EXPERT CORNER

Tomasz Dziarmakowski

Program Manager at NES

We are on the verge of transformation in the energy sector in the context of digitization and decarbonization. One of the important elements needed to achieve these goals is the use of smart meters, which enable many benefits including providing communication between market actors, real-time monitoring of the distribution system, and integration of renewable energy sources. Deployment of smart meters can also help Utilities understand more about their low voltage grid and optimize their daily crew activities. Some specific benefits related to the distribution system include: 

Transformer Balancing - Our smart metering solution helps Distribution System Operators (DSOs) identify under or over utilized transformer stations. Both of these situations can lead to failures on the network and inability to provide energy to consumers. However, by using information collected from smart meters, and then processed and visualized in NES Grid Software, DSOs are able to identify potential failures and react to prevent them in advance. Experience has shown that the issues identified by the NES Solution can quickly be resolved through appropriate and prompt DSO actions.  

Capacitive Energy - Our System enables more insight and allows DSOs to identify changes of municipal customer demand caused by customers using devices that are generating capacitive energy, such as electronic converters / transformers, UPS equipment in server rooms, and LED Lighting. Reactive Energy results in thermal losses and reduces the efficiency of cables and transformer lines, therefore it is important for the Utility to identify and apply preventive actions to protect the energy grid from this. 

Savings through Remote Management – Our system provides two-way communication, which allows DSOs to execute configuration changes and read data on demand. Real case studies show that Utilities are executing around 20k remote commands per 100k meters each year.  The remote management capability provides many benefits including saving Utilities a lot of time and money.