Direct Energy Partners
Direct Energy Partners DCIDE Controller - DC Microgrid Controller
DCIDE Controller: Multivendor Control for DC Microgrids
The Direct Energy Partners DCIDE Controller connects converters, battery storage, solar, fuel cells, chargers, meters, and balance-of-system equipment in one vendor-neutral energy management platform. Combine compatible equipment from different manufacturers, run built-in energy automation, and develop custom control logic without proprietary ecosystem lock-in.
As the runtime component of the DCIDE design and simulation platform, the controller streams live data back into the DCIDE single-line diagram. Operators can follow power flows and events on the same diagram used to design the system, with engineering support available for configuration, commissioning, and application development.
Control, Integration & Monitoring
- 100+ compatible products: Integrate supported batteries, inverters, chargers, and meters. Confirm device-specific compatibility for your project before purchase.
- Built-in automation: Peak shaving, time-of-use arbitrage, and self-consumption modes help manage energy use.
- Communication: Modbus TCP/IP, Modbus RTU, CAN, MQTT, and NATS; the product flyer also lists SunSpec support. Digital and analog I/O support local signals and control.
- Precharge control: Built-in reference, auxiliary, and main contactor control.
- Custom EMS applications: Develop Python logic using the native NATS driver and pplapp library. You retain ownership of your code.
- Live and historical visibility: Local operator dashboard, DCIDE diagram integration, historical dashboards, event logging, fault alerts, diagnostic push notifications, and a daily livebit status notification.
- Remote access: Secure VPN access supports remote monitoring.
- Expandable local I/O: Supports up to 63 field devices per station, subject to current-consumption limits.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base controller | Phoenix Contact AXC F 2152 PLCnext Control |
| Processor | Arm Cortex-A9, dual-core, 2 × 800 MHz |
| Memory | 512 MB DDR3 SDRAM; 512 MB internal flash, expandable via SD card; 8 MB program memory; 48 kB NVRAM retentive storage |
| Real-time clock | Typical accuracy: 10 ppm |
| Ethernet | 2 × RJ45; PROFINET controller/device capable |
| Local I/O | Digital and analog Axioline F I/O; maximum 1,482 B process data per station, input and output combined |
| Supply voltage | 24 V DC nominal; 19.2–30 V DC range, including ±5% ripple |
| Power dissipation | Approximately 5.6 W nominal, controller only |
| Dimensions, W × H × D | 45 × 126.9 × 75 mm, controller module |
| Weight | Approximately 223 g, controller only |
| Mounting | DIN rail, TH 35-7.5 per EN 60715 |
| Protection | IP20; protection class III per IEC 61140 / EN 61140 |
| Operating temperature | −25°C to 60°C at altitudes up to 2,000 m; datasheet lists an extended range of −40°C to 70°C |
| Storage / transport temperature | −40°C to 85°C |
| Humidity | 5–95%, non-condensing |
| Vibration / shock | Per IEC 60068-2-6 / IEC 60068-2-27 |
| Cybersecurity | Development process certified to IEC 62443-4-1; hardware certified to IEC 62443-4-2; TPM 1.2 |
| Programming | Python via native NATS driver and pplapp; ST, LD, FBD, SFC, and IL via PLCnext Engineer |
Hardware specifications and ambient ratings apply to the controller module, not the complete kit or packed shipment. Verify installation conditions and extended-temperature requirements for your application.
Included Controller & I/O Hardware
- AXC F 2152, item 2404267: PLCnext controller with two Ethernet interfaces and direct Axioline F I/O control.
- AXL F BP SE4, item 1088135: Four-slot Axioline Smart Elements backplane.
- AXL SE AI4 U 0-10, item 1088104: Four 0–10 V analog inputs.
- AXL SE DI16/1, item 1088127: Sixteen 24 V DC digital inputs, one-conductor.
- AXL SE DO16/1, item 1088129: Sixteen 24 V DC / 500 mA digital outputs, one-conductor.
- AXL SE SC, item 1167159: Cover for an unused Smart Element slot.
Optional CAN interface: AXL F IF CAN 1H, item 2702668, connects BMS and other CAN-based subsystems. This module is an add-on and is not included by default.
Deployment Kit & Software Licensing
- Deployment Kit, $3,799: Controller, I/O modules, and power supply, pre-configured for permanent field deployment. Perpetual software licensing is priced separately.
- Software license, quoted separately: One-time, perpetual licensing based on managed capacity, with all features, dashboards, diagnostics, software updates, and version control. No subscription or mandatory annual fee. Contact Solar Cellz for software licensing pricing.
Managed capacity is the sum of the rated power in kW of all power conversion units managed by the controller. Confirm final project pricing and license requirements with Solar Cellz before ordering. Software licensing and any pay-per-use engineering credits are separate from the Deployment Kit hardware price.
Engineering Support Through DCIDE Credits
Direct Energy Partners provides controls-engineering support through its DCIDE platform and support network. Credits can fund address maps, configuration, commissioning, custom applications, troubleshooting, and integration. Incoming questions are free; paid work is estimated in credits and approved before it begins. Credits remain valid for one year from purchase, with no mandatory annual support fee.
Equipment Manufacturers & Integration Partners
Direct Energy Partners offers reseller and referral partnership tracks for businesses bundling the controller with their equipment or introducing customer projects. Resellers invoice their customers directly; referral projects are priced, invoiced, and supported by Direct Energy Partners. Partner pricing, commissions, and deal registration are arranged directly with DEP.