Smart grids

Energy management is now, more than ever, top of mind. A microgrid is an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution that helps to easily optimize energy consumption. This system allows for integrating renewable energy sources into an existing network, and adding the possibility to generate, store and use variable levels of power depending on the actual power consumption.

Smart microgrids allow remote communities to decrease their reliance on diesel fuel and reduce energy costs. More sophisticated microgrid functionalities can also improve the cost effectiveness of wastewater facilities, pipelines, transmission and distribution systems and a host of other types of infrastructure.

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One-stop-shop for a successful smart grid

It can be difficult to implement the right combination of energy sources, storage solutions and management strategies to ensure the successful implementation of a microgrid.

The specialists at CIMA+ have implemented dozens of microgrids and kept abreast of the most cutting-edge technology. They are able to identify which systems would be the smartest choice and how to integrate them into the existing power facility or grid. Our team will also show you how to manage various energy sources and energy storage systems in real time for one, two or several buildings.
Typical microgrid projects include a combination of:

  • Centralized energy supply
  • Energy storage system (BESS)
  • Power distribution network
  • Building management systems
  • Microgrid controller

Projects completed from coast to coast

CIMA+’s achievements span more than 30 years and speak for themselves.

1
2021 and 2022 Grand Prix du génie-conseil québécois
1
+
smart grid specialists
1
Designed smart grids in 7 provinces and territories
1
st
Solar Microgrid in Québec (Lac-Mégantic)

A turnkey solution

From identifying your needs to commissioning your new smart grid, our team can support you from start to finish.

Solar energy

CIMA+’s professionals have been involved in the solar energy sector since 2007 and are knowledgeable in technological developments and design standards for this renewable energy technology. We work closely with our clients at every phase of a solar project – from defining design requirements to commissioning and interconnection with the utility network. This allows for reduced delays and seamless integration to the existing networks.

CIMA+ has experience with a wide variety of solar installations, from smaller 7.5 kW roof top projects to larger ground mount ones with a generating capacity of over 200 MW.

Wind energy

We have participated in all phases of wind projects. Our team has been involved in the development of wind farms across Canada with capacities ranging from 15 MW to 350 MW, and interconnection to distribution and transmission systems.

Hydropower and tidal systems

CIMA+ has been providing hydropower plant rehabilitation and development services for over 30 years. Our experts carry out projects locally and abroad, and have delivered more than 250 projects of various sizes for both private and public sector clients. Our team handles each phase of hydroelectric projects, from preliminary engineering to commissioning. In collaboration with specialized partners, CIMA+ also provides services for hydrokinetic and tidal turbine systems.

Thermal energy

We have worked on projects involving cogeneration and combined cycle power plants, biogas systems, and steam and gas turbines that use biomass, wood waste, biogas, landfill gas and syngas.

  • Cogeneration plants
  • Combined cycle plants
  • Combustion engines
  • Gas and steam turbines
  • Steam boilers
  • Waste heat recovery / Combined heat and power / OTG
  • Combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, biomethanization
  • Organic Rankine cycle (ORC)
  • Feed water treatment (desalination, electrochlorination, demineralization, filtration)

Our expertise cover all the following types of fuel :

  • Biomass (bark, sawdust, etc.)
  • Construction wood rejects
  • Scrap tires / Tire derived fuel (TDF)
  • Municipal solid waste
  • Landfill gas, syngas, biogas

Our engineering services include the following :

  • Process simulation (steady state / dynamic), mass and heat balances
  • Energy saving studies
  • Plant capacity increase studies
  • Power demand / supply studies
  • Power plant mechanical layout design
  • Fuel storage and feed system design
  • Multi-fuel feed steam design
  • Emergency power system design
  • Balance of plant services design
  • Piping design / pipe stress analysis
Energy storage

Our specialists have extensive experience in integrating renewable generation into existing systems, peak shaving, load transfer, system reliability and stability, and Volt/VAR system support.

Our solutions incorporate the requirements of power providers and available renewable energy sources, particularly when it comes to power generation quality and reliability, plus economical and efficient energy management.

Our experts have in-depth knowledge of, and experience with, the most recent innovations in energy storage systems, including flywheel and compressed air.

Building energy management

Our team has comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the latest technological advances, which we incorporate into our designs and projects, whether for existing buildings, additions, or new constructions. The energy efficient concepts and innovative sequences developed by CIMA+ allow our clients to minimize their energy consumption without compromising the comfort of their building.

Design of microgrid controllers

CIMA+’s expertise in the design of simple microgrid controllers is based on hands-on experience acquired with a wide range of control platforms.

  • Individual loop controllers
  • Fully integrated Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
  • Implementing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, used to monitor and control a large selection of distributed processes.

These can apply to various infrastructure assets, from municipal water and wastewater facilities, pipelines, cathodic protection systems, compressor, and pumping stations, as well as transmission and distribution systems.

Our team has worked on a wide range of RTU/MTU platforms, which allows our interfaces to be very user-friendly.

We regularly partner with specialized companies to provide custom solutions for microgrid controllers that require advanced features such as load and energy forecasting.

Cybersecurity

CIMA+ provides the complete range of services including:

  • audits to determine the integrity of your existing installation
  • design and installation of an industrial hardened system compliant with the latest IEC 62443 and other industry standards such as NERC CIP.

However, industrial cybersecurity is not limited to the equipment. It also includes people, policies, and procedures to ensure the installed system is maintained to stay ahead of the continually evolving cyberspace threats.

As a full EPCM organization, CIMA+ can also provide all the cyberspace required beyond the control system, including requirements for physical security, integration with information technologies, as well as patch management and system upgrades.

Implementing AMI

Advanced Measuring Infrastructure (AMI), or smart metering, is a system comprised of smart meters, communications networks, and data management systems, working together as part of a smart grid system, providing two-way communication between public utility companies and customers.

In order to find the optimal location for the implementation of AMI equipment, CIMA+ provides site identification for the installation of routers and collectors, validation, and verification of structures (poles, guys, and anchors), compliance with environmental and legal requirements, technical assistance following installation, and confirmation designs for radio systems.

Automation and MVAR / CATVAR

Since 2006, CIMA+ has carried out over 160 automation and MVAR / CATVAR projects, which involve preliminary design studies and detailed engineering.

Discover our smart grids projects

Our specialists have been implementing smart grids since the very beginning of this technology

Our experts are flexible, and this makes us successful

guillemet de citation

"We always find the best technology for our clients based on their needs and goals. Whether they are small commercial clients or large suppliers, we can work with them."

Jean-François Veilleux, P. Eng.
Project Manager - Smart Grids, Energy and Resources Sector of CIMA+

Proven expertise

Although microgrids belong to a new technology, our projects in this field have already earned us considerable recognition from our peers.

A one-stop-shop for all your engineering needs

We are proud of our multidisciplinary approach. By offering you everything under one roof, you benefit from a simplified collaborative approach to deliver projects quickly and on time.

Contact our team!

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