About Low Voltage Network Monitoring
The transition to a low carbon economy is a prominent goal for many modern day societies, and marks a new age for the energy industry. As such, the widespread uptake of low carbon technologies has continuously grown over recent years with no signs of stopping. Typically, we are seeing the following types of low carbon technology being installed on low voltage networks (LV):
- Photovoltaics (PV)
- Heat Pumps
- Electric Vehicles
- Batteries
Whilst these technologies represent a welcome change, embedded generating technologies, such as domestic PV, introduces reverse power flow, which is important for network planners and asset managers to be aware of; and this is why the deployment of low voltage network monitoring devices are being developed.
EA Technology have developed the VisNet Hub low voltage network monitoring platform, which provides measurements and insights into low voltage distribution systems. The VisNet hardware is complemented by a software package, enabling network operators to carry out low voltage network monitoring in real-time. Alarms, historical data and the dynamic status of equipment for the entire LV network can be managed from one web application.
EA Technology's low voltage network monitoring device VisNet Hub can be used to provide visibility of electrical networks by detecting the impact that PV has on power flow at substations.
Traditionally, power flows from transformers to consumers. However, on networks with a high number of PVs, power can flow from the network to transformers; this is referred to as reverse power flow.
During the day time, when the PVs are generating power, the power taken by the circuit is negative. Whereas at night, when PVs are inactive, the power flow returns to positive values.
The number of PVs connected to LV networks is not always known by network operators, however identifying and characterising reverse power flow is a clear indication of significant PV penetration.
This is useful for a number of reasons. For instance, when design engineers are looking to install new connections on the network, there may appear to be plenty of headroom on the substation for more load. This is misleading if there is undetected PV on the network, and the substation would possibly be at risk of overloading when the PVs are not generating power, in particular in the colder months with shorter daylight hours.
Asset managers, or asset owners, should also be interested in this information. Understanding what is connected to low voltage networks provides better insights into asset health projections hence why low voltage network monitoring is so important.
Low Voltage Network Monitoring Benefits
Low voltage network monitoring is an essential commodity for network operators to have in order to appropriately prepare for the rise of low carbon technologies. Monitoring substation data and understanding behaviours and trends provides insights into what is connected to networks. This further provides insights for both network designers and asset owners.
If you have any questions contact our friendly team today - experts are here to advise on the full range of low voltage monitoring options.