March 20198 IN MY V EWChallenges along the evolution pathThe main challenge in the energy system is to be able to provide reliable, secure and efficient power, with growing renewable content in the energy mix, at affordable price levels, with consumer acceptance for demand side management.Transmission System Operators (TSO) now have to ensure system security in the context of variable in-feed and dynamic consumption along with capacity constraints and shorter market time intervals.Meanwhile, Distribution System Operators (DSO) have to contend with prosumers and public opinion in a changing market scenario and dynamically varying generation profile.Several utilities, world over, are in the process of laying focus on technologies that can increase network visibility and reaction times, improve situational awareness and forecasting, besides adaptive assets. The challenge lies in deciding when and how to embark on such technologies by managing investments carefully looking at the total cost of ownership (TCO) in order to derive the most economic benefits and improve operational efficiency.Digitalization ­ Key driver of transformationThe three drivers spearheading the transition to an all-electric, agile energy world are de-carbonisation, de-centralisation and digitalisation.The value chain of digitalization with its data collectors, communication channels, software systems and data analytics applications aids the evolution from a traditional uni-directional chain to the bi-directional energy model The unfolding energy world enables new customer choices, more resilient networks with expanded services and improved integration. Agile management of energy needs an open and standards-based end-to-end architecture from field level right up to the smart applications and services. Availability of necessary data in software platforms leads not only to executing applications intra-platform but also to a seamless integration of operational IT and enterprise IT. The amalgamation of OT and IT systems is essential to unlocking the potential value of smart solution deployment into the electric grids, besides enhancing decision-making as a result of analysis of granular, timely, operational data.Technologies in focusSubstations, at both transmission and distribution levels are a prime source of information. While automation has long since been available at transmission substations, it had only penetrated the station level. Utilizing digital technology at the process level sets the foundation for a full-fledged digital substation, with non-conventional instrument transformers (NCIT) and closely-installed merging units (MU). The benefits include vast reduction in costs due to elimination of copper cabling, improved safety, reduction in switchgear size and transportation costs, besides reduced erection, installation and commissioning times. De-linking one IED to one measuring point opens the door to various possibilities which increases scalability and flexibility in function allocation. Moreover, the new measurement principles employed in the instrument BY ANAND MENON, CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER ­ ENG TECH ENERGY MANAGEMENT ASEAN, SIEMENSENSURING SMOOTH TRANSITION INTO A DIGITAL WORLDAnand Menon
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