Facilitating Sensor Installation In Power Networks By Nexans MV Power Cable Accessories

Published 22 Oct 2019

Nexans New Smart Adapter Sensor Installation

The following Press Report has been developed by Nexans, to introduce the new Nexans Euromold Smart Adapter for Sensor Installation

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Kind Permission: Volker Dobeck 
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Marketing Communication Manager at Nexans Power Accessories Germany

Facilitating sensor installation

in power networks

The network distribution system is facing a rapid complexification on the once slow-paced LV grid.

To meet these new requirements, the distribution system operators will need to implement an accurate mesh of measurement of grid parameters as close as possible to the feeding points, enabling a real-time knowledge of network load and status.

Nexans believes, there is a way of meeting the need of enabling sensor installation closest to the feeding while keeping a simple interoperable approach irrelevant of switchgear, spacing and simplifying retrofitting.

As distribution networks move toward smart, the role of MV HV cable accessories suppliers, including separable connectors, becomes more and more crucial in ensuring a convenient/big-scale deployment of the smart grid.

IT’S EASY TO BE SMART WITH AN INTELLIGENT ADAPTER

The network distribution system is facing a rapid complexification pushed by the multiplication of connection of distributed production systems fueled by ever stronger national and international environmental objectives, causing additional and variable load on the once slow-paced LV Grid.

30/08/2019 – Facilitating Sensor Installation In Power Networks

These multiple connection points, be it delocalized generators such as photovoltaic clusters or punctual high-power rating consumers such as EV charging stations, have a local and adverse effect on grid stability, which renders a static load-managed grid design at best very costly, at worst very unreliable. Local authorities are not oblivious to the challenge that this new configuration will mean to the end consumer, as the requirements on quality of service and power feed-in control, as set out in the revised connection code of practice VDE-AR-N 4105. To meet these new requirements, the distribution system operators (DSO) will need to implement an accurate mesh of measurement of grid parameters as close as possible to the feeding points, enabling a real-time knowledge of network load and status.

Thankfully the recent years have seen a steady development of medium voltage low power sensors, which can be easily integrated into the network to supplement the traditional measurement transformers fixed in the substations. But is it really that easy?

A Headache in Perspective

Well, the answer is mitigated and can cause a lot of grey hairs to networks planners.

Indeed, the auxiliary plug-in voltage and current sensors offer a versatile solution to make almost any existing or new network smarter. But on the other hand, the grey areas in normalization have generated a wealth of solutions that are not always interoperable and can be troublesome to select.

Each link of the chain is well defined with regards to its own respective function – passive sensors have to comply to the instrument transformer standards IEC 61869, and power accessories have to comply to the HD 629 standard – but no standardization has been set forth to ensure that sensors and power accessories fit together. And so, planning of installation or retrofitting of equipment is very burdensome as each time every single parameter has to be fully checked in terms of:

Type of Switchgear:
- AIS and GIS switchgears require different type of accessories, smart connector or termination, and thus different model of sensors
Sensor Interface:
- Each accessory manufacturer can design its own interface for the piggyback connection, and thus a different model of sensorsSpace requirements:
- Each switchgear has its own design of connecting bay, thus not any type of sensor/connector assembly will fit
Retrofitability:
- Adding sensors to existing installation will require different installation conditions which have to be verified beforehand

All these pitfalls combined are the sure promise for a lasting headache and “open-heart surgery” on each substation as can be guessed.

MV HV Connectors

A welcome relief for sensor installation

So, is there no other solution than Aspirin?

Nexans believes there is a way of meeting the need of enabling sensor installation closest to the feeding while keeping a simple interoperable approach irrelevant of switchgear, spacing and simplifying retrofitting.

This is achieved by moving the low power transformer measuring point outside of the switchgear and onto the transformer bushing by using a Smart Adapter pre-fitted with the required sensors (fig. 1).

Nexans Smart Adapter Sensor Installation

Fig. 1: Smart Adapter KAA4/8 by Nexans EUROMOLD®

In this configuration, most of the complexity is gone (fig. 2).

Fig. 2: Connector arrangement on transformer bushing with cable outlet

Connector arrangement on transformer bushing with cable outlet

One for all
- On top of the transformer spacing is less of a worry, and the bushing interface is well defined.
- The type of accessory or switchgear is no longer relevant.
- There are no reworks needed for retrofitting, the adapted simple comes plug & play in between the existing accessory and bushing.
All for one
- Any brand of sensor can be pre-fitted inside the adapter in factory.
- The easy access to the interface allows for easy cabling and flexibility on site during installation.

Future Proof

Who knows what the future holds?

Although today the urgent needs call for network automation and power flow control, having an easy accessible and maintainable sensor array in the grid will enable for the digital revolution of the distribution nodes to come, with big data preventive maintenance applications, intelligent load management and other advanced network healing functions.

About Nexans

Nexans brings energy to life through an extensive range of advanced cabling systems, solutions and innovative services. For over 120 years, Nexans has been providing customers with cutting-edge cabling infrastructure for power and data transmission.

Today, beyond cables, the Group advises customers and designs solutions and services that maximize performance and efficiency of their projects in four main business areas: Building & Territories (including utilities, e-mobility), High Voltage & Projects (covering offshore wind farms, submarine interconnections, land high voltage), Telecom & Data (covering data transmission, telecom networks, hyperscale data centers, LAN) and Industry & Solutions (including renewables, transportation, Oil & Gas, automation and others).

Corporate Social Responsibility is a guiding principle of Nexans’ business activities and internal practices. In 2013 Nexans became the first cable provider to create a Foundation supporting sustainable initiatives bringing access to energy to disadvantaged communities worldwide. The Group’s commitment to developing ethical, sustainable and high-quality cables also drives its active involvement within leading industry associations, including Europacable, the NEMA, ICF or CIGRE to mention a few.

Nexans employs nearly 27,000 people with industrial footprint in 34 countries and commercial activities worldwide. In 2018, the Group generated 6.5 billion euros in sales. Nexans is listed on Euronext Paris, compartment A.

Nexans Power Accessories is the leading European specialised innovator, manufacturer and distributor of low, medium and high voltage accessories as well as connection technology for energy transmission and distribution networks. Longtime know-how and technological advance in cable connection systems was successfully transferred into high voltage applications.

Nexans Power Accessories provide a complete range of slip-on and cold-shrinkable accessories, e.g. premoulded EPDM rubber connectors and silicone terminations, epoxy bushings for transformers and switchgears and joints for power cables up to 170kV. For the international wind industry Nexans also develops and manufactures ready-to-install pre-assembled cable lengths and customized and factory tested cable bridges. An extensive range of additional equipment and a variety of dedicated installation trainings make Nexans a strong partner in the transmission and distribution of wind energy.

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