NMi at the CurrentOS General Assembly: Driving the Future of DC Power

NMi recently participated in the CurrentOS General Assembly’s 6th Plenary session, hosted by ABB SACE in Bergamo, Italy. This gathering highlighted the progress and expanding membership of the CurrentOS Foundation, which now includes 60 companies from across the globe. It underscored the growing importance of direct current (DC) technology in the electrification landscape. With 95 participants, the meeting signalled a robust recognition that DC is a complementary technology and an essential component in advancing sustainable and efficient energy solutions.

NMi’s Role in Developing the CurrentOS Certification Scheme

NMi, which has been part of CurrentOS for the past year, is committed to enhancing the capabilities of DC systems by developing a comprehensive Certification Scheme. This Scheme, aligned with the CurrentOS system reference document and standards, will play a crucial role in setting benchmarks for compliance, interoperability, and safety. As DC applications become more integral to multi-source energy systems, having standardized certification will ensure that DC technologies are seamlessly integrated into diverse infrastructure settings.

By working on this Certification Scheme, NMi aims to facilitate a framework that helps companies and industries confidently adopt DC technologies. This is increasingly important as more devices and applications, from electric vehicles (EVs) to renewable energy sources, rely on DC power for efficient operation.

Fostering Interoperability through Digital & Metering Standards

NMi also contributes to the CurrentOS technical group on Digital & Metering, which establishes interoperability standards for DC components within microgrids. These standards align with existing IEC and ANSI standards, ensuring that DC technology can operate harmoniously within new and established energy networks. The focus on interoperability is essential for the global deployment of DC systems, enabling compatibility across diverse applications and geographies. By participating in these technical efforts, NMi is helping to set the foundation for worldwide compliance and functional integration of DC systems.

Why the Development of DC Matters

Direct current is central to our transition toward sustainable energy systems. With its inherent efficiency, DC minimizes the energy losses associated with alternating current (AC) to DC conversions, which is critical as we integrate more renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Modern devices and technologies, from EVs to battery storage systems, are optimized for DC, making it a natural choice for powering the future.

Furthermore, the stability of DC systems simplifies energy management by reducing harmonics and improving grid reliability. Focusing on DC can achieve a more robust, reliable, and efficient energy infrastructure that supports the widespread adoption of renewable energy and enhances overall sustainability.

NMi’s Commitment to Driving DC Implementation Through Collaboration

NMi is actively engaged with industry partners, leveraging its expertise in legal metrology to advance DC technologies. As a recognized certification body and testing laboratory, NMi contributes to formulating international standards through collaboration with organizations like IEC and CENELEC. These efforts are vital for ensuring the precision and reliability of DC systems, particularly in critical applications such as fast EV charging, where accurate and dependable metering is essential.

Through our state-of-the-art testing facilities, we support a broad range of DC applications by offering rigorous compliance and performance testing. NMi also works closely with governmental bodies to create implementation guides that integrate these technologies into legal frameworks. We aim to foster a supportive regulatory environment that encourages the adoption of DC systems across industrial, residential, and commercial sectors.

Looking Ahead: NMi and the Future of DC in CurrentOS

As NMi continues its work with CurrentOS, we look forward to the next meeting, which NMi will partner to host in Delft, the Netherlands. These gatherings provide an invaluable platform for sharing insights, advancing standards, and fostering collaboration among industry leaders. Together, we are driving a global movement towards a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy future that places DC at its core.

Through initiatives like the CurrentOS Certification Scheme and our work in standardization, NMi remains committed to advancing DC technology. Our efforts support the technical and regulatory integration of DC systems and reinforce the broader goals of environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

If you’re interested in learning more about how NMi is advancing DC technology or want to explore how we can support your organization with certification and compliance, please reach out. Together, we can drive the future of sustainable energy.

Contact us today to discuss how NMi can assist in meeting your DC power needs!