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.

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. 

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. The recent years have seen a steady development of medium voltage low power sensors, which can be integrated onto the network to supplement the traditional measurement transformers fixed in the substations. 

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.

The future 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. We at Nexans are thrilled to help you reach your full potential.