Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Discover how distributed energy resources (DERs) work. Using the Eaton Power Systems Experience Center (PSEC) in Warrendale, PA, see how microgrids, solar PV, battery energy storage systems (BESS), fuel cells, generators, and UPS technologies integrate to deliver reliable, efficient, and sustainable power.
Anna Bleich, Applications Engineer LDP, explains how all these subsystems are optimized using advanced energy management and control systems to provide resiliency and reduce costs in modern buildings.
Anna explains what distributed energy resources (DERs) are and why they matter. Featuring the PSEC power system, understand how power can flow through a facility with a microgrid system and several DER technologies including:
• Solar PV (renewable energy generation)
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• Fuel cells (clean baseload power)
• Backup generators (reliability for outages)
• EnergyAware UPS (power protection + grid services)
After an explanation on each of the DERs in the PSEC facility, Anna explains real-world applications, including:
• Typical operation: balanced energy usage and demand control
• Utility outage scenario: islanding, battery backup, generator startup
• Cost optimization strategies: peak shaving, load shifting, demand response
Important takeaways from this video:
• DERs are not standalone, they work best as an integrated energy ecosystem
• Microgrid controllers optimize energy flow in real time, acting as the systems “brain”, considering the integration challenges of having both AC and DC subsystems
• Combining solar, storage, and smart controls unlocks maximum value
• Advanced systems can operate independently during outages while also maintaining power quality
Thank you for watching one of our many educational videos on the topic of power systems. Schedule a visit to one of Eaton's Power Systems Experience Centers in either Pittsburgh or Houston to learn more!
To learn more about Eaton products and our Power Systems Experience Centers: eaton.com/experience
To view more educational videos from Eaton's Power Systems Experience Centers: videos.eaton.com/experience
Chapters
00:00
00:52 Overview of DER assets (Microgrid, fuel cell, BESS, UPS)
02:28 Utility power explained
03:03 Microgrid overview & solar PV system
04:16 Battery energy storage system (BESS) explained
05:49 Microgrid controller: system brain & optimization
06:29 Fuel cell technology: clean baseload power
07:31 EnergyAware UPS: power protection
08:04 xStorage BESS: peak shaving & demand response
08:26 AC vs DC power & system integration challenges
10:16 Smart energy management & controls
10:56 Why DERs matter for commercial facilities
11:34 Real-world scenario 1: typical operation
12:37 Real-world scenario 2: utility outage response
13:51 Real-world scenario 3: cost optimization mode
Discover how distributed energy resources (DERs) work. Using the Eaton Power Systems Experience Center (PSEC) in Warrendale, PA, see how microgrids, solar PV, battery energy storage systems (BESS), fuel cells, generators, and UPS technologies integrate to deliver reliable, efficient, and sustainable power.
Anna Bleich, Applications Engineer LDP, explains how all these subsystems are optimized using advanced energy management and control systems to provide resiliency and reduce costs in modern buildings.
Anna explains what distributed energy resources (DERs) are and why they matter. Featuring the PSEC power system, understand how power can flow through a facility with a microgrid system and several DER technologies including:
• Solar PV (renewable energy generation)
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• Fuel cells (clean baseload power)
• Backup generators (reliability for outages)
• EnergyAware UPS (power protection + grid services)
After an explanation on each of the DERs in the PSEC facility, Anna explains real-world applications, including:
• Typical operation: balanced energy usage and demand control
• Utility outage scenario: islanding, battery backup, generator startup
• Cost optimization strategies: peak shaving, load shifting, demand response
Important takeaways from this video:
• DERs are not standalone, they work best as an integrated energy ecosystem
• Microgrid controllers optimize energy flow in real time, acting as the systems “brain”, considering the integration challenges of having both AC and DC subsystems
• Combining solar, storage, and smart controls unlocks maximum value
• Advanced systems can operate independently during outages while also maintaining power quality
Thank you for watching one of our many educational videos on the topic of power systems. Schedule a visit to one of Eaton's Power Systems Experience Centers in either Pittsburgh or Houston to learn more!
To learn more about Eaton products and our Power Systems Experience Centers: eaton.com/experience
To view more educational videos from Eaton's Power Systems Experience Centers: videos.eaton.com/experience
Chapters
00:00
00:52 Overview of DER assets (Microgrid, fuel cell, BESS, UPS)
02:28 Utility power explained
03:03 Microgrid overview & solar PV system
04:16 Battery energy storage system (BESS) explained
05:49 Microgrid controller: system brain & optimization
06:29 Fuel cell technology: clean baseload power
07:31 EnergyAware UPS: power protection
08:04 xStorage BESS: peak shaving & demand response
08:26 AC vs DC power & system integration challenges
10:16 Smart energy management & controls
10:56 Why DERs matter for commercial facilities
11:34 Real-world scenario 1: typical operation
12:37 Real-world scenario 2: utility outage response
13:51 Real-world scenario 3: cost optimization mode
