Grid modernisation is a general phrase used to encompass power grid modifications required to contain all technological changes occurring in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power. 

Specifically, grid modernisation regularly involves the growing application of sensors, computers, and communications which continues to bring about the ‘smarts’ or intelligence of the grid. 

Flexibility is needed throughout the evolution and modernisation of the grid because flexibility enables the adoption of the continuous new technologies released and designed to elevate the grid. 

ASEAN utilities are doing their best to evolve and adapt to meet the demands of power around the region, but staying agile remains a challenge. 

Today, what can ASEAN utilities focus on to ensure a modernised and agile grid for years, even decades, to come? 

In a recent exclusive interview, Kyle Stromberg, the G&W Global Product Line Manager, said that understanding the role of grid modernisation is imperative and the data extracted with the assistance of innovative solutions also offer a unique opportunity.  

“Data plays an essential role in maintaining grid reliability and resiliency. As the electric utility industry continues pursuing initiatives such as implementing distributed energy resources (DERs) and increasing energy efficiency and reliability, data collection and analysis are fundamental opportunities. Advancements can now be made by molding the grid of the future, driving a need for smarter, faster, and higher precision systems. Some of the key focal points utilities can focus on, which can drive the realisation of a modern grid, include DERs, power quality programs, protection & grid modernization, regulatory mandates, and analytics & condition assessment,” Kyle said.   

With the industry evolving at its current pace, the dynamics of the traditional grid have been forever changed, affecting grid power quality measurements that have worked in the conventional grid, making them no longer sufficient. Now we see the state of the modern grid composed of DERs has exposed technology gaps that limit grid visibility. This calls for a new way of thinking about power quality measurements.   

Ideally, the newly adopted technologies will supply data that informs and can be used to balance the network and understand the flow of power to improve things at a service level. The data can also advise of outcomes when preparing for the increased adoption of variable renewable energy with growing energy demand that requires the grid to be resilient, smarter, and more flexible. 

Grids must be smarter and flexible to meet the energy demands of today but resiliency is especially important when considering the number of historic weather events grids must also be fortified against. 

“In my opinion, a disaster-resilient power infrastructure is the cornerstone of reliable delivery of electricity, and we see three critical opportunities, especially for sectors that are at a higher risk of outages due to climate change,” Kyle stated. 

According to Kyle, the first priority is installing microgrids underground with submersible automated products, and the second is decentralizing grids by installing microgrids. Lastly, the third priority should be for ASEAN utilities to install reliable communications infrastructure to automate all grids. 

“Solutions must be ready and enable the transition to the grid of the future by embracing digitalization, decarbonization, and decentralization. Renewables will change everything about our grid, driving more need for more switching, sensing fault protection and intelligence throughout the distribution and transmission system,” Kyle explained. 

Grid modernisation coupled with the incorporation of renewable energy (RE) can be challenging for any power producer. However, utilities with aging assets must evolve to have the ability to travel down sustainability pathways. 

“Grid modernisation plays a crucial role in ASEAN’s sustainable and low carbon energy transition. But modernizing existing assets with affordable solutions that deliver line automation functionalities in a scalable way will play a big part in achieving these goals,” he said. 

Focusing on fortifying the grid while enabling deeper renewable integration will also help mitigate impacts on power quality and grid instability, Kyle shared. 

“Thinking beyond typical measurements of current and voltage magnitudes and looking at Pd (Potential Discharge) measurements, higher frequency and harmonic distortions, environmental measurements such as temperature, humidity, vibrations. All the while keeping in mind, the grid is an existing entity so equipment must be designed with all this increased capability and fit into the existing infrastructure,” he asserted. 

Grids and the global power infrastructure is aging and exposed to climate change effects. Yet, it is expected to deliver more than it was originally designed to do and has mostly stayed the same over the last 100 years until now.  

“We’ve found aging power lines (mostly overhead), a growing population, the majority of which reside in urban centers, and the constant risk of damage/interruption from natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes are driving the urgent need for grid modernization,” Kyle acknowledged. 

In the current energy landscape, with several threats looming, specific tools are needed to sidestep risks to achieve a fully modernised grid. 

Solutions, such as circuit breakers and circuit switchers, offer fault-interrupting functionality at a high total cost. In contrast, high voltage reclosers for the sub-transmission space deliver invaluable improvements to the systems’ reliability and grid resiliency. 

Also, a more robust grid could be achieved by adding a reliable switching device that brings distribution capabilities into sub-transmission applications. It also provides fault protection and high-speed isolation on overhead lines outside traditional substations. 

“Our revolutionary Viper-HV is specifically designed to provide additional, enhanced high-speed overcurrent protection through fault isolation and automatic restoration directly out on overhead sub-transmission lines rated up to 72.5kV. Providing utilities with incredible high technical functionality on the sub-transmission lines that were traditionally only available by installing high-cost substations, the Viper-HV offers utilities ultimate control over their critically important grid performance during every conceivable adverse system and environmental conditions,” Kyle expanded. 

For the first time within the electrical industry, ultimate user flexibility can be achieved through the Viper-HV by providing maintenance technology (no SF6 or Oil) and various physical configurations to matchup with existing line infrastructures. 

When areas are buried underground, distribution cables are utilised, and much of the traditional switchgear employed is designed to be installed in locations without exposure to water. 

“In extreme events, such as typhoons, traditional infrastructure can be exposed to rising water levels exposing critical power grid equipment to this element up to potential full immersion. G&W Electric underground switchgear is designed to not only withstand these conditions while remaining energized but are also capable of providing continuous circuit protection. The ability to be operated via automation under these conditions greatly improves utilities’ ability to continue to supply power to customers during extreme weather events,” Kyle said. 

Utilities may be challenged with the current energy environment, but ASEAN power producers can turn these challenges into opportunities by utilising new innovative tools like switchgear to progress closer to a successful energy transition. 

“I understand that the road to an evolved, smart grid cannot be completed overnight. Many countries are at varying stages. Most are only at the beginning of their journey, particularly emerging markets with a prevalence of small-to-mid-sized utility companies with limited resources. However, when using tools such as the G&W Electric options available, utilities can feel empowered by incorporating affordable solutions that deliver line automation functionalities in a scalable way enabling improvements in grid efficiency and reducing losses,” he advised. 

Flexibility and the ability to adapt grids to be secure and agile can be done in a manner of ways, but the evolution of digital power systems must continue to support carbon-neutral goals and energy demand. This can only be achieved with the most innovative methodologies and tools like what we explored today.