Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, will showcase several innovations for MV distribution at Hannover Messe 2015. These innovations help utilities enable the smart grid, and make the energy value chain more efficient, flexible, and secure
The regulated transformer – Minera SGrid:
The Minera SGrid is a new range of transformers from 160 kVA to 1 000 kVA that provides utilities with a customised solution to cope with voltage fluctuations and improve energy quality for sensitive loads such as data centers and industrial processes.
A plug-and-play solution, this transformer offers simple installation and fits into new and existing substations. Its robust design with proven technology, designed in compliance with the latest standards (i.e., EcoDesign) and with no mechanical parts inside the transformer tank, ensures ultra-low maintenance and enhanced reliability. Thanks to its remote supervision capabilities, the transformer can be connected to Schneider Electric’s ADMS supervision and control system, which reduces intervention costs and delivers full control over assets.
The new generation of medium voltage switchgear – Premset:
This innovative, compact, and modular vacuum switchgear represents a technological breakthrough. It opens the way to unprecedented safety, efficiency, and ease of use. Premset is the first MV distribution switchgear to bring 2SIS technology to the market in an extremely compact and highly modular form. It reduces footprint, a characteristic more often associated with SF6-insulated switchgear. Because it’s designed for the smart grid, Premset enables greater efficiency through advanced monitoring and control. It helps ensure peak network performance in several ways, including feeder automation with built-in communication and local intelligence, load management with integrated smart metering, asset management with advanced switchgear monitoring, and the use of standard communication protocols.
Premset’s embedded smart-grid features improve the management of today’s networks and anticipates future requirements and grid-management regulations.
Intuitive handling of peak loads:
Peak load management is now possible for new or installed gas-insulated medium voltage switchgear such as GHA or GMA. Managing peak loads can be done with an integrated software and communication interface that can be integrated in each GIS switchgear panel. The new peak load management permits efficient load utilisation of the switchgear while preventing premature ageing due to inadmissible thermal overloads. It enables an easier maintenance and provides an improved security to new installations.
With an increasing need to efficiently integrate renewable energy, smart solutions such as peak load management will help to transfer peak loads more efficiently into the grid during times of high fluctuation (e.g in case of strong wind or intense solar radiation).
At Hannover Messe this innovative Peak load management system will be displayed via the GemControl system integrated into a GHA medium voltage switchgear. With over 20,000 units sold, GHA is a cost-effective solution delivered fully assembled and ready to connect. Learn more about GHA and about GemControl
Addressing substation cyber security threats:
Addressing substation cybersecurity risks in the energy industry requires utilities and vendors to develop standardised processes together to make multivendor environments more effective and to address gaps exploited by criminals.
Changing industry dynamics such as the increased use of connectivity, digitisation, and integrated technologies also pressure utility companies to protect substation automation systems from cyber attacks—the prevalence of which is substantial. In fact, 53% of reported cyber security incidents in the first half of 2013 related to the energy industry, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Industrial Control Systems Computer Emergency Response Team.
Before investing in cyber security, utilities need to evaluate their current power applications and devices and consider the limitations of typical bolt-on solutions. While bolt-on solutions deliver some security, devices are vulnerable, should a breach occur. Discover more information about the process reviews needed for securing and managing substation assets and deploying tools in the white paper titled “A Framework for Developing and Evaluating Utility Substation Cyber Security.”
For more information please visit: www.schneider-electric.com/energy or visit the Schneider Electric booth at Hannover Messe: Hall 11, Booth C50.
