We’ve got the power AEG Power Solutions

WE’VE GOT THE POWER

As an important and growing business, AEG Power Solutions is dedicated to bringing its environmentally responsible approach to energy management services to an ever-increasing audience. Emma-Jane Batey spoke to marketing manager Roger Kennis to find out how this is being achieved.

AEG Power Solutions provides one of the world’s most comprehensive portfolios of premium power supply and control products. Specialised in the field of energy conversion and power rescued at DC and AC, AEG Power Solutions is well regarded for its energy management services. The original AEG was established in 1887 and the Power Solutions business has been active in the energy management industry for over 60 years. As such, the AEG Power Solutions team of 1500 employees worldwide, including more than 250 engineers and project managers, has long had a reputation for setting the industry standard for engineering.

AEG Power Solutions has two operating segments, with the renewable energy solutions and the energy efficient solutions teams working closely together to ensure that each client sees an optimum solution for their project. From the introduction of the world’s first single-phase and three-phase thyristor AC converters during the 1960s through the launch of the innovative Thyrobox PI power supply for polysilicon production lines and the remarkably efficient Protect PV.250 Inverter for solar plants, AEG Power Solutions engineers have consistently brought innovative power solutions to market.

Marketing manager Roger Kennis, who is responsible for the industrial market for the energy-efficient solutions segment, told Industry Europe how the two segments operate. He said, “Both segments are dedicated to meet the power needs of various systems within the industry. Our commitment in the

industrial segment is that we ensure power availability for all our customers; we will take over if there is a disrupted mains voltage, and our customers know that they can rely on us.

“In the renewable segment we offer futureorientated solutions covering all the power requirements of the photovoltaic industry. We are serving the entire PV value chain and manufacture energy-efficient and reliable power solutions, for e.g.: polysilicon deposition, silicon melting, silicon crystal growing, wafer coating, PV glass lines and PV inverters.

“Thanks to its distinctive expertise, bridging both AC and DC power technologies and spanning the worlds of both conventional and renewable energy, the company is uniquely positioned to benefit long-term from emerging demand for intelligent microenergy grids. Following the green trend in the world, it is clear that Renewable energy solutions are very much in demand, with our team working hard to find new ways to optimize the systems to meet the continuously changing need. The energy-efficient

solutions team is at the top of its game in finding innovative power solutions as well. Both teams share intelligence and are passionate about delivering reliable power.”

Meeting energy management needs

The energy-efficient solutions division is focused on providing energy management services to industries including data centres/ IT, telecoms and industrial, which relates to market segments like oil and gas, urban transportation, power generation, transportation and distribution, thermal solar and water and utilities. Mr Kennis explained, “Our responsibility is to provide energy availability to our customers in the various markets in which we operate. We offer total solutions, where the core is manufactured by AEG PS and we work with third-party manufacturers, for example for such ancillary products as batteries and explosion-proof housings. Our systems are completed with full life cycle servicing, so our customers know they can trust not only our power back-up solutions, but also our extensive service from front end engineering design (FEED) studies to preventive maintenance and refurbishment. In the early project development stages, the AEG Power Solutions team works with its customers to establish a suitable engineering solution for their needs, with the company aiming to offer a customised answer that utilises its experience from other projects in order to keep costs and timing as low as possible. AEG Power Solutions engages its customers by keeping in regular direct contact and by offering tailored support in each stage of the project.

Mr Kennis added that most customers in the industrial segment want a customised solution, and as the company has such a long history in engineering excellence and a vast project experience in providing reliable power solutions, it is often able to transfer at least a portion of a previous solution to new projects. He added, “With each project there are many parties involved from engineering procurement companies to government groups that all needs to be properly supported to create the optimum solution; from engineering procurement companies to government group, everyone needs to have the same target. We regularly meet important market players and maintain strong relationships as this is what makes it possible to complete projects effectively and efficiently. Having the right team makes all the difference.”

Development with expertise

Developing an increasing understanding and appreciation for solar energy is an important focus for the company, and it can utilise the experience of another business unit which is dedicated to renewable energy.

The company is well aware that the industrial revolution of 150 years ago is giving way to the energy revolution of today’s rapidly changing world, with the urbanisation of emerging markets a massive potential territory. Mr Kennis added, “We’re developing new solutions all the time, with strong reduced pollution, smart grids and renewable energy all at the forefront of change; it’s part of our appreciation of being active across the energy management supply chain so that we can deliver the best solutions at the right time and the right price.” n