EcoStruxure is not a product but rather an approach to creating intelligent energy management systems. These systems are simplified, save money, and most importantly, reduce waste by enabling a guaranteed compatibility between the management of power, white space, process and machines, building control, and security. EcoStruxure’s agile architecture brings optimised systems within reach of a wider audience because of its compatible product designs and open-platform software. It provides end-users with the critical tools needed to reduce their design time, CapEx and OpEx.  

Last month, Schneider Electric launched EcoStruxure for the Smart Grid, striking the critical balance between active energy efficiency and smart facilities for customers, and efficient and green distribution on the supply side. This is a new open internet-of-things enabled framework to enable distribution networks to realise innovation at every level of the grid.  

EcoStruxure Grid, based on the inter-operable EcoStruxure system architecture and platform, is designed to allow distribution network operators to “tackle the increasing complexity” of grid operations and optimise asset management.

The technology allows for the design of end-to-end, open, interoperable and connected systems, enabled by Schneider Electric’s technology stack from connected products to edge control, to applications, analytics, services, and full cyber security capabilities.

It offers solutions such as connected equipment to industry-recognised control room solutions to enable utilities of any scale to benefit and improve operational performance while taking advantage of new business opportunities.

Schneider said the grid will “enhance utilities’ operations” by enabling mobility, sensing, cloud, analytics and cyber security capabilities and allowing them to manage collected, aggregated, cleaned and enriched data to create value.

Schneider's SVP energy automation business Vincent Petit said: “Trends such as an increasingly digitised, distributed grid with more renewables, increased intermittency and IT/OT convergence, create a wealth of both challenges and opportunities for utilities.

“What’s needed is an open, interoperable IoT framework that utilities can use to build value reaching every level of the grid. That’s the way forward to a lower-carbon, smarter future for utilities and consumers alike. EcoStruxure Grid makes that happen.”