Category: Active Network Management
Grid Requirement tackled
- Maximizing the hosting capacity of existing grids is an important strategy of DSOs to keep pace in the facilitation of renewable energy sources and electrification of loads. This requires more real time information from the network and solutions for autonomous transport capacity management.
- A digitisation solution for the unique design of the 12 kV Ring Main Unit (RMU) switchgear type Magnefix, which has been installed in the Netherlands since the mid-fifties last century.
- A new smart and easy-to-install sensor is being developed, the iCap and a roll-out program has been made to install it in 4.000 secondary substations.
Approach & solution
- The iCap system comprises of two main components: the sensor itself, which is integrated in each Magnefix Switch Cap and the Central Magnefix Unit (CMU), which is placed near the Magnefix switch and connected to the data process system of the grid operator via Modbus.
- The iCap sensor measures Current, Voltage and Phase-Shift between voltage and current.
- There is no specific skill needed for the iCap retrofit measurement solution.
- We have been switching with the Magnefix for more than 60 years.
- It is a CAPEX and OPEX investment.
Gain insight into load currents magnitude and direction and an advanced fault passage indicator.
Benefits
- It is a prerequisite to gain insight into the size and direction of power to facilitate the energy transition.
- Reusing an old very robust MV switchgear to the new digital standard.
- No changes in operating the MV switchgear: Magnefix cap has the same dimension with and without iCap system, Same operating procedures for placing and pulling only battery pack will differentiate its identity.
- An innovative technology to maximize the hosting capacity of existing grids, by real time information from MV-network.