Grid Edge Control™
Why Grid Edge Control is Important
Monitoring grid edge voltage has become increasingly important with the growing presence of distributed energy resources (DERs) like electric vehicles (EVs) and rooftop solar panels. Voltage fluctuations can impact power quality and hinder Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) initiatives.
A high concentration of EV charging can cause voltage sags below 114V and conversely, a high penetration of rooftop solar may cause voltage to exceed 126V. Grid Edge Control is an effective solution for addressing these voltage issues. By implementing Grid Edge Control, problem areas with low or high voltage can be identified. Additionally, Grid Edge Control injects reactive power automatically, which helps boost low voltage points and flatten voltage profiles. This improves power quality and enhances CVR efforts.
By actively managing voltage at the grid edge, utilities can ensure the reliable integration of DERs and maintain a stable and efficient electric grid.
How Grid Edge Control Works
The Sentient Energy Grid Edge Control solution includes the VC10 Dynamic VAR Compensator and the Ample Analytics software platform.
The VC10 is installed on the customer side of the distribution transformer and operates at voltage levels of 208, 240, or 277 volts. Its primary function is to monitor the line voltage levels and actively adjust them by injecting reactive power when the voltage drops below a configurable setpoint. The VC10 can inject reactive power in 1 kVAR increments on a sub-cycle basis, with a maximum capability of 10 kVAR. It communicates with a head-end system using cellular networks.
The Ample Analytics software platform complements the VC10 by providing real-time visibility of all VC10 activities. It displays information on current and voltage levels at the transformer, allowing operators to monitor the system effectively. Additionally, Ample enables remote setpoint changes and firmware upgrades, providing efficient management of the VC10 devices.
Key Features
Sentient Energy’s Grid Edge Control solution provides new capabilities for voltage control on the last segment of the distribution system:
- Dynamic VAR compensation (0-10 kVAR) per VC10
- Capable of injecting 1 kVAR increments on a sub-cycle basis
- Voltage monitoring and reporting
- Over-the-air setpoint and firmware upgrades
- Integrates with overhead and underground transformers
- Visibility of transformer overloading
Grid Edge Control Benefits
Grid Edge Control offers visibility into voltage, current, and overloading at the distribution transformer, and has the capability to improve voltage levels.
In systems with high rates of EV charging, Grid Edge Control has demonstrated the ability to raise low voltage points from as low as 108.5V to meet the minimum level of 114V, thus ensuring optimal voltage conditions for EV charging.
Furthermore, the solution has been field-proven to deliver incremental energy savings ranging from 1% – 3% as part of existing CVR programs.
For utilities with a high penetration of solar generation, Grid Edge Control can be combined with CVR to save energy and increase the hosting capabilities of solar resources by as much as 92%.
What is the “Grid Edge”?
The term “grid edge” has varying meanings based on who uses it. Metering companies often refer to the meter as the grid edge. At Sentient Energy, we consider the grid edge more broadly. Our Grid Edge Control solution applies to segment of the distribution grid between the last transformer and the meter.
