Schneider Electric unveils smart grid solutions

Schneider Electric has presented a range of its newest smart grid solutions at Enlit Europe 2024, a global energy transition event.

The company says these latest products will help support grid reliability amid global climate challenges. This includes offering enhanced bushfire and storm mitigation capabilities to help utilities better prepare for and manage extreme weather events.

In the company’s view, transitioning to digitally equipped grids will facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources while managing emerging energy demands with greater efficiency and reliability.

Some of the innovations presented by Schneider Electric at Enlit include:

Advancements in virtual substations

As a member of the Edge for Smart Secondary Substation Systems (E4S) Alliance, Schneider Electric will demonstrate new technologies designed to optimise the management of energy flows in smart grids. The PowerLogic T300 RTU is virtualised on the E4S hardware platform, simplifying substation design and enhancing operational capabilities.

Digital grid solutions

Schneider Electric continues to strengthen its digital grid capabilities with solutions like its Digital Grid Sustainability Service Net Zero Dashboard, which offers key net-zero measures and KPIs for monitoring grid decarbonisation, helping utilities quantify emissions and gain insights to guide sustainability strategies.

Grid flexibility is enhanced by the EcoStruxure DERMS (distributed energy resources management system), which helps manage the increasing complexity of grid constraints due to the rapid growth of distributed renewable assets. Utilities around the world, including PG&E and Elektrilevi, are deploying EcoStruxure DERMS.

To reinforce grid resiliency, Schneider Electric is implementing strategies powered by the AiDash platform, using satellite and AI technology to provide real-time insights and analytics. These help utilities prepare for extreme weather conditions.

Holistic LV network monitoring

This addresses the complexities of integrating low-carbon technologies, supporting efficient planning, monitoring, and operation of the low-voltage grid.

Active Plus Medium Voltage switchgear with EcoCare

This natively connected equipment is designed for remote monitoring and advanced analytics, providing 24/7 oversight that helps identify early-stage issues and adopt a condition-based maintenance approach. The switchgear is combined with EcoCare membership, a next-generation service plan designed to offer an extended lifespan.

“As we navigate the complexities of the energy transition, our focus is on delivering comprehensive, end-to-end solutions that speed up progress for all stakeholders in the electricity value chain. The integration of smart grids and innovative digital technologies is essential for achieving a sustainable future,” said Frederic Godemel, EVP Power Systems and Services at Schneider Electric.

“At Enlit Europe 2024, we highlighted our commitment to these advancements, inviting the collaboration of energy leaders to build a flexible and resilient landscape that maximises efficiency and deploys low-carbon technologies. By investing in the grids of the future, we unlock the full potential of renewable energy and create a cleaner, more reliable energy system.”

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