Distribution Automation but different: which cheap, simple, flexible scenarios are
realistic and proven? T. Jansen, A. Schönfeldt. Locamation B.V.. Abstract.
Distribution Automation but different: which cheap, simple, flexible scenarios are realistic and proven? T. Jansen, A. Schönfeldt Locamation B.V. Abstract To be clear from the beginning the business case for a smart grid is a summary of individual use cases which in case they pay individually off the overall business will be profitable and indicates it is worth an individual asset investment or a phased roll out. Similar to the smart metering situation the regulatory environment for the distribution grid has not been defined yet. What is clear is that smart grid scenarios only force action if either the physical flow becomes “untypical” (bilateral flow situation of decentral generation, volatile load and frequency due to renewable generation) or the given regulatory guidelines are penalizing the financial model of a supplier, industrial customer or the network operator (customer minutes lost, subsidies cut, load restrictions, etc.). The overall stress on assets and asset performance due to the different grid operation situation is a still hidden but definitely a third driver on investments in smart grid technology. Bottom line of all three drivers for smart grid is the change in the current grid operation impacting the mid and long-term planning scenarios of a grid operator. The question will be if the traditional continuous development of putting more intelligence in a box per bay is the right answer individually and overall to the new business scenarios of a distribution grid operator. Netherlands-based Locamation has been developing together with a few customers its own set of smart grid solutions that are highly adaptable to changing circumstances. All based on 30 years of experience in automating industrial and electrical systems with real-time information and communication technology. Their SASensor product, a substation automation solution based on an open software and system platform enables Locamation to offer a customizable, flexible and secure service to clients addressing use cases on bay, substation and cross-substation level. Cases for which traditional vendors of intelligent protection relays need additional systems like RTU’s, switches or sub-SCADA systems to offer similar functional scope. In the past, utility firms would only be able to monitor how their grids were running at specific times, creating snapshots of how they were operating. Locamation’s approach is to continuously monitor grids, building intelligence into the substations, beyond and above. SASensor continuously monitors the standard key performance indicators of power quality, load, phase angle etc. and to filter the continuous information stream, and log and record the data specials in order to get early signals of potential outages or failures already on substation level. For this grid insight DNO’S will change from a yearly to daily picture and will end with a live movie of the critical locations and stress points in the network topology. The benefit of this new grid intelligence, including documentation and the possibility to remotely control, is keeping the network healthy, cost efficient, secure and reliable. So far the flexibility and efficiency of SASensor has been tested and used and is appreciated by several utility companies enabling its customers to actually cut costs. By using a software approach, the company is able to seamlessly deliver necessary upgrades, new functions and fixes when required. Actually SASensor becomes an important enabler of use cases such as fault location, self-healing grid or a sub-DMS helping asset management and grid operation to create positive business cases. In addition grid companies
realize that moving forward in small technical micro-steps like controllable local tap changer is only half of the story and will not help them to manage the cliff of their future market model overall. SASensor will not only enable the current grid but also help e.g. in the smart buildings creating greater efficiencies. In the near future, buildings will not only become zero emission houses, they will become an active grid component with available capacity for other consumers. The impact to the grid will be significant and does require control in load and frequency management. SASensor can activate and utilize these building capabilities much more efficiently than with conventional technology. The electricity grid will become the most powerful network of societies and industrial life. Being their blood and nerve system at the same time, automation and self-healing mechanisms will have to be put in place to enable society to use electricity at any point, at any time and to meet any demand they have. The ambition of Locamation is to help creating a standardized and interoperable platform for the industry, making them all work together highly efficiently and customer oriented.
