EWE NETZ GmbH and Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH
undertake large-scale VRDT (regulated local grid
transformer) project for efficient voltage regulation in the
distribution network
Deployment of smart grid technology from Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen
300 new regulated local grid transformers will go online at EWE NETZ GmbH until
2017 across the entire network. Following a pilot phase in 2013, 200 of these
transformers were successfully commissioned in 2015. The VRDTs are equipped
with regulation technology from Regensburg-based Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen
(MR). As a result of this large-scale installation across the EWE NETZ GmbH
network, the VRDT is the first smart grid technology in serial use.
EWE NETZ GmbH, one of the largest distribution network operators in Germany, and
MR, a technology pioneer, are jointly setting standards in the economical integration
of renewable energies into the grid through VRDT. According to calculations from
dena, VRDTs could help to achieve savings of around EUR 1.4 billion in grid
expansion in the low-voltage grid alone by 2030.
Using VRDTs significantly increases the distribution networks' ability to absorb
renewable energies, enables economical and stable operation even with very large
amounts of feed-in, and therefore reduces the need for grid expansion. As a reliable,
cost-effective technology, VRDTs fully meet the energy industry's three requirements
for security of supply, cost-effectiveness, and environmental compatibility.
EWE NETZ Managing Director Heiko Fastje said: "The new controllable transformers
are an important step on the road towards a smart grid. Our calculations show that
simply expanding the grid would result in huge costs for the general public. The use
of smart solutions is a much cheaper and more effective solution. EWE NETZ is
therefore specifically investing in new technologies. This includes working with MR to
install VRDTs as well as the installation of modern measuring technology, use of new
software in the grid control center, and consolidating IT and the fiber optic
infrastructure with energy supply systems."
Thanks to extensive pilot projects over the last few years, in September 2012 MR
was the first company anywhere in the world to launch a VRDT solution ready for
series production. Since then, it has provided a system comprising on-load tapchanger, regulator, and sensor for the low-voltage grid under the name GRIDCON®
iTAP®, which together with the distribution transformer produces a VRDT. At the start
of 2015, the technology was further enhanced with new functions such as local
capture of measured values and alternative control algorithms. As world market
leader in voltage regulation, MR has satisfied the stringent requirements of grid
operators and at the same time is providing an economical alternative to expensive
and complicated grid expansion measures – such as laying additional cables and
lines. VRDTs with MR technology can be used in all compact stations because the
MR engineers have developed a solution which doesn't increase either the width or
depth of the transformer. What's more, GRIDCON® iTAP® is a maintenance-free
technology, which has no electronics in the transformer tank, ensuring a long life.
By working together closely, the engineers at EWE NETZ GmbH and MR managed
to complete the rollout in 2015 with minimum additional cost and effort compared with
regular transformers. The project proves that VRDTs are a highly attractive and
economical alternative to grid expansion for distribution network operators.
The two partners EWE NETZ and MR also hope to work together closely over the
next few years on the showcase project "enera". The Federal Ministry of Economics
intends to fund a consortium of 75 partners led by energy provider EWE AG to the
tune of around EUR 50 million. Through "enera", the partners will demonstrate in a
model region in Eastern Friesland the reality of how the use of smart technologies
can make the energy system fit for the future and make its operation more efficient.
The aim is to reduce the expenditures involved in conventional grid expansion and
eliminate costs for consumers. Given the large amount of wind power fed into the grid
in the model region in north-western Germany, it is an ideal place to conduct the
investigation. "enera" will use smart grids, smart markets, and supportive
technologies to provide the general public and industry with electricity. This will serve
to further develop power supplies in all areas from generation, transmission, and
distribution to the marketing of energy to consumers.
Captions:
VRDTs with MR technology can be used in all compact stations because neither the width nor the
depth of the transformer is increased.
With over 800 systems installed, GRIDCON® iTAP® is the world's leading solution for VRDTs and is a
highly attractive and economical alternative to grid expansion for distribution network operators.
Contacts:
EWE AG
Volker Diebels
Group communication
T +49 441 4805 1815
F +49 441 4805 1895
M +49 162 133 0877
[email protected]
EWE AG
Tirpitzstraße 39
26122 Oldenburg
www.ewe.com
Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH
Markus Bauer
Communications CMC / PR & Print
T +49 9 41-40 90-5241
F +49 941-40 90-90 5241
M +49 151-4 57 46 768
[email protected]
Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH
Falkensteinstrasse 8
93059 Regensburg, Germany
www.reinhausen.com