Power distribution grid

Utilities detect high grid load when sensors in the grid stations continuously report voltages, currents and temperatures. Regionetz uses this data to build a digital twin of the low-voltage network that shows grid load in real time. This makes it possible to spot overloads early and take countermeasures. Analysing the sensor data also enables proactive fault detection and increases operational reliability.

For control under Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act, a DSO needs real-time data on the load in the low-voltage network. At Regionetz, sensors in the grid stations provide these values, and Kafka passes them on to downstream systems that implement the Section 14a functions. The architecture is scalable and designed to comply with Section 14a. According to the project report, the goals of digital grid monitoring and preparing for Section 14a-compliant load management were achieved.

LV network monitoring uses sensors in the grid stations that measure voltages, currents and temperatures as condition data for the network. At Regionetz, these values are sent via MQTT to a HiveMQ broker and on to the IoTnova platform. There, users continuously check data quality, find sources of error such as wiring faults faster and see grid load early. The communication paths are secured by certificate management set up together with partner company ECOS.

Regionetz digitalised its distribution grid without any in-house IoT experience by starting with a proof of concept. It began with a two-day workshop with it-novum to define requirements and use cases. During the PoC, which ran for over a year, the team tested system components, communication protocols and the visualisation platform. The positive results led to production use, and training, workshops and close cooperation with the partner built up the necessary know-how.