Meeting new requirements in a smart way

The current and future challenges for grid operators can only be managed by accelerating digitalisation. With increased generation from renewable sources the number of producers is growing - both decentralised and in the private sector. At the same time the number of conventional power producers is decreasing due to the phasing out of nuclear energy and coal-fired generation. With the ramp-up of electromobility new access points of power consumption are emerging which could also serve as storage facilities. Driven by the increasing decentralisation of the generation landscape as well as the commingling of generation and consumption in the private environment ("prosumers") the requirements for safe and efficient grid operation are increasing. In addition there are new regulatory requirements, e.g. the amendment of the Grid Expansion Acceleration Act (NABEG), especially the so-called Redispatch 2.0. This results in the need for an increasing digitalisation of grid operations. The objectives of further digitalisation are grid stability, security of supply, cost optimisation, improved protection of operating resources, optimised maintenance and repair planning, increased reliability, process reliability, increased efficiency and avoidance of work-related accidents.

Potential areas of digital grid operation:

• Process automation in the grid control systems:
  • Congestion management and containment of redispatch costs at the electricity transmission system operators.
  • For the DSOs mapping of the requirements from NABEG 2.0 / Redispatch 2.0, establishing the observability of the grid situation and the controllability of flexibilities in the medium and low voltage level.

• IoT technologies, LoRaWAN and Blockchain:
  • Increasing the degree of automation in the distribution grid down to the low-voltage level and intensifying communication between grid operation and market players.
  • Real-time monitoring and status assessment of critical grid elements over the entire life cycle.

• Artificial intelligence:
  • Decentralisation of functions and intelligence from power plant and grid control technology in local grid stations.

• Mobile end devices, such as smartphones or handhelds:
  • Creation of measurements and material parts lists for fault clearance management and for planned maintenance work in the grid.
  • Simultaneous alignment with GIS and asset management systems up to the digital construction file.

• AR glasses and VR applications:
  • Use of AR glasses to support maintenance and switching interventions in fault clearance management.
  • Use of VR applications for simulation training of fitters and technicians.

We know both the core processes of the grid operators and the starting points for digitalisation. We know how to "digitally think" processes end-to-end in order to identify and avoid inconsistencies and system discontinuities. A close cooperation with the suppliers of the grid control systems is an important prerequisite for this. This is where we know our way around. This is how we help you to digitize the right processes in your company and to achieve optimal effects.