Energy Management
Erlangen, 2016-Feb-16
With Spectrum Power Active Network Management (ANM), Siemens is introducing a new grid control-system tool that was developed to enable stable grid operation with the increasing integration of renewable energy sources. Using this control system as a central control and regulation system, voltage range deviations can be avoided and overload situations and fluctuating direction-of-load flow can be managed. This is achieved not only by controlling voltage, reactive power, and grid capacity utilization but also through improved visualization of these grid parameters. In this way, Spectrum Power ANM enables active grid management through the automatic optimization of grid control.
In order to implement active grid management, Spectrum Power ANM works on the basis of a condition evaluation process and online optimization with no user intervention required. It is equipped for this purpose with a central open- and closed-loop control system with local intelligence, which in conjunction with the system’s hierarchical architecture increases failure safety. The condition assessment procedure evaluates power, reactive power, current, and voltage, enabling problems to be identified generically. Thanks to automatic online optimization without operator intervention, it is possible to reduce losses, voltage range deviations, overloads, the reference power, and operating costs. Overall, grid operators can resolve complex grid and loading problems with the Siemens control technology tool, utilize capacity reserves more effectively through active grid management, and operate controllable equipment to greater advantage.
Siemens has already put this grid control technology into operation for British grid operator Northern Power Grid. The utility’s increasing integration of renewable energy sources had stretched the grid’s capacity to its limits, caused voltage range deviations, and overloaded the primary equipment. Northern Power Grid calls its grid optimization project the Grand Unified Scheme, which is part of the leading UK smart grid project Customer-Led Network Revolution. The integrated hierarchical control technology solution for active grid management – developed by Siemens jointly with the grid operator – consists of a central control system, a central database, and 15 autonomous substation controllers and uses a wide-area communication system. The project also comprises seven battery storage systems, two in-phase boosters, and six adjustable transformers for voltage and load control. Ten load-shedding contracts have been concluded for this grid. The solution also considers real-time loads in a closed-loop control circuit for optimal control of the grid.
For further information on Energy Management Division, please see www.siemens.com/energy-management
Further information on control center solutions is available at
http://w3.siemens.com/smartgrid/global/en/products-systems-solutions/control-center-solutions/Pages/overview.aspx
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is No. 1 in offshore wind turbine construction, a leading supplier of gas and steam turbines for power generation, a major provider of power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2015, which ended on September 30, 2015, Siemens generated revenue of €75.6 billion and net income of €7.4 billion. At the end of September 2015, the company had around 348,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.