Category: (Near) conventional solutions / Active Network Management
Grid Requirement tackled
- With closed ring operation we optimize the grid topology on 10kV and 20kV voltage level, making more capacity available and solving or preventing quality bottlenecks. This allows more customers to be connected faster, without making in-depth investments.
- The closed ring operations tackles the issue of violating voltage levels in the operation of the grid.
Approach & solution
Closed ring operation is achieved through the combination of two different digitalization techniques:
- At the breakpoint, 3 feeders are connected by an intelligent ring main unit. The breakpoint is broken on t=0 in the event of a failure, causing us to switch back to radial. The fault will be disconnected by the existing conventional overcurrent protection relays.
- Smart Cable Guards are used for fault location since traditional fault detectors have become worthless in a network with two-sided short-circuit power supply.​
- Analyses software tooling needs to be trained to employees to identify where the closed ring operation can be implemented in the grid.
- There is CAPEX investments for int. ring main unit and Smart Cable Guard and OPEX related to Smart Cable Guard.
Benefits
What is the technology’s impact on below areas?
- Technological, more capacity is expected to be available after implementation, increases ranging from firm power between 500kW to 1MW and non-firm up to 2MW; for non-firm power, the Grid as a Service (active capacity management) system needs to be available.
- Customers, more grid capacity will be made available.
- DSOs, it supports the DSO with investment savings or deferral and provide faster capacity offerings to customers.
- HW installations for intel. ring main unit and Smart Cable Guard can be done within 2weeks, DSO internal processing depends on the company.