Hosting capacity in distribution grids
Increasing the hosting capacity in distribution grids while maintaining the voltage band
The increasing feed-in of fluctuating renewable energy such as photovoltaics leads to increased voltage fluctuations in low-voltage grids. In addition, there are new grid loads such as electric heat pumps or charging stations for electromobility.
Conventional grid expansion has so far consisted of splitting local grids, laying parallel lines, increasing the line cross-section or replacing local grid transformers.
Voltage Regulating Distribution Transformers (VRDTs) help to avoid this expensive and time-consuming expansion in many distribution networks. The ECOTAP® VPD® on-load tap-changer is the solution for all operators who need to keep voltage stable within a defined voltage band. Installed in transformers of various power classes (manufacturer-independent up to approx. 36kV as well as 8,000kVA), it is the standard for all network types. Designed for 500,000 switching operations, it is maintenance-free over the entire life of the distribution transformer. Voltage regulation is possible autonomously via an integrated algorithm or externally via SCADA; in addition, it can be controlled depending on the direction of the power flow.
Conventional transformers also pass on voltage changes from the medium-voltage grid with a constant transformation ratio. With VRDT, the transformation ratio is adjusted automatically and without interruption. This decouples the voltage levels of the medium and low-voltage grid and the voltage at the consumer can always be kept constant.
Figure: Functional principle of the local network transformer with on-load tap-changer
Your advantages:
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Better utilisation of the available voltage band: increase the absorption capacity for additional loads and generation plants by a factor of two to four
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Economic alternative to conventional grid expansion and avoidance or elimination of voltage problems
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No other equipment in the network. No change to footprint compared with conventional transformers in almost all power rating classes
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Receiving valuable additional information through digital connection while at the same time being able to actively influence what happens on the network
Worldwide deliveries
Transformer Manufacturers
On-Load Tap-Changers
Operators
