Smarter Grid Solutions launches revolutionary suite of planning tools for assessing DER connection feasibility
(PRWEB UK) 17 November 2015 -- Smarter Grid Solutions today announced the launch of a range of online and desktop planning tools for Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and developers.
The planning tools enable DNOs and developers to assess connection feasibility for conventional firm connections and managed connections. The new planning tools are already being used on a commercial scale to speed up the connection assessment process and reduce operational costs.
Smarter Grid Solutions specialises in Active Network Management (ANM) – a real-time control technology to integrate distributed energy resources (DER) to the grid. Its new planning tools meet the growing demands of generation development companies and DNOs, and are a complementary addition to the company’s ANM product suite.
Capacity Analysis Portal (CAP) – Improving the quality of connection planning
CAP is an innovative set of analysis tools for the assessment of DER connection feasibility, combining a Capacity Headroom Tool (CHT) and an Online Capacity Analysis Tool (OCAT) to provide end-to-end support for applications for firm or Managed Connections to the grid. CAP works by combining data management, capacity analysis, curtailment assessment, user administration functionality, a web based front end, and the ability to interface with custom modules to provide a ground-breaking end-to-end connection assessment toolset.
Grid Connection Assessment Tool (GCAT) – Managing the cost, time and quality of connection assessments
GCAT automates and performs detailed connection assessment studies, helping to deliver time and cost savings. GCAT meets the growing demand from DNOs to utilise tools to help them plan Managed Connections. GCAT provides detailed curtailment assessments of connection requests using historical data and a full AC power distribution network model.
The planning tools have been designed and developed to help developers gain visibility of the real network capacity available, prior to applying for a connection, and to increase the quality of their connection applications. DNOs benefit from operational cost reductions, as the time it takes to process applications is reduced significantly due to the higher quality of applications received. The benefits include: Reduced operational costs, increased visibility, improved customer satisfaction, acceleration of renewables in distribution networks, and improved quality of connections applications.
“We designed these planning tools specifically to help DNOs and generation developers improve the process of applying for connections” said Graham Ault, Co-Founder and Development Director at Smarter Grid Solutions. “The rapid growth in low carbon technologies has resulted in many more developers looking to connect renewable and distributed generation to the grid, and the DNO having to process these applications. High analysis costs, lengthy times in processing applications and poor visibility of available network capacity are just some of the challenges faced by developers and DNOs. These are the only tools of their kind to streamline the connections process, for both Managed and conventional grid connections.”
About Smarter Grid Solutions
Smarter Grid Solutions delivers products and consultancy services that enable Distributed Network Operators (DNOs) and developers to integrate Distributed Energy Resources (DER). The company provides world-leading Active Network Management products, planning tools and a range of consultancy services, and is the only provider to uniquely combine real-time, autonomous and deterministic control into its Active Network Management solutions. Its products are transforming the utilisation and resilience of the grid, and managing connected customers at greatly reduced cost, without compromising safety and security. It supports customers worldwide from its offices in Glasgow, London and New York.
The company was formed in 2008, originating from the world-renowned Institute for Energy and Environment at the University of Strathclyde, and it is a leading vendor of DER integration solutions. It established its offices in North America in 2013, and is now an active contributor to the development of the Smart Grid in many parts of North America.
Lindsay Ross, Smarter Grid Solutions, http://www.smartergridsolutions.com, +44 141 5684319, [email protected]
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