Energy crisis and digital smart grids – changing times in the energy sector

Wohlen, Switzerland / Stuttgart, Germany – The term “smart grid” has been bandied about for years. Frequently mentioned in connection with smart meters, it has been used so many times as a buzzword without any real content to back it up, that it has become almost worn out before a global and meaningful implementation could be realized.

Today, however, things appear quite different. Talk of a smart grid within the narrow context of actual “digital grid management” has now become far more meaningful. Renewable energy forms (e.g. PV systems, battery storage, wind turbines, etc.), the vast number of other energy consuming technologies (e.g. hydrogen generation, large-scale DC applications, heat pumps, etc.) as well as the often advanced age of existing assets play a major role. Not only that, distribution system operators, as well as consumers, have to cope with skyrocketing energy prices and an energy shortage. As a result, measures to improve energy efficiency with an optimal CO2 balance are becoming increasingly important. Thus, the focus on active grid management and supply-secure grid operation is intensifying. A future-oriented grid management system for the low-voltage range distribution grid, to complement the possibly existing medium-voltage grid management systems appears to be essential.

All this has prompted the two established companies, Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG and Fichtner IT Consulting, to join forces. High-quality and fundamental measurement data are combined with intelligent digital grid management to fit each application.

Safeguarding grid stability and hence security of supply
The concept developed by the two established companies Camille Bauer Metrawatt and Fichtner IT Consulting defines a secure approach based on well-founded and market-tested core components. It is based on the fundamental definition of a smart grid as described, for example, by the Swiss Federal Energy Office.

In short: it means to operate the existing grid digitally, and thus astutely avoid costly extensions which require a lot of expensive material (e.g. copper). In other words, a smart grid.

Fig: Systemic design structure of measurement technology and digital intelligence.

The path to digital grid management in four steps
Since the cooperation involves the use and combination of proven and innovative technologies, it is advisable to proceed step by step. Both companies have a fundamentally scalable approach to:
a) avoid overstretching the customer’s budget
b) generate productive benefits at an early stage
c) ensure further expansion in line with current needs.

Consequently, the two companies propose a project implementation sequence in four steps:
(1) Secure measurement at the low-voltage level to capture the reality in real-time through grid transparency.
(2) Generation of a complete digital image of the grid by deriving the grid status and topology from existing sources.
(3) Presentation of an interactive visualization of the measured values at the measuring points and the resulting grid status in the grid diagram (grid cockpit).
(4) Finalization of a topological end result with the provision of analyses, forecasts and automatic procedures about further developments in the grid status. And this available specifically for each department.

The benefit: significantly lower costs for hardware and control room software, no additional copper in the ground and ultimately a greatly reduced workload, which can even be totally eliminated wherever feasible.

222 years of combined expertise
Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG is a Swiss medium-sized company for the development and production of industrial measurement equipment. As such, Camille Bauer offers customers application-oriented solutions for the high-voltage monitoring and position sensoring markets. This includes a deep understanding of the needs of the electrical energy generation, distribution of energy as well as the industrial consumers. With its Swiss regard for highest quality and its strong capacity for innovation Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG delivers measurable added value to its customers.

Fichtner IT Consulting GmbH is the IT competence centre of the world-wide Fichtner Group. They specialize in advising on and implementing high-performance IT solutions for technical networks, facilities and infrastructures. Fichtner combines industry expertise and process know-how with up-to-date technological competence to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions for the success and satisfaction of their customers. 

fig: A scalable metrological compass with high-resolution zero-blind technology

Fichtner IT Consulting GmbH is the IT competence centre of the world-wide Fichtner Group. They specialize in advising on and implementing high-performance IT solutions for technical networks, facilities and infrastructures. Fichtner combines industry expertise and process know-how with up-to-date technological competence to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions for the success and satisfaction of their customers. The acquisition, structuring and linking as well as targeted preparation and presentation of information, including spatial referencing, are key to efficient and effective business processes. The concepts and solutions of Fichtner IT Consulting ensure that companies are optimally positioned for digitization.

What the two companies have in common is not only their complementary areas of technological expertise, but also their long track record of success. In 2022, Fichtner will celebrate its 100th anniversary, and Camille Bauer can look back on 122 years of activity. And both managing directors, Andreas Höfler of Fichtner IT Consulting and Sascha Engel of Camille Bauer Metrawatt, see this as a major advantage in an industry that focuses on security of supply. Long-term resilience and years of experience are not incompatible with innovative capability!

Further information is available at www.camillebauer.com

Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG

Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG is a Swiss medium-sized company for the development and production of industrial measurement equipment. Organised in two business units, Camille Bauer offers customers application oriented solutions in the high-voltage monitoring and position sensoring. The company is part of the GMC-I with headquarters in Nürnberg, Germany and as such with its worldwide representatives is a renowned supplier for the measurement of electrical and energetic parameters. This includes a deep understanding of the needs of the electrical energy generation, distribution of energy as well as the industrial consumers. With its Swiss regard for highest quality and its strong capacity for innovation Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG delivers measurable added value to its customers.