Monitoring concept suitable for utilising flexibilities in the low-voltage distribution grid: Learning from implementation in Greencity Zurich

Abstract

The electricity utility of Zurich (ewz) and Venios GmbH set up real-time monitoring in the Greencity test area to gain more insights into the low-voltage grid and experience with the utilisation of flexibilities such as charging stations for electrical vehicles. Based on a digital model of the physical power grid, measurements in the field, load models and specific grid limits, the grid state is determined every 5 min by load flow calculations. Measurement data from the field is streamed to a Microsoft Azure cloud environment. The underlying monitoring concept developed by ewz for the low-voltage grid addresses use cases to all selected measurement points and parameters. Experience gained in information technology (IT) architecture has proven a scalable cloud environment that fulfils IT security. By aggregating personal load profiles on the grid connection point, data protection and thus the regulatory framework can be met.