Grid operation 4.0 - IOT technology and innovation combined in a low-voltage grid

Abstract

In recent years, the share of renewable energy in power generation has increased in accordance with the political goals in Germany. Most of the renewable energy systems (RESs) are installed in the distribution grids. With the change of the energy flow, challenges appear for distribution system operators. As distribution grids could reach their limits, flexibility is more important. The project 'Grid Operation 4.0' (GO 4.0) shows the efficient usage of flexibility in a newly built low-voltage (LV) management system, which focuses on available technologies and standards. The crucial requirements for using flexibility in the grid are observability and controllability based on reliable communication. Sensors measure voltage and current. The information and communications technology (ICT) layer sends these data directly to a backend for real-time grid monitoring. Control boxes ensure remote/automatic switching. Means of control can be grid devices (remote secondary substations and LV switches), e-mobility charging points, RES, storages or power-to-heat/-gas applications. GO 4.0 makes LV/medium-voltage grids observable and transparent as a prerequisite for controllability and grid-friendly flexibility management. It enables more efficient operation concepts (e.g. for fault location, isolation and recovery) and provides real-time load flow data for grid planning and operation.