Transforming Energy Management: Trimark’s Introduction of True:SCADA
As the demand for renewable energy sources grows, the need for advanced control solutions becomes critical. In response to this demand, Trimark, an established leader in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, has launched True:SCADA—a reimagined control platform specifically designed for utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS). With decades of experience and over 600 SCADA systems deployed across the United States, Trimark aims to address the evolving challenges of energy management.
The Need for Enhanced Control Solutions
The transition to renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy, has triggered a massive shift in how energy is generated, distributed, and consumed. Utility-scale solar farms and BESS play a crucial role in this transition, offering solutions to balance energy supply with demand, store excess energy, and optimize overall performance. However, managing these technologies poses unique challenges, including the need for precise control and monitoring capabilities.
Traditional SCADA systems often fall short in meeting the specific operational needs of inverter-based generation, which is prevalent in both solar PV and BESS. This realization prompted Trimark to develop True:SCADA, which integrates the latest technological advancements to facilitate more efficient energy management.
A Game-Changing Platform
Mark Morosky, CEO of Trimark, characterized True:SCADA as a “game-changing supervisory control and data acquisition platform.” The system’s design focuses on delivering essential control, monitoring, and data telemetry capabilities that utility-scale PV and BESS resources require to meet operational targets, optimize performance, and maximize revenue. With features engineered for high availability, speed, and security, True:SCADA supports reliable data acquisition and real-time analysis.
Key Capabilities of True:SCADA
True:SCADA is built to address several core functionalities essential to modern energy systems:
- High Availability: The system is designed to ensure continuous operation, minimizing downtime and enabling operators to respond quickly to any potential issues.
- Scalability: True:SCADA can grow with the changing needs of utility-scale projects, making it suitable for both small and large installations.
- Security: Emphasizing cybersecurity, the platform incorporates robust security protocols to protect sensitive data and maintain system integrity.
- Vendor Agnosticism: As a non-proprietary solution, True:SCADA allows trained integrators the flexibility to leverage its capabilities without being restricted to a specific vendor’s ecosystem.
Designed for Integration and Performance
One significant innovation of True:SCADA lies in its design for seamless integration. John Renfroe, Trimark’s Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, stated that the new platform was developed with integrators’ needs in mind. By providing templates and simplifying configuration processes, True:SCADA allows integrators to minimize setup time while ensuring consistency across their project portfolios.
This ease of deployment means that trained system integrators whether they are independent third parties or resource owners can configure and maintain the platform effectively. This capability enhances the overall performance and efficiency of energy management systems by fostering collaboration among different parties involved in the integration and operation of energy resources.
Enhancing User Experience and Accessibility
True:SCADA focuses not only on functionality but also on user experience. By leveraging the Linux platform, the system offers stability that is critical for sensitive energy management operations. Accessibility is boosted through its user-friendly interface, ensuring that operators can efficiently monitor and control their systems without extensive technical training.
Ethan Stead, the Product Manager at Trimark, emphasized the enhanced configurability of the system. As Trimark looks forward to future expansion, there are plans to introduce educational initiatives and community-building programs aimed at helping users fully harness the capabilities of True:SCADA.
Conclusion: A Step Forward for the Energy Sector
The launch of True:SCADA represents a significant advancement in the field of energy management, particularly for utility-scale PV and BESS projects. Its focus on reliability, secure data handling, and user experience positions it as a vital tool for addressing the complexities of modern energy systems.
As utility companies and energy producers continue to navigate the transition towards sustainability, platforms like True:SCADA will play an increasingly important role in optimizing energy production and distribution. In this evolving landscape, Trimark’s commitment to vendor-agnostic solutions and empowering third-party integrators sets a new standard for adaptability and innovation in energy management.
True:SCADA doesn’t just represent a product; it signifies a broader movement towards smarter, more sustainable energy solutions that leverage advanced technology to meet the world’s growing energy demands.