An Australian utility is taking major strides to modernise its electricity distribution grid through the implementation of Dynamic Ratings‘ ConnectGrid™ Smart Infrastructure Sensors.
Faced with rapidly increasing adoption of rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and other distributed energy resources, the utility recognised that its traditional one-way power delivery network required comprehensive upgrades and new monitoring capabilities.
The original architecture of the network was designed solely to control power flows from centralised generation stations to residential and commercial customers.
However, with thousands of households and businesses now generating their own solar power and intermittently charging electric vehicles, the utility found it challenging to determine safe hosting capacity limits and maintain stable operations.
To gain real-time visibility and control over this increasingly complex distributed grid environment, the utility partnered with Dynamic Ratings.
Their plan involved strategically deploying ConnectGrid sensors at key points throughout the medium and low voltage networks.
This included installing TTM Transformer Monitors at pole-mounted transformers as well as sensors integrated with EV chargers, solar inverters, and smart meters.
The array of sensors continuously streams data flows into the ConnectGrid software analytics platform.
This provides the utility with unprecedented monitoring capabilities to understand real-time operating conditions across the entire grid edge.
Using machine learning and other advanced analytics, ConnectGrid enables the utility to automatically analyse variables like weather and dynamically adjust elements like voltage regulation to maintain safe, reliable and efficient service levels.
A key advantage of the ConnectGrid solution is its agility and flexibility.
The utility can mix-and-match both wired and wireless communication technologies best suited for different parts of its sprawling service area.
It also has the option of cloud-based, on-premises or hybrid deployment models for the ConnectGrid software platform itself.
By implementing Dynamic Ratings’ cutting-edge smart grid sensor technology, the Australian utility is well-positioning itself to cost-effectively manage the transition to a truly modern distributed energy network.
With real-time data streams and intelligent analytics, it can maximise utilisation of existing assets, reliably integrate more renewable energy, and provide equitable and sustainable service to all customers.
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