By Fundamentals

Adding transducers to integrate distributed energy resource (DER) connections with a Distribution Network Operator’s (DNO) management system typically costs upwards of £20,000. Fundamentals’ SuperTAPP SG voltage control relay has extensive transducer functionality built-in and therefore offers significant savings whilst future-proofing for future DER connections

Fundamentals CEO Dr Jon Hiscock explained: “Many operators are not aware that DER connectivity is a key feature of our SuperTAPP SG solution, which is already being deployed to implement advanced voltage control functionality required for new DER connections. The activation of DER connectivity as part of the SuperTAPP SG solution would obviate the need for separate transducers and significantly reduce the cost of DER connections.”

The SuperTAPP SG solution for a typical substation can accommodate up to 18 feeder circuit measurements which are automatically converted to Watts and Volt-Amps Reactive (VARs) and made available for communication with the DNO’s control desk.

The process of activating the SuperTAPP SG’s Watts and VARs capability requires only a short outage. It can be completed with minimal cost and disruption as part of a planned Automatic Voltage Control (AVC) scheme upgrade and its measurement functionality can be extended to cover all circuits to accommodate future connections.  

By comparison, adding a transducer typically takes several days and requires extensive extra wiring. The engineering and disruption involved typically add thousands of pounds to the cost of the transducer itself.

Dr Hiscock added: “Another problem for DNOs is the long lead times (currently up to 15 months) associated with the provision of transducers and associated hardware. This is putting a brake on their ability to deliver connections for the wind, solar and energy storage, and therefore slows progress in the drive towards net zero carbon.

“The bottom line is that realising the full capabilities of the SuperTAPP SG solution saves money, time, disruption and carbon emissions.”

If you’re interested in a career in power systems, a willingness to develop, and a desire to take on new challenges with a ‘yes we can’ attitude, we would like to talk with you. Please visit fundamentalsltd.co.uk/careers or contact us on careers@fundamentalsltd.co.uk.