NetControl provides 'just' that little bit of extra control

Fudura, market leader in sustainable total solutions for business energy supplies, launches NetControl: an innovative solution that transforms a traditional installation into a smart one. With NetControl, customers get continuous insight into the temperature, load and quality of their network. In this way, failures can be prevented, existing capacity can be maximally utilized and expensive expansions often become unnecessary.

For decades, the Dutch energy infrastructure was designed to be reliable and low-maintenance. Transformers often lasted fifty years without any problems. The situation has changed in recent years. Grid congestion, the increase in solar panels, batteries and the effects of climate change (such as higher outdoor temperatures) are putting increasing pressure on the power grid. Whereas plants used to be loaded to only half their capacity, technicians now have to use them to as much as 80 to 90 percent.

In addition, the increase in decentralized generation is causing more disturbances on the power grid, which can lead to power quality problems (PQ problems). These disruptions are difficult to detect, but with NetControl we can identify them early and address them in a targeted way. At the same time, the pressure on grid capacity is increasing, which calls for better insight and smart management.

NetControl offers two unique solutions:

1. Measurements at transformers

Here the focus is on three critical parameters: temperature, load and power quality. Temperature in particular is critical: where this was never a problem before, a transformer can now become too hot due to contamination and higher outdoor temperatures. By monitoring these values, companies can use their facilities more heavily without risk. This prevents breakdowns and outages while allowing companies to increase their production capacity.

2. Measurements at medium voltage facilities.

Large companies with ring installations, such as the TU Eindhoven, can use NetControl to read out the entire medium-voltage installation. What is unique here is that the data comes directly from the switch protection computers. Large suppliers often offer extensive and expensive systems for this purpose. NetControl offers a simpler solution that performs comparably at lower costs. This provides insight into load, power quality and flow direction, which allows for more efficient and reliable use of the infrastructure.

Peter Meijhuis, NetControl expert at Fudura: "This approach extends the life of installations, prevents expensive replacements and gives customers the opportunity to do more with their existing infrastructure. NetControl has already proven itself in pilots, including at TU Eindhoven, and is now being rolled out step by step. The component aimed at measuring transformers is applicable to all new connections and is being introduced step by step as standard. The component for medium voltage installations focuses specifically on large customers with ring arrangements, where additional insights into load and reliability of the infrastructure can be obtained."