Dynamic grid edge control: A critical gap in realising smart grid benefits Sponsored
The electrical grid is undergoing a rapid transition from centralised power generation to smaller distributed power generators, closer to the consumer — to include renewable energy like solar and wind. In addition, utilities are being demanded to increase overall efficiency and reduce peaks in energy demand. While these issues might seem small, the current grid is built and reliant on old technology and infrastructure. Historically, antiquated electromechanical devices — including capacitor banks, line voltage regulators and load tap changers — have provided voltage and VAR control as the only option to electric utility operators. But with dramatic changes impacting the electric grid today, including PV solar, energy efficiency and peak demand reduction, a new class of voltage and VAR regulation is needed.
The technology and regulatory challenges facing the utility industry as it strives to modernise and control the grid — and introduces a new paradigm for viewing and controlling networks from the edge of the grid —illustrate that new 'grid edge' technologies can give utilities the tools they need to improve efficiencies and effectively incorporate high levels of distributed energy resources such as PV solar.
To adapt to these changes, the modernised grid needs greater control of voltage and demand, right down to the grid edge. A traditional approach to Volt-VAR Optimisation (VVO) and Voltage Reduction (VR) involves networks lowering system voltage and controlling demand on the utility-side by acting on the primary side. However, that approach is not only centralised, it’s also less effective.Such centralised grid control approach that has worked for decades lacks a fundamental ability to react quickly at the periphery of the grid. Some of the new grid edge control devices can be used as shock absorbers to manage volatility and to improve precision of voltage control along a distribution feeder. Although many of the AMI systems do not report voltage back to network operations (especially not real-time).
Acculec distributes “Varentec” systems in New Zealand & Australia - which is a leading provider of grid edge solutions and allow utilities to more effectively increase energy efficiency, manage peak capacity, and integrate renewable faster and easier, and improve system-wide reliability.
Varentec’s devices act as “shock-absorbers” for the distribution grid by flattening the feeder voltage profile and ultimately relieve operational burden from primary side assets, such as tap changers, voltage regulators and capacitor banks — increasing life and reducing maintenance of primary assets. Gaining control of the grid edge will allow utilities to fully realise the benefits of many grid modernisation programs, including advanced VVO/CVR schemes, peak demand management, line loss reduction, and reliability/quality enhancement.
For more information - please contact:
Bruce Blundell
P: +64 9 274 4280
M: +64 21 427 774
E: bruce.blundell@acculec.co.nz