Deep Sea Controller (Deep Sea)

      Deep Sea takes precision, intelligence and high reliability as its core, and occupies an important position in the fields of marine engineering, energy exploration and scientific research. Its development relies on the UK's deep accumulation in marine science, automatic control and material engineering, forming a complete technical system covering generator set control, underwater robots (ROV/AUV) and deep-sea equipment.

Core Enterprises and Products

       Deep Sea Electronics (DSE) is a benchmark company for global generator set controllers. It was founded in 1975 and focuses on the automatic control and monitoring of diesel/gas generator sets. Its DSE series controllers (such as DSE7320 MKII) feature modular design, LCD human-machine interface and remote monitoring functions, which can monitor engine parameters (such as oil temperature, oil pressure, and speed) in real time, and support automatic switching of AC power failures, pre-maintenance warnings and SMS alarms18. The company's products are widely used in global oil and gas platforms, ship power and emergency power supply systems, and its market share has long been at the forefront.

Deep-sea robot and equipment control technology

       In the field of underwater robots, the British SMD company (now a subsidiary of China CRRC Corporation) is the world's second largest supplier of deep-sea robots. Its products include submarine trenchers, cable laying equipment and mining robots, with a market share of more than 50%. SMD's controller technology is characterized by high power density and resistance to high-pressure corrosion. For example, the power density of its underwater motor controller has been increased to 40%, supporting operations in a 6,000-meter deep-sea environment. In addition, the "ULTRA Project" led by the UK National Oceanography Center (NOC) uses robot drills to explore deep-sea mineral deposits, and through three-dimensional imaging and environmental monitoring technology, it has achieved accurate positioning and sustainable development of seabed resources.

Technological innovation and application scenarios

The technological breakthroughs of the UK deep-sea controller are concentrated in the following directions:

1. Intelligence and autonomy: For example, the DSE7320 MKII integrates an ARM microprocessor, supports fault prediction and data recording, and can communicate with the host computer through the MODBUS protocol to achieve remote management of unmanned power stations8.

2. Environmental protection and reliability: The all-electric ROV (eWROV) developed by Saab UK adopts a hydraulic system-free design to reduce the risk of oil leakage, and optimizes energy consumption through high-efficiency power modules, which is suitable for sensitive waters such as the polar regions.

3. Multi-scenario adaptation: In addition to the energy field, British controller technology is also used in scientific research (such as scanning the wreckage of the Titanic), military (anti-submarine warning) and submarine infrastructure maintenance (cable maintenance).

Market position and challenges

        British deep-sea controllers face challenges from emerging competitors such as China in the global market. For example, China's Zhongzhi Technology has gradually replaced DSE products through its cost-effectiveness advantage, but its core technology still relies on British patents. To stay ahead, British companies are accelerating technology integration, such as SMD and CRRC Group's cooperation in developing high-voltage electrification equipment to promote the performance of deep-sea motor controllers. In the future, the UK will continue to focus on AI algorithms, energy efficiency and adaptability to extreme environments to consolidate its global voice in the field of deep-sea control technology.

Czech ComAp

        is a leading global provider of intelligent control solutions, focusing on generator automation, energy management and microgrid control. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, the company has about 500 employees, annual revenue of more than 80 million US dollars, products covering more than 120 countries, and occupying an important position in the European, North American and Asia-Pacific markets.

Core Technology and Product System

        Comai controllers are based on modular design and intelligent functions. The hardware supports multiple communication protocols such as CAN, Modbus, Ethernet, etc., and can flexibly expand the input and output interfaces to meet the needs of different scenarios. Its firmware pre-programming function reduces the complex coding process of traditional PLCs. For example, the "drag-and-drop" logic configuration is realized through Inteli Config software, which shortens the setting time of pressure sensors from hours to minutes. Typical products include:

InteliLite Series: Suitable for backup and main power supply scenarios, supports automatic synchronization, fault protection and remote monitoring. For example, the IL-NT MRS 3 PLUS controller can monitor more than 30 parameters such as voltage, frequency, oil temperature, etc. in real time, and has an IP65 waterproof rating.

InteliGen Series: Multi-unit parallel controller, supporting island operation and grid-connected mode, such as InteliGen 1000 can manage multiple generator sets in key facilities such as data centers and hospitals, achieving load balancing and grid compliance control.

InteliSys Series: High-end microgrid controller, integrated AI algorithm to optimize energy scheduling, such as in Singapore's 100% renewable microgrid project, balancing the supply and demand of solar energy and energy storage systems through real-time data analysis.

Industry Application and Technological Innovation

Comai controllers are widely used in the three fields of energy, industry, and shipbuilding:

1. Energy field: Provide control systems for gas engines such as MWM and Jenbacher, supporting dual-fuel (diesel + natural gas) operation. For example, in an organic farm in Australia, its hybrid microgrid solution integrates solar energy, biomass energy and generator sets to reduce energy consumption by 30%.

2. Industrial field: Provide automated control for automobile production lines such as Audi and BMW, such as synchronizing engine speed with production rhythm through InteliDrive FLX Lite controller, improving efficiency by 15%.

3. Shipbuilding: Through classification society certification (such as DNV GL), it provides propulsion system control for fishing vessels and cruise ships. For example, in a fishing vessel project, its controller achieved fuel efficiency optimization and emission compliance.

In terms of technological innovation, Comai leads in edge computing and network security:

Edge computing: InteliNeo 6000 controller has a built-in real-time operating system, supports 500 microsecond response, can manage 32 devices at the same time, and is suitable for complex microgrids.

Network security: Adopting the concept of "security by design", data encryption transmission is achieved through the WebSupervisor cloud platform, which complies with the ISO/IEC 27001 standard and has been applied to sensitive scenarios such as oil platforms.

Market competition and strategic layout

        Comai's main competitors include DSE of the UK and Siemens of Germany, but it maintains its advantages with its cost-effectiveness and customized services. For example, its InteliLite 4 AMF 25 controller is 20% cheaper than similar products, and supports Chinese interface and localized technical support. In emerging markets, Comai cooperates with China's Smart Wisdom Technology to expand the Asia-Pacific market through the ODM model, and replaces DSE products in an industrial park project in Indonesia in 2024.

In the future, Comai will focus on hydrogen energy and energy storage control, such as cooperating with Nedstack to develop fuel cell control systems to support green hydrogen power generation and grid connection, and plans to launch the first commercial product in 2026. In addition, the company is developing predictive maintenance tools based on digital twins to simulate engine operating status and warn of faults in advance, with the goal of reducing downtime by 50%.

DEIF (Denmark)

          is a leading global provider of energy control solutions, focusing on intelligent control technologies in the fields of distributed power generation, shipping and offshore engineering, and wind power generation. Founded in 1933 and headquartered in Skive, Denmark, the company has more than 650 employees and its business covers more than 50 countries around the world. Its annual R&D investment accounts for 20%, and it is committed to promoting the efficiency and sustainability of energy systems through innovative technologies.

Core products and technology system

DEIF's controllers are based on modular design and multi-scenario adaptability, covering three major areas: generator set control, microgrid management and wind power systems:

1. Generator set controller:

Its flagship products such as the AFC 2210 series support the automatic control of multiple types of engines such as diesel and gas, and can monitor more than 30 parameters such as oil temperature, oil pressure, and speed in real time, and realize remote monitoring through MODBUS, CANopen and other protocols. For example, in the hospital backup power supply scenario, AFC 2210 can start the generator set within 0.5 seconds after the mains failure to ensure continuous power supply to key equipment.

2. Microgrid and energy storage control:

The AGC 150 hybrid controller integrates solar energy, energy storage and traditional energy, supports "island operation" mode, and is suitable for energy management in remote areas or data centers. For example, in a microgrid project in Singapore, the controller optimizes energy scheduling through AI algorithms, increasing the utilization rate of renewable energy to 85%.

3. Wind power and offshore engineering control:

The DM-4 REC-1 renewable energy controller is used in wind turbines, and realizes the coordinated control of the variable pitch system and the inverter through the CANopen bus, supporting operations in a 6,000-meter deep-sea environment. In a large wind power project in Inner Mongolia, the controller cooperates with Siemens PLC to achieve efficient communication between the tower base main control system and the cabin equipment, improving the power generation efficiency by 15%.

Technological innovation and industry application

DEIF's technological breakthroughs focus on green energy and extreme environmental adaptability:

Environmental protection and energy efficiency optimization:

Its ASC 150 energy storage controller supports multiple types of energy storage devices such as lithium batteries and flow batteries. It reduces system energy consumption through dynamic load balancing technology and has been applied to the Silkeborg District Heating Project in Denmark to help achieve CO₂ neutrality goals.

Shipping and offshore fields:

The marine controller is certified by DNV GL, supports IP67 waterproof level, and can operate stably in extreme temperatures from -40℃ to +70℃. For example, in a fishing vessel project, the DEIF controller achieved fuel efficiency optimization and emission compliance, reducing operating costs by 20%.

Edge computing and network security:

The new generation of controllers has a built-in real-time operating system, supports 500 microsecond response, and adopts the concept of "security by design". It realizes data encryption transmission through the WebSupervisor cloud platform, complies with the ISO/IEC 27001 standard, and has been applied to sensitive scenarios such as oil platforms.

Market position and strategic layout

DEIF faces competition from companies such as Siemens and ABB in the global market, but it maintains its advantages with customized services and high cost performance. For example, its AFC 2210 controller is 15% cheaper than similar products, and supports Chinese interface and localized technical support. In emerging markets, DEIF cooperates with China Zhongzhi Technology to expand the Asia-Pacific market through the ODM model, and replaces British DSE products in an industrial park project in Indonesia in 2024.

In the future, DEIF will focus on hydrogen energy and energy storage control, plans to launch a fuel cell control system in 2026, and develop predictive maintenance tools based on digital twins, aiming to reduce downtime by 50%. In addition, the company is working with Maersk Group to develop a ship hydrogen power control system to promote the decarbonization of the shipping industry.

Summary

With "green, safe and reliable" as its core, DEIF has established global competitiveness in wind power, ships, microgrids and other fields through modular design, edge computing and multi-energy synergy technology. Its technological innovation not only improves the efficiency and reliability of energy systems, but also promotes the global energy transformation process, becoming a benchmark company in the field of distributed energy control.

Zhengzhou Smartgen Technology Co., Ltd. (Smartgen)

          is a leading intelligent control solution provider in China, focusing on generator automation, microgrid management and new energy control. The company was founded in 2003 and was formerly a team that started developing generator controllers in 1998. It is headquartered in Zhengzhou High-tech Zone and currently has more than 300 employees. Its annual revenue exceeds 239 million yuan (2024 data). Its products cover more than 50 countries around the world. Its domestic market share ranks among the top in the industry, and its global market is second only to international brands such as Deepsea in the UK and Comai in the Czech Republic.

Core Products and Technology System

With modular design and multi-scenario adaptability as the core, Zhongzhi controller covers generator set control, microgrid management and new energy fields:

Generator set controller:

Flagship products such as ACC4100B diesel-driven air compressor controller support automatic control of diesel and gas engines, can monitor more than 30 parameters such as oil temperature, oil pressure, speed, etc. in real time, have IP65 waterproof rating and 0.5 second fast start capability, and have been applied to hospital backup power supply and other scenarios. Marine controllers are certified by DNV GL, CCS, etc., and support extreme environments from -40℃ to +70℃. For example, in a fishing vessel project, fuel efficiency optimization and emission compliance are achieved, reducing operating costs by 20%.

Microgrid and energy storage control:

The HEMS150 hybrid energy controller integrates solar energy, energy storage and traditional energy, supports the "island operation" mode, optimizes energy dispatch through AI algorithms, and increases the utilization rate of renewable energy to 85% in a microgrid project in Singapore. The EMS system supports multiple types of energy storage devices such as lithium batteries and flow batteries. The dynamic load balancing technology reduces system energy consumption and has been applied to the Silkeborg District Heating Project in Denmark.

New energy control:

The PCS energy storage converter controller supports algorithms such as droop control and VSG control to achieve seamless switching between grid-connected and island modes. In a wind power project in Inner Mongolia, it cooperates with Siemens PLC to improve power generation efficiency by 15%. The company has also developed a predictive maintenance tool based on digital twins, aiming to reduce downtime by 50%.

Technology Innovation and Industry Application

SmartGen has obtained more than 600 patents and participated in the drafting of the national standard GB/T37089-2018. Its technological breakthroughs are concentrated in edge computing and network security:

Edge computing:

The edge computing gateway supports 500 microsecond response and can manage 32 devices at the same time, which is suitable for complex microgrids. For example, in the CRRC Puzhen intelligent patrol system, equipment failure warning is achieved through real-time data analysis.

Network security:

Adopting the concept of "security by design", the WebSupervisor cloud platform realizes data encryption transmission, complies with the ISO/IEC 27001 standard, and has been applied to sensitive scenarios such as oil platforms.

Industry applications:

Products are widely used in defense, communications, electricity, data centers and other fields. For example, in the Deyang Sixth People's Hospital project, its diesel generator controller ensures continuous power supply for medical equipment; in an industrial park project in Indonesia, it replaces the British DSE products and reduces costs by 15% with its cost-effectiveness.

Market position and strategic layout

Zhongzhi Technology cooperates with Czech Comai to expand the Asia-Pacific market through the ODM model. In 2024, the revenue of controller products accounted for 65%, and it won the title of "Top Ten EMS Suppliers in China's Energy Storage Industry". In the future, it will focus on hydrogen energy and AI technology:

Hydrogen energy control: It plans to launch a fuel cell control system in 2026 to support green hydrogen power generation and grid connection.

AI application: Cooperate with Guangjianyun to develop AI smart hardware and industry solutions to promote the intelligent upgrade of industrial production and security.

Summary

With "domestic substitution and technological innovation" as its core, Zhengzhou Zhongzhi has established global competitiveness in microgrids, energy storage, ships and other fields through modular design, edge computing and multi-energy synergy technology. Its products not only improve the efficiency and reliability of energy systems, but also promote the localization process of China's intelligent manufacturing, becoming a benchmark enterprise in the field of distributed energy control.