With the new grid software suite, Siemens is supporting the operators of low-voltage grids in setting up an energy system that responds intelligently to challenges and adapts flexibly to new conditions. This is all the more important as networks today have to be adapted to new requirements much more quickly than before. Decisively responsible for this: the energy revolution. Integrating decentralized renewable energy or charging infrastructure requires flexibility. Siemens Gridscale X LV Insights is an integral part of Siemens Xcelerator offering. "We set up a holistic and modular portfolio with consulting services and powerful software tools to support grid operators in further development of their distribution and transmission grids towards autonomous, resilient and sustainable power grids," says Werner Brandauer, Head of Power Systems Consulting for Grid Software Siemens. "We no longer think in terms of product groups, we think in terms of use cases."

Leveraging potential

Within the software suite, Gridscale X represents previously unimagined possibilities for network management with a focus on a new approach to planning, commissioning and maintaining networks. Gridscale X is also the pioneer for autonomous grid management. It enables grid operators to drive forward the digital transformation more easily, quickly and customized in order to efficiently and reliably overcome the key challenges of the energy transition. Thanks to its modular structure, Gridscale X is easy to implement, can be quickly integrated into any existing IT and OT landscape and can be individually adapted to the respective requirements. LV Insights is the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) application for ultimate transparency in the low-voltage grid, which uses existing data to create a reliable, digital model of the grid, monitor its status, identify critical grid segments and thus take planning processes to a whole new level. The highly detailed mapping of the grid in the software opens up the possibility of maximum flexibility, that is essential with the rapidly increasing share of renewable, but at the same time volatile energy sources. Werner Brandauer: "Only the maximum transparency of the digital twin paves the way for automated network management."

© Siemens

„Only the maximum transparency of the digital twin paves the way for automated network management.“

Werner Brandauer, Head of Power Systems Consulting for Grid Software

At the same time, weaknesses in the grid are clearly revealed: For example, it becomes apparent where the priority expansion of lines is required in order to integrate additional PV systems, or which transformer is operating close to its performance limit and may need to be replaced in order to meet the requirements of the energy transition. In addition, it also clearly shows where performance reserves are sufficient and, if necessary, where safety reserves can be reduced for future conversion measures. LV Insights creates maximum transparency, increases network capacity and shows priorities – investments can be made in a much more targeted manner than before. This will increase the reliability and capacity of low-voltage grids despite the integration of decentralized renewable energies and rising electricity demand.

Aspern Smart City Research (ASCR) has been working on the topics of grid data and grid data handling since 2013. It's no coincidence, as ASCR is one of the most innovative and sustainable research projects of its kind in Europe, focusing on energy efficiency in building technology and energy distribution in aspern Seestadt (Vienna). ASCR also decided to use LV Insights for its research after findings from this energy transition research project were used as key input parameters in the development of LV Insights. With the SaaS solution, ASCR has created a digital twin of the low-voltage grid and merged and analyzed internal data streams. With the help of specific algorithms, bottlenecks can be identified quickly. These findings help to make better decisions in grid operation and grid planning.

Fast results

LV Insights differs from typical software projects primarily due to the speed to obtain meaningful results for network operators and the advantages of the SaaS product. As data is available for practically every network point in the history, this offers major advantages for operational management. This effectively simplifies troubleshooting: If, for example, voltage problems occur frequently at a defined meter point, this information can be specifically incorporated into the design of the cables. An important point, considering the rapidly growing number of PV systems. This means that once pipes have been laid, they can no longer be changed or extended for decades as was previously the case – instead, much greater flexibility is required. LV Insights creates the necessary transparency.

"Our software tools help us to meet our customers' objectives," says Brandauer. A network data model created and automatically updated using LV Insights, forms the basis for various internal applications such as network calculation tools. "Generated data can be easily exported via standardized interfaces. This brings transparency to the low-voltage grid and speeds up response times." This is confirmed by the Norwegian company Elvia, that was the first in the world to use LV Insights: "The increased flexibility and comprehensive overview have led to greater efficiency of the low-voltage grid; in addition, the optimized outage management results in cost savings, increased grid stability and greater customer satisfaction.

"This allowed us to make the most of the existing grid infrastructure," says Erik Jansen, Head of Grid Operation at Elvia SA. The increasing and faster and faster changing requirements for network operators are leading to a growing demand for scalable products. Individual stand-alone solutions are no longer appropriate – not only, but also with regard to the NIS2 regulation. The advantage of Siemens solutions also lies in the speed of implementation and their future viability. "Our systems are usually implemented within a few months. And we ensure that they remain up-to-date with regular updates," says Brandauer.

© Siemens

The increased flexibility and comprehensive overview have led to greater efficiency of the low-voltage grid for Elvia from Norway.

As the complexity of an efficient energy supply is increasing, Siemens has made PTI Consulting part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio. The PTI Consulting team provides support for the economic efficiency of energy systems and ensures maximum supply reliability and grid security. The services thus cover the full spectrum of energy technology issues in the entire energy landscape: from high voltage to low voltage, from generation to consumption, for public and private grids. "Especially our grid data consulting helps customers to establish ideal structures for their grid data so that they can react more quickly to new challenges," concludes Brandauer.