Voltage regulated distribution transformers
and Broadband Powerline (BPL)
Distributed renewable energy in the low voltage
Real-time communication with BPL
network can generate voltage fluctuations which can
A prerequisite for decentralised control processes is that
have harmful effects on transmission and grid
the monitoring and control is performed in real time.
quality.
The high bandwidth and low latency of Broadband
Continuous decentralised monitoring of network
Powerline communications (BPL) allow real-time data
conditions, based on local sensors, guarantees
transmission on the low-voltage grid. BPL is also robust
consistent network quality and protects network
and scalable for additional applications.
investments.
PPC has delivered communication solutions for projects
Intelligent transformers (voltage regulated distribution
transformers) can already be used to manage voltage
fluctuations in the network, but they can also be used to
dramatically increase the efficiency of renewables.
By uncoupling the low voltage grid from the medium
voltage grid, it is possible to use the entire voltage range
and partners, including;
iNES intelligent network stations by SAG, at
Mainova
A.Eberle
E.ON Avacon and Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen
allowed within regulated parameters e.g. ±10 %. This
Siemens’ project “Augen im netz“ (Eyes in the
increases the capacity of the low voltage grid by to
Network)
manage feed-in of renewables such as photovoltaic
The ANA project at RWE AG with PSI Nentec
installations. As much as four times more renewable
energy can taken up, without risk to infrastructure or
assets.
Voltage Regulated
‘intelligent’
Transformer
Broadband Powerline
Voltage regulated transformer networked with Broadband Powerline adjusts the low-voltage grid in real time
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Intelligent transformers connected by Broadband Powerline
(BPL) communications: Configuration
Intelligent transformers have proven to be an
A BPL Gateway communicates over the low voltage
integral part of Smart Grid developments, because
powerlines from the photovoltaic array, transmitting data
real-time monitoring and control of low voltage
about power generation to iNES.
networks, in increasing proportion to the growth in
Data is received by the head end, which is connected to
renewable energy sources, is essential for the
the corresponding control technology.
stable supply of decentralised renewable energy.
The intelligent transformer has continuous network data
PPC and partners have rigorously tested and
with which to maintain the balance of the low-voltage
implemented the communications equipment needed for
grid.
the configuration of voltage regulated distribution
SAG / Mauell’s intelligent power control systems receive
transformers.
These include:
network data in real time through the Broadband
Powerline network.
High-performance ICT for real time data
transmission
Measurement/sensor technology for determining
grid states and power generation
Measurement and control technology to
automate responses to dynamic operating
conditions
Information about electricity production from solar
arrays, as well as system state data, is communicated
to the network and to SAG’s iNES (Intelligenten
Netzstationen).
Mainova estimated the iNES solution costs were just 40%
of the cost of the equivalent in grid expansion
BPL Headend in a transformer
station, connected to the
transformer regulator
IP-based data
connection with BPL
over 600m LV powerline
BPL Gateway connecting the
solar array to the
communications network
Mainova Installation: Broadband Powerline technology from PPC ensures robust real-time data transmission and enables an efficient control of
the low-voltage grid via remote controlled transformers
All rights reserved. © PPC 2013 • Publication number PPC 13 2040 1E