ComAp Martin Energy case study site

Case Study

Integrated CHP and BESS solution for a pharmaceutical manufacturer

7 Oct 2026

5 min read

Project overview

A pharmaceutical manufacturer in Puerto Rico needed a dependable, lower-cost alternative to an unstable public grid. ComAp partner Martin Energy Group designed and delivered a turnkey microgrid that combines LNG-fuelled combined heat and power (CHP), battery energy storage systems (BESS), and diesel backup generation, all coordinated by ComAp controllers. The aim was to keep the site's critical processes running without interruption, whatever the state of the grid. Martin Energy Group owns and operates the system and supplies the facility with power under a power purchase agreement (PPA).

battery energy storage

Key objectives

  • Secure reliable power for critical pharmaceutical processes
  • Protect operations against grid failures and hurricane-related outages
  • Lower the site's energy costs
InteliMains1010

The challenge

Puerto Rico's electricity grid is known for its poor reliability, and hurricanes make long outages a constant risk. Pharmaceutical production depends on continuous, stable power, so every interruption carries a serious operational cost. The company needed an energy solution that would keep the site running whatever the state of the grid, while also bringing down the cost of power.

InteliVision 5.2 display panel 1

The solution

Martin Energy Group engineered, manufactured, installed, and commissioned a fully integrated microgrid built around two 1,300 kW LNG-fuelled CHP units. These provide the site's primary electrical generation. Exhaust heat from both engines is captured by a shared heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), which produces steam for facility processes. Recovered heat also drives a 300-ton absorption chiller, which supplies chilled water and further reduces energy waste.

Two battery energy storage systems (BESS), with a combined capacity of 4.4 MWh, support microgrid stability, improve load management, and provide backup power. They also allow the generation assets to run more efficiently. A custom 1,750 kW diesel generator built by Martin Energy Group adds another layer of resilience during maintenance, fuel interruptions, or abnormal operating conditions. The scope also included custom switchgear and a fully engineered E-House. Power is generated at 480 V and stepped up through a site transformer for distribution.

ComAp's control platform ties these assets together. Two InteliSys 2000 controllers manage the CHP units, providing coordinated control and load sharing, and an InteliGen 1000 controls the diesel generator. An InteliNeo 6000 manages both battery systems. An InteliMains 1010 handles utility interconnection and grid synchronisation, and two further InteliMains 1010 units are used for breaker control. Together, they coordinate generation, storage, and the utility grid in both grid-connected and island modes.

InteliNeo_6000

The result

Over its first 11 months of operation, the microgrid delivered 100% uptime, giving the manufacturer the reliable power its critical processes demand. A single coordinated system now supplies the site with electricity, steam, hot water, and chilled water, improving overall energy efficiency.

The project also brings a major environmental benefit. The facility previously relied on Puerto Rico's utility grid, which is largely powered by oil and coal. Now that the microgrid generates power on site and puts recovered engine heat to use, it is projected to cut the facility's annual CO₂ emissions from approximately 12,920 tonnes to 3,519 tonnes. That is a reduction of around 9,400 tonnes a year, or 72.8%.

Martin Energy Group specified ComAp for the project's control architecture and relies on the platform to run three different energy sources as one system. 

Combined heat and power (CHP)

Products used in this project

InteliNeo_6000_web_main
InteliNeo 6000
InteliNeo 6000 is a controller for managing and optimising on-grid and off-grid hybrid microgrid systems. The controller features real-time monitoring capabilities to balance power supply and demand and make real-time decisions for optimal energy management.
 
InteliSys 2000
InteliSys 2000
InteliSys 2000 sets an industry standard for advanced power generation control units. Tailored for various power generation applications, including gas gensets and cogeneration heat-power setups, it ensures cutting-edge performance with unrivalled PLC resources, modular expandability, and control algorithm flexibility. The InteliSys 2000 is developed in line with the latest market trends, grid code standards, and security protocols and comes with extensive communication capabilities. 
 
InteliGen_1000_main
InteliGen 1000

InteliGen 1000 is the most advanced ComAp gen-set controller for multiple gen-sets with paralleling operations, with or without connection to the mains or other source. Intended primarily for switchgear applications, this high-end controller will help you control and monitor demanding projects with critical infrastructures such as datacentres, hospitals and banks. 
 
InteliMains_1010
InteliMains 1010
InteliMains 1010 is the most advanced ComAp mains/utility/tie-breaker supervision controller for complex applications. Designed following top IT security standards to protect your operations, the InteliMains 1010 acts as a relay for mains protection and helps synchronise your gen-sets to the mains/utility for switchgear applications and critical infrastructure installations, such as datacentres, hospitals or banks. 
 
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