Use Case

Monitoring Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)

Download PDF
When DERs are aggregated and operated outside of the distribution utility, incomplete system visibility makes monitoring and troubleshooting challenging. In these cases, intelligent line sensing solutions can augment current operational technology systems, providing utilities with increased grid visibility and helping to fill in data gaps.

Sentient Energy’s Grid Analytics SystemTM

Sentient Energy’s MM3TM line-powered sensors are installed on the feeder, upstream and downstream from the DER intertie, and on the lateral connecting the DER. Battery-powered ZM1TM sensors are used on laterals that may not have continuous current throughout the day. Load data and fault notifications are sent from the line sensors to the Ample® Analytics Platform for visualization and analysis.
sentient-energy-moitoring energy

How It Works

With Sentient Energy intelligent line sensors deployed on all sides of the DER intertie, utilities have complete visibility of the DER and feeder loads, faults, and disturbances. Actionable line sensor data and analytics from Ample software enable utilities to more effectively manage interconnected DERs in a variety of ways, including:

  1. Monitoring load levels and phase balance – Line sensors give utilities a complete view of load on their feeders and laterals with DERs. Sensors report current flowing from the DER along with current direction. Ample software simplifies load profiling, troubleshooting, and identification of locations with phase unbalance.
  2. Instant notifications of faults – Intelligent line sensors monitor for faults from each side of the DER intertie. Real-time fault data allows grid operators to direct crews more precisely to fault locations, reducing patrol time to speed up restoration. When faults occur, sensors report fault magnitudes, durations, and waveforms to the Ample analytics software platform.
  3. Early identification of problems – Line sensors monitor disturbance levels along the feeder and on laterals connecting DERs. High disturbance levels are often a sign of DER integration issues or impending faults. Utilities can use this actionable data to improve DER integration and to proactively address potential problem areas.

Results

Intelligent line sensors are a proven solution for effective monitoring of more complex distribution feeders, such as circuits with DERs. Sentient Energy’s line sensors and Ample software provide the additional visibility, from all sides of the DER intertie, enabling grid operators to better manage reliable operation of integrated DERs.

White and yellow Sentient Energy logo.
Contact Us
Twitter Linkedin