Avacon receives 10,000th on-load tap-changer for voltage regulating distribution transformers
Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen thanks Avacon for the joint development of innovative network technology
With the symbolic handover of the 10,000th on-load tap-changer for voltage regulating distribution transformers (VRDTs) on September 3 in Salzgitter, Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen thanks the distribution network operator Avacon Netz for its many years of commitment to the joint development of this innovative grid technology.
Caption: Delighted with the joint success in development and the 10,000th on-load tap-changer (from left): Frank Schwermer, Managing Director of Avacon Netz GmbH, Wilfried Breuer, Managing Director of MR, Armin Vielhauer, Head of Distribution Grid Applications at MR, Joachim Schmiesing, Head of Asset Strategy & Innovation, Jens Tiekenheinrich, Head of Asset Management (both Avacon Netz GmbH)
By using an integrated on-load tap-changer and modern control systems, a VRDT is able to keep the voltage in the low-voltage grid largely constant. In this way, it cancels out voltage fluctuations caused by electricity generation and consumption and enables stable grid integration of PV systems, heat pumps and EV chargers as well as other new household technologies. From the perspective of both companies, the VRDT is therefore an indispensable building block for the transformation of the energy system.
Wilfried Breuer, Managing Director of Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen, presented the tap-changer of the latest design as an exhibit to Avacon Netz Managing Director Frank Schwermer during a joint ceremony at the Avacon site in Salzgitter. "We would like to thank Avacon for their reliable and constructive cooperation right from the start and for their willingness to do real pioneering work with us. The use and testing of the then still young technology and its continuous joint further development continue to be significant contributions to the efficient integration of renewable energies in distribution grids today," emphasized Wilfried Breuer.
Frank Schwermer confirmed: "Digitalization and automation in our grids is an essential key to the success of the energy transition. From the very beginning, we considered the use of the voltage regulating distribution transformer to be the right way to efficiently integrate renewable energies into the distribution grid, and have therefore consistently pursued this path together with Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen." Since the first introduction of this technology, Avacon has continuously invested in the integration of VRDTs into its electricity grid. Today, around 2,300 of these innovative transformers are installed in Avacon's distribution network, which means that almost every fifth VRDT equipped with an on-load tap-changer from Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen is located in the Avacon grid area.
Armin Vielhauer, Head of Distribution Grid Applications at Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen, emphasizes: "This technology plays an important role in the transformation of the energy system towards a sustainable and efficient power supply - and not only in Germany. We have now produced more than 10,000 on-load tap-changers for VRDTs, which are being used successfully in the Avacon grid, throughout Germany, and also in 90 countries worldwide."
Dr. Johannes Schmiesing, Head of Asset Strategy & Innovation at Avacon Netz, who has accompanied and driven the development of the VRDT since 2009, notes that "The broad trend towards the expansion of photovoltaic systems, charging infrastructure for electromobility, and electric heat pumps is continuing, and this is leading to completely new challenges in our low-voltage grids, which we are meeting efficiently with VRDTs in our digital enhanced local grid stations. And in regard to decarbonization efforts, the use of innovative equipment often represents a very economical alternative to classic grid expansion and has become an integral part of our strategic grid planning. For Avacon Netz, with our high inventory of unregulated distribution transformers, it no longer makes sense to procure further unregulated transformers - which is why we have been purchasing only voltage regulated distribution transformers for several years." Frank Schwermer adds: "Together with Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen, we have gained a head start on the way to smart, robust and sustainable grids."
While the presentation of the exhibit tap changer in the rooms of the Avacon technology center in Salzgitter is the result of many years of successful development, it is also intended to encourage future generations of engineers in the company to believe in their ideas and pursue them with determination.
During the presentation, both companies reaffirmed their intention to continue working closely together and using creative ideas to develop innovative answers to the major future challenges of the energy transition.
