Local grid storage systems regulate the voltage in a low-voltage grid to a preset value. A clear rise in voltage is concerning – especially at lunch time when photovoltaics are running at full speed. Using local network storage that takes in excess energy is an alternative to feeding it into the medium voltage level and to expanding the local network. In the evening or when the sky is overcast, the stored energy can be fed back into the grid. Load peaks in the network can be reduced. In addition, the grid operator can provide system services through the storage system such as operating reserves to generate additional revenue.
Mass storage systems are primarily used for frequency regulation. Transmission grid operators can supply operating reserves. If the mains frequency within Europe's integrated grid system spikes due to excess energy, the storage systems take in energy. If the frequency falls because too little energy is generated, the storage systems release energy.
Industrial storage units cover capacities from a few kilowatt hours to several megawatt hours. Industrial storage units are primarily used to stabilize networks and among other purposes, are used in virtual networks to cap load peaks; i.e., “Peak Shaving,” for load management and for combination with volatile generators, such as wind turbines and controllable consumers. They are also used as sources for electric filling stations, where solar energy can be obtained around the clock.
WAGO technology is used for safe, space-saving storage unit connection. Our telecontrollers are applied as gateways for access to the energy network. Various sensors on the field level can connect to the Internet via these gateways and make their data accessible on the cloud. These are the advantages of WAGO Controllers as a central element of measurement and control technology:
- WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM 750 is ideal in the distribution grid, e.g., for serial communication with inverters or for 3-phase power measurement.
- Convenient measurement and monitoring of generation or consumption rates (e.g., voltage, reactive power, active power, current, cos φ, frequency and energy flow direction)
- Generation and load management
- Integration of the Battery Management System (BMS) via CAN or MODBUS into the controller
- Programmable controller per IEC 61131 or Linux® platform
- Bundling supply rates by adaptation to central control systems
- Connection to external market participants, such as suppliers and public utilities, direct marketers or virtual power plants via telecontrol in accordance with IEC 60870-5-101, -103 /-104, 61400-25, 61850-7-420, DNP3, VHPready
- Cybersecurity: PFC100/PFC200 Controllers comply with current IT security regulations for grid operators and can be hardened as described in the BDEW white paper.
- Cloud connectivity: Connection to the cloud thanks to an MQTT software upgrade
