Use Case
The Grid Edge Control Solution
Sentient Energy’s Grid Edge Control includes the VC10 Dynamic VAR Compensator and Ample software and addresses the challenge of optimizing voltage on distribution systems with high PV solar usage. The solution optimizes voltage at the edge of the grid for greater precision.
How It Works
- Reduced Fluctuations – Adding VC10 compresses the voltage profile and reduces voltage fluctuations by injecting reactive power.
- Daytime Operations – During daytime, the VC10 units provide dynamic VAR support to compensate for PV generation fluctuation due to clouds. VC10s reduce PV induced ramp rates during evening time when solar generation reduces and load increases.
- Nighttime Operations – For nighttime operation, the VC10 units provide full kVAR support during peak-load times when PV generation is not available.
- Increased PV Integration – Reduced fluctuations allow utilities to lower load tap changer setpoints to allow for additional PV installations and save energy.
Results
The Sentient Energy Grid Edge Control solution has been proven in field deployments to reduce voltage fluctuations due to PV generation and enable additional PV solar hosting. Utilities using Grid Edge Control also benefit from greater visibility of edge voltage, energy savings, improved power quality and reduced load tap changer operations.
