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.
