UPGRID project: the management and control of LV network

Abstract

Implementation of new technical solutions from smart grid area can provide new information about the state of the medium-voltage (MV) and low-voltage (LV) network. As a result, it is possible to build the functionalities that bring a new quality to the network operations and management. ENERGA-OPERATOR SA gathered experience in the field of smart grid for several years. After the completion of several smart grid pilot projects in the MV network and deployment of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), it is time to focus on LV network management. By integrating existing systems and adding new functionality, it is possible to meet these challenges. ENERGA-OPERATOR SA has launched, as part of the Horizon 2020 UPGRID project, the pilot project that aims at supporting the management and control of LV network. Information technology (IT) solution developed in scope of the project implements the functionality of the six major groups: LV SCADA, network analysis, network control and management, outage management, field crew support, and user data panel. The paper presents: the concept of the solution, experience with the development and integration of IT systems, the impact of the solution on the grid, and verified possibilities of improving network's reliability or efficiency.