Rhombus Energy Solutions Selected to Provide Smart Inverters for University of St. Thomas Microgrid Center

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rhombus Energy Solutions, Inc. (Rhombus), an industry leader in advanced power conversion solutions, has been selected by University of St. Thomas to provide its smart inverters for a new microgrid research lab. Rhombus' new multi-port, 50kW inverters will be used to connect and manage energy storage and renewable sources for demonstration and microgrid research.

The University of St. Thomas School of Engineering has received a multimillion-dollar grant from the Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund to build a Microgrid Research and Testing Center. In addition to serving as a research and educational resource, an additional goal of the center is to support companies that develop renewable and alternative electric power solutions.

The microgrid facility is also designed to be able to seamlessly expand the Distributed Energy Resources (DER) mix including a wide range of components brought there for analysis by third parties. Dr. Mowry said the new Center will be able to conduct control-system and device research, and test components used as distributed energy resources, such as fuel cells, photovoltaics, wind turbines, energy storage methods and biofuels.

Dr. Greg Mowry, Director of the Microgrid Research Center, stated, "The Center will offer tremendous flexibility and will be among the most accessible and comprehensive microgrid testing facilities in the country.  We selected Rhombus because of their robust PCS design and deep technical expertise required to support our research activities."  Rick Sander, CEO of Rhombus, commented, "We are thrilled to be selected by the University of St. Thomas and expect this will result in a long-standing, strategic partnership."

Rhombus will be exhibiting at Energy Storage North America (ESNA), October 5-6, 2016 at the San Diego Convention Center, and will be debuting their newest addition to the Rhombus product line for energy storage and microgrid applications. 

About University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas is a Catholic, Liberal Arts University located in St. Paul - Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States.  Founded in 1885, the university is the largest private university in Minnesota with enrollment of over 10,000 students.  The School of Engineering within the University of St. Thomas offers undergraduate and masters' programs in Software, Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering.  More information about St. Thomas' engineering programs can be found at http://www.stthomas.edu/engineering.

About Rhombus Energy Solutions, Inc.
Rhombus develops innovative, high-efficiency power conversion and energy management systems for energy storage, renewable energy, microgrid, and test equipment applications.  Rhombus offers standalone products, power conversion modules, semi-custom configurations, as well as contracted product development services and high-power certification testing including UL1741 & IEEE1547. More information regarding Rhombus' products and services can be found at http://RhombusEnergySolutions.com/.

Energy Storage North America is the largest conference, exhibition and networking event for the North American energy storage industry.  Now in its fourth year, ESNA connects developers, energy users, utilities and policymakers to advance understanding and deployment of energy storage and ultimately build a cleaner, more affordable, and more resilient grid.  ESNA 2016 will take place October 4-6 in San Diego, California. Visit www.esnaexpo.com to learn more.

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