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Smart Grids and the new energy age

2021-07-01 14:22:23
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System requirements for smart grid //

7. Communication solutions

The new era of electricity is characterized by a combination of centralized and decentralized power generation, which requires two-way energy flows, including electricity from smart buildings and residential areas where consumers become 'Prosumers' .

An essential prerequisite for this paradigm shift is a seamless end-to-end communication network that provides sufficient bandwidth between all elements of the grid.

Telecommunications systems for transmission over power grid have a long history in the utility industry. In today's transport networks, almost all substations are integrated into a communication network that allows online monitoring and control by an Energy Management System (EMS) .

In a distribution network, the situation is quite different. While high voltage substations are often equipped with digital communication , the communication infrastructure at lower distribution levels is weak .

In most countries, less than ten percent (10%) of transformer substations and main ring units (RMUs) are remotely monitored and controlled. Communication technologies have continued to develop rapidly in recent years and Ethernet has become the established standard in the power supply industry.

International communication standards like IEC 61850 will further simplify the exchange of data between different communication partners. Serial interfaces will, however, continue to play a role in the future for small systems.

An important element in the creation and operation of Smart Grid is complete and consistent communication using sufficient bandwidth and devices with IP / Ethernet capability.

Networks of this type should eventually extend all the way to individual consumers, who will be integrated into them using smart meters. Consistent end-to-end communication helps meet the requirement for online monitoring of all network components and, among other things, creates opportunities to develop new business models for smart metering. integrating distributed energy production .

8. Distribution management system (DMS)

Today's operation of the distribution network is characterized mainly by manual procedures that call on the expertise of an aging workforce.

Using the Spectrum Power Distribution Management System (DMS) will create an intelligent, self-repairing grid by making the following improvements:

  1. Reduction in the occurrence and duration of overruns through the application of advanced fault location and network reconfiguration algorithms.
  2. Minimize losses through improved monitoring.
  3. Optimized use of assets through demand management and distributed generation.
  4. Reduced maintenance costs through online condition monitoring.

Intelligent management of energy distribution networks is one of the key success factors in achieving ambitious smart grid goals .

9. Distribution automation and protection

The prerequisite for full automation and protection design determines the required levels of automation and functionality for distribution substations and RMUs.

This may differ between RMUs in the same distribution network or in the same outgoing feeder. due to different availability of main equipment or communication . However, with or without limited communication access, some level of automation and Smart Grid functionality can still be achieved, as can a combination of functions in a feeder automation system.

The following levels of distribution automation can serve as a roadmap for network upgrades leading to smart grid implementation:

Local automation (without communication)

  • Sectionalizer ( automatic restoration of faults by switching sequences )
  • Voltage regulator ( automatic voltage regulation for long starts )
  • Recloser controller ( automatic reclosing circuit breaker for overhead lines )

Monitoring only (one-way communication to the distribution station or control center)

  • Message box ( for example, short circuit indicators with one-way communication to the distribution substation to the control center for rapid fault localization )

Control, monitoring and automation (two-way communication with the distribution station or the control center)

  • RTU Distribution Automation ( DA - RTU ) with powerful communication and automation features applicable to Smart Grid functions, such as:
    • Automated self-healing routines
    • Nodal station for power quality applications
    • Data concentrator for smart metering systems
    • Nodal station for decentralized energy production
    • Node station for on-demand applications

Protection, control, monitoring and automation (two-way communication with the distribution station or the control center)

  • Overhead line reclosing controller plus auto-reclosing circuit breaker with enhanced protection functionality and advanced communication and automation functions.

10. Distributed energy resources (DER)

The integration of distributed energy resources (DER) calls for a whole new concept: the virtual power plant. A virtual power plant connects many small plants that participate in the energy market in a completely new way.

It allows the use of sales channels that would otherwise not be available to individual plant operators.

Connected to each other in the grid, power plants can be operated even more efficiently and therefore more economically than before, benefiting operators of decentralized generation facilities .

In the virtual power plant, decentralized energy management and communication with production facilities play a special role, thanks to Siemens productsDistributed Energy Management System (DEMS) and DER Controller, are optimally supported. The centerpiece is the DEMS, which makes it possible to intelligently, economically and ecologically connect decentralized energy sources.

The DER controller facilitates communications and is specifically tailored to the needs of distributed power sources.

11. Decentralized Energy Management System (DEMS)

DEMS, the heart of the virtual power plant , is also suitable for utilities, industrial operations, functional building operators, autonomous communities, regions and energy autonomous energy service providers.

DEMS uses three tools to optimize power:

  1. The forecasts,
  2. Operational planning and
  3. Real-time optimization.

The forecasting tool anticipates electrical problems and thermal loads; for example, depending on the weather and time. Predicting production from renewable energy sources is also important and relies on weather forecasts and the unique characteristics of power plants.

Short-term planning to optimize operating costs All installed equipment must meet basic technical and contractual conditions every 15 minutes for a maximum of one week in advance.

The calculated plan minimizes production and operating costs, while DEMS also manages profitability and environmental considerations.

12. Smart meter solutions

the automated measurement and information system (AMIS) records each consumer energy consumption over time and, in turn, consumers receive detailed information on their energy consumption.

Experts estimate that using smart meters can save up to 10 terawatt hours of electricity, or nearly 2% of total energy consumption. 

Conclusion

There is no doubt that the future belongs to the Smart Grid and that power generation will change dramatically when it becomes reality.

Large plants will continue to provide the base, but there will also be renewable energy sources, causing fluctuations in the grid. In the not too distant future, it will be possible to use electric vehicles and stationary storage units for flexible intermediate storage of temporary excess energy in the grid.

Smart sensors and meters will turn these units on or off, ensuring efficient load management.

 

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