Changes in the distribution grids create new challenges

Our Low Voltage Regulation System LVRSys® as a useful tool for the future

↓ Download the economic comparison of the LVRSys® low-voltage regulation system compared to conventional line extensions here (without providing your e-mail address or other personal data):


Grid operators face different challenges

Smart Grids and the resulting changes in the distribution grids face many distribution grid operators with different challenges. These include:

  • Voltage range deviations becoming more frequent and more critical.
  • Photovoltaic systems in the low-voltage grid raise the voltage level.
  • Photovoltaic systems dominate the daytime voltage level.
  • The increase of heat pumps and electric vehicles lower the voltage level, and both dominate the voltage level in the evening as well as at night.
  • The majority of electric vehicles are charged at home in single-phase.
  • Voltage increases and voltage decreases are usually time-shifted.
  • Asymmetries of the 3-phase voltages occur more frequently.

This economic analysis is intended to help power utilities in the planning process of the distribution grid to make the right decision for their investment and to pitch if a line expansion is worthwhile or not.

Low investment and operating costs make the LVRSys® attractive in comparison to line extension

Our analysis examines in which scenario an LVRSys® pays off compared to conventional line expansion. A distinction is made as to whether the line expansion is carried out with low (scenario “country”) or high capital investment (scenarion “village”). The costs for one kilometre of “village” line expansion are taken as the basis here. An LVRSys® system with 110 kVA is used for the cost comparison. A service life of 40 years is assumed in all scenarios.

Investment costs LVRSys®

The investment costs of the individual resources were summarised on the basis of the BMWi distribution grid study (Büchner, J.; Katzfey, J.; Flörcken, O. (2014): “Moderne Verteilernetze für Deutschland”, BMWi). The investment costs are assessed at 1 km ≙ 100% relative to “village” line expansion.

Current heat losses in voltage regulation systems

Rising costs of energy losses are a concern for grid operators and require efficient grid management. LVRSys® is optimised for this with an efficiency of 99.8 – 99.4%. Alternative technologies for voltage regulation have efficiencies of < 99%.

Operating costs LVRSys®

The operating costs are made up of the maintenance costs, the electricity heat losses and the planned replacement of the electronics after 20 years until the end of the total service life. No maintenance costs are expected for the lines. A comparison of the operating costs is shown in Table 2, also in relation to basis 1, which corresponds to the costs for one kilometre of “village” line extension.

Maintenance is limited to cleaning the switch cabinet and checking the screw connections. For the costs of electricity heat losses, it is assumed that the LVRSys® is in operation throughout the year with an average load factor of 50 % and an efficiency of 99.5 %. The results of the analysis are visualised in Figure 1.

Table 1: Investment costs line per km vs. LVRSys®
Table 2: Operating costs line extension vs. LVRSys®
Figure 1: Investment requirement LVRSys® 110 kVA with a useful life of 40 years and discounting of 5%

Cost parity already exists from a few hundred meters of line

Investment calculation

The investments are calculated over the entire lifetime and discounted to the current year according to the capital value method.

Table 3: Cost parity of the LVRSys® compared to the line extension

Economic benefit

Table 3 shows the cost parity with the LVRSys® over the entire operating period of 40 years, starting from the length of the line extension.

Alternative to line extension

LVRSys® represents a real alternative to line extension due to tension. As shown in our calculation, line expansion is associated with high investments. These investments tie up the capital employed for decades. The use of LVRSys® is different. With the use of our system, comparatively low investments are required, which are also flexible and independent of location. If the conditions in the distribution network change fundamentally, the system can simply be relocated and work elsewhere.

Addition benefits of using LVRSys®

Compared to line expansion, the following additional benefits must be taken into consideration:

  • Flexible use: assembly/disassembly as required.
  • Guarantee of VDE-AR-N 4105 with regard to voltage swing (3%) through decentralized generation systems.
  • Optional with EN 50160 monitoring.
  • Recording of useful data in the grid.
  • Increase in the transmission power of the lines used by 20%.
  • Reduction of network losses

Conclusion: Not just an alternative, but a useful tool for the future

LVRSys® low voltage regulation system is not only a cost-effective alternative to line expansion, but a tool for the grids of the future. Its use makes sense not only from an economic point of view. The system is developed with future viability in mind and is designed to meet future

challenges. It also offers a range of useful functions that useful functions that will provide our customers with significant added value in the low-voltage grid for years to come.

Do you have questions about our LVRSys®?

Contact us!


CONTACT

You might also be interested in

REGSys® Parallel Regulation of Transformers

The regulation of transformers with tap changers is an essential subject within the field of power supply and distribution. Today these tasks are accomplished electronically with high regulation quality. Digital regulators, such as the freely programmable REGSys® voltage regulator system, are in use.

Read more

Cost efficient management of digital secondary substations: Earth fault indicator EOR-3DS as digitisation unit for secondary substations

Digital secondary substations are becoming a key element for distribution system operators in terms of automation, monitoring, and efficient operations of their networks. Read this technical report about the EOR-3DS in its role as digitisation unit for secondary substations.

Read more

Angle determination of voltage and current harmonics in practice

Today's devices and equipment such as switched-mode power supplies, frequency converters, regulated drives, charging devices for e-mobiles or LED lighting work internally with high clock frequencies in order to regulate power efficiently. These can lead to both conducted and field-bound (coupled) influences in the energy grid. In this technical report, we explain how you can detect these sources of interference in the grid using suitable measuring technology.

Read more

All „Supra“ with your grid?

Today's devices and equipment such as switched-mode power supplies, frequency converters, controlled drives, charging devices for e-mobiles or LED lighting work internally with high clock frequencies in order to regulate power efficiently. These can lead to line-borne as well as field-borne (coupled) interference in the power grid. In this technical report, we explain how you can detect these sources of interference in the grid using suitable measurement technology.

Read more

Contact request:



Your data is being processed

a-eberle kontakt newsletter ×

Our seminars &
webinars

► Register here!

x