, economically efficient microgrid solutions,” added Bergendahl. “The PIC is our dedication to powering a cleaner future. This facility allows us to lead our customers through their decarbonization journeys, directly tying into our own Destination Zero strategy.”

Designed by Cummins Power Systems team of leading engineers and microgrid advisors, the PIC is a collaborative space for engineers, customers, technicians, sales members and microgrid enthusiasts to come together in the name of innovating for a greener future.

For more information about the Cummins Power Integration Center (PIC), visit: Power Integration Center | Cummins Inc.

Cummins Office Building

Cummins Inc.

Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.

Supporting Indigenous communities

Cummins announces commitment to Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) Program

Cummins announces commitment to Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) Program

Cummins Inc. delivers superior solutions for its customers to power their communities and the world. It does that with the company’s steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion – winning with the power of difference. 

In honor of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and as part of Cummins’ objective to create positive and meaningful relations with Indigenous businesses and communities in the region, Cummins is proud to announce it is now at the “Committed” level of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) Program.

Shashiraj Shanbhag, Vice President, Product & Service Management – Canada, and leader of the Canada Indigenous Relations initiative at Cummins: “We have been doing a great deal of work specific to Indigenous communities in Canada for several years. Since recently joining the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations Program at the Committed Level, the program will provide Cummins with external validation to all the work our employees have been doing and additional opportunities to do even more. The PAIR certification is an excellent opportunity for us to measure and strengthen our work in deepening relations with Indigenous communities throughout Canada.”


The work of PAIR


Established by the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, the PAIR Program is a rigorous, independent third-party certification program for corporate performance in Indigenous relations. The process evaluates measurable outcomes and initiatives in four performance areas: Leadership Actions, Employment, Business Development and Community Relations.

Since its inception in 2001, PAIR has maintained its position as the foremost corporate social responsibility program, with a distinct focus on Indigenous relations. PAIR's certification program instills a strong sense of confidence in communities due to its foundation on independent third-party validation of company reports, and the ultimate company rating is decided by a panel of Indigenous business professionals. As a PAIR committed company, Cummins will undergo the process of external verification and work collectively with the CCIB and Indigenous stakeholders toward the long-term goal of achieving Gold Certification.


The work of Cummins Canada


Cummins’ commitment to PAIR is another step on the company’s journey to building a diverse global culture, which includes expanding its relations with Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world. As part of this journey, Cummins and its employees located in Canada have taken the following steps:

  • Established an Indigenous Relations team with about 15 active volunteers across Canada
  • 1400+ employees in Canada have completed Indigenous Awareness Training
  • Supported initiatives for Indigenous communities in areas of Education and Equity with more than USD 100,000 of funding from Cummins Grant

As a global organization amongst a diverse and growing group of companies from across Canada that share a commitment to the Indigenous community, Cummins Canada continues to develop relationships with Indigenous peoples across the country and seeks ongoing ways to support the communities in which it lives and works. In its commitment to fostering positive change, Cummins also looks inward, engaging its own employees in initiatives that promote understanding, respect and collaboration with Indigenous peoples. 

To learn more about Cummins’ ongoing commitment to not only Indigenous communities but to the many communities employees live and serve throughout the world, please visit cummins.com
 

Cummins Office Building

Cummins Inc.

Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.

Happy 20th anniversary to Cummins Czech Republic

Cummins Czech Republic - 20th Anniversary

Cummins Czech Republic is celebrating the 20th anniversary of being a wholly-owned distributor of Cummins Inc.

Before April 2004, Cummins customers in the Czech Republic relied on an independent distributor primarily concerned with the power generation market plus a number of independent repair shops.

Creating a Cummins-owned distributor was seen as key to establishing a strong and reassuring presence in a developing market, which over the past two decades has become a major manufacturing base for several globally recognised original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The bulk of the customers served by Cummins Czech Republic, whose remit incorporates neighbouring Slovakia, operate in the agriculture, power generation, mining and construction market segments.

There are also key automotive accounts as well as direct support for national institutions and infrastructure projects.

Cummins Czech Republic was launched one month ahead of the country being welcomed into the European Union as an official member in April 2004.

Accession to the EU was seen as a turning point for the Czech Republic as it opened up the country to new opportunities for investment and growth.

Highly competitive labour costs and a skilled workforce made it an attractive proposition as a manufacturing hub.

“We started here at our headquarters in Prague with just three employees and one technician,” said Lukas Skoda, Cummins Czech Republic Country Leader.

“Today, we have 19 employees, six technicians and four independent authorised dealers covering our territory. We also support the dealer networks of some of our OEM customers.”

Lukas said everyone within the business was proud to reach the 20-year milestone.

“Over the past two decades, we have seen engine technology develop considerably, and we have responded to our customers’ demands for ever greater levels of technical and strategic support,” he said.

Back in April 2004, Europe was at Euro III/IV emissions certification for automotive engines and Stage II for mining and industrial engines to be certified. Now, the standard is Euro VI for diesel, natural gas and hybrid, working toward Euro VII, and mining and industrial engines are at Stage V.

Meanwhile, Cummins is making technical advancements in new power solutions, including powertrains, batteries and fuel cells, which will help enrich future partnerships with customers in the Czech Republic and across Europe.

In its 20 years of operation, Cummins Czech Republic has established itself as a force for good in the community. More than 90% of Cummins Czech Republic employees participate in Cummins Every Employee Every Community (EEEC) volunteer programme annually.

Since 2016, employees have volunteered more than 900 EEEC hours to help local community partners that are supporting environmental education, restoration and waste reduction as well as projects focused on reducing isolation for the elderly.

The success of Cummins in the Czech Republic and Slovakia over the past 20 years owes much to the commitment of a loyal and hardworking team that has pulled together to create successful partnerships with customers in a variety of business segments.

“Becoming an integrated part of Cummins was a huge step for us in the Czech Republic and showed a level of confidence in the country that I believe we have justified over 20 years,” said Lukas Skoda.

“Now, with so many new technologies available to us, so many strong relationships and such a strong vision of where we want to be as a business, we are ready and excited about the next chapter.”

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