Grid Overhaul for the Energy Transition: Digital Twin Substation
Grid Overhaul for the Energy Transition: Digital Twin Substation1
At the Center: The Digital Twin2
Uniting Primary and Secondary Technology3
Standardizing Secondary Technology5
Primary Technology – Explained Briefly7
Secondary Technology – Explained Briefly7
Grid operators face a massive challenge. They need to make their networks ready to meet these complex demands. For naturenergie netze, this includes building new substations and modernizing some existing ones. The challenge isn’t just adapting these stations to rising energy demands but making them far more flexible in handling energy sources, flows, and precise control of electricity.
At the Center: The Digital Twin
This project is ambitious and cannot be done single-handedly. naturenergie netze joined forces in a pilot project with two software providers: Eplan (for secondary, i.e., control technology) and entegra (for primary, i.e., current-carrying components). Both companies were prepared for this task, having developed exactly what naturenergie netze needed for initial planning: the integration of primary and secondary technology into one model.
A Model for All Users
This model is now being tested in practice. Reiner Beck, coordinator in the grid development team at naturenergie netze, says, “We’re replacing the entire secondary technology in an existing and very complex substation – while it’s still in operation.” Planning and execution for this initial project have already progressed much faster than before. And – looking ahead – the additional effort required to set up the shared data model should already pay off on the second project.
Uniting Primary and Secondary Technology
Matthias Schuy, Business Development Manager at entegra, explains, “Integrating primary and secondary technology of a substation into a digital twin is unique and promises great benefits.”
Can this be quantified? Rainer Beck responds, “Certainly. We must demonstrate that the initial investment quickly pays off. After the preliminary planning, we already see substantial time savings in substation overhauls – and that for every project.”
Standardizing Secondary Technology
This collaboration among entegra, Eplan, and the grid operator was made possible because naturenergie netze adopted Eplan Electric P8 and Eplan Pro Panel software for secondary technology planning two years ago. Project leader Simon Rümmele from grid development notes, “With Eplan, we’re able to advance standardization and more efficient engineering for secondary technology – enabling seamless planning that we can use in operations, preventive maintenance, and inspections.”
naturenergie netze aims to move away from planning and building each substation as a unique entity. Instead, similar to (special) machinery construction, they intend to use two standard models as the foundation for creating variations. This is made possible through the digital twin and the combination of Eplan and Entegra’s primtech solutions – a forward-thinking concept. Jan Oliver Kammesheidt, Vertical Market Manager at Eplan, adds, “What we are developing here and in the VDE workgroup will allow many grid operators to plan and implement their overhaul and construction projects faster.”
Primary Technology – Explained Briefly
Primary technology includes all equipment essential for the distribution and transmission of electrical energy: switchgear, busbars, disconnectors, transformers, and lines. With “primtech 3D by Entegra,” open-air switchyards in substations can be planned and designed efficiently. Fully functional 3D models provide the basis for the digital twin, seamlessly integrating into modern planning and operational concepts.
Secondary Technology – Explained Briefly
Secondary technology encompasses all devices and systems that don’t directly handle the transport or conversion of electrical energy but are responsible for controlling and monitoring primary technology. Eplan offers the Eplan Data Portal and platform with compatible device data and software tools for efficient electrical engineering – from preliminary planning to engineering with automated schematic creation. Rittal’s VX enclosure system technology and type-tested VX25 Ri4Power switchgear and power distribution units ensure reliable operation.
For more information, find the complete case study here…
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