Bentley Systems, Siemens collaborate to bring BIM to the power industry

American software maker, Bentley Systems and Berlin-based Siemens AG, the largest manufacturing and electronics company in Europe are collaborating to bring the efficiencies of BIM to areas outside AEC. This announcement comes on the heels of the agreement made in November 2016 by both companies to form a strategic alliance to drive new business value through digitalisation for Infrastructure projects.

Siemens Energy Management Division and Bentley Systems seek to develop solutions for the digitalising of planning, design and operations for power utilities and industrial power customers. The first solution will integrate Bentley’s Open Utilities solution for Powergrid design and GIS with Siemens PSS Suite so as to provide seamless workflows and data integration between them both while supporting optimal network design for operational and economic performance. A collaboration like this will ensure better planning in the development of Distributed Energy Sources (DERs) and Microgrids even as they become more complex with increasing modernisation.

With this, utility designers on both platforms will have connected data environments that will enable them to share information. Other benefits of this agreement will include the development of intelligent Siemens components that will be incorporated into Bentley’s Substation application for 3D modelling, intelligent Electrical Symbols for 2D schematic layout and access to Siemens components on Bentley’s Cloud services.

About Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)

DERs are smaller power sources that can be aggregated to provide power that can be aggregated to provide the power necessary to meet regular demand. As the electricity grid continues to modernise, DERs such as storage and advanced renewable technologies can help facilitate the transition to a smarter grid.

About Microgrid

A microgrid is a localised grouping of electricity sources and loads (a type of DER) that normally operates connected to and synchronous with the traditional centralised grid (Macrogrid) but can be connected/disconnected to function autonomously as physical and/or economic conditions dictate.

About Siemens AG

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of efficient power generation and power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2016, which ended on September 30, 2016, Siemens generated revenue of €79.6 billion and net income of €5.6 billion. At the end of September 2016, the company had around 351,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.

About Bentley Systems

Bentley Systems is a global leader in providing architects, engineers, geospatial professionals, constructors, and owner-operators with comprehensive software solutions for advancing the design, construction, and operations of infrastructure. Bentley users leverage information mobility across disciplines and throughout the infrastructure lifecycle to deliver better-performing projects and assets. Bentley solutions encompass MicroStation applications for information modelling, ProjectWise collaboration services to deliver integrated projects, and AssetWise operations services to achieve intelligent infrastructure – complemented by worldwide professional services and comprehensive managed services. Founded in 1984, Bentley has more than 3,000 colleagues in over 50 countries, more than $600 million in annual revenues, and since 2009 has invested more than $1 billion in research, development, and acquisitions. Additional information about Bentley is available at www.bentley.com.