Franco Pizzutto, Business Development Manager at MR, on the development of ECOTAP® VPD® and its areas of application.
What was important in the development of the ECOTAP® VPD®?
From the outset, our aim was to develop a compact on-load tap-changer that would enable voltage regulating distribution transformers (VRDTs) that would fit into existing substations. It also had to be affordable so that it could be used across the board, and installation also had to be as simple as possible. Another important point was that it should be maintenance-free so that network operators would have as little work as possible with it. And I would say that we have succeeded!
MR has already sold 10,000 ECOTAP® VPD®. How has the tap-changer evolved since its launch?
The ECOTAP® VPD®, which is now in its third generation, has enabled VRDTs to become standard in distribution networks. We have been able to successively reduce the weight, and the control unit is ultra compact at 10 centimeters wide and 32 centimeters high. We have also been able to reduce the costs and therefore the price by optimizing the design so that it can be partially automated and manufactured in large quantities. The range of applications has also been extended. The ECOTAP® VPD® is now not only suitable for distribution grids, but can also keep production stable in industrial plants or help to get more out of renewable energy systems. We have also taken customer feedback into account and introduced a MODBUS interface for communication, for example.
“With the third generation of the ECOTAP® VPD®, the VRDT has become the standard in distribution grids.”
Franco Pizzutto, Business Development Manager
Are further innovations planned?
In future, we want to offer dynamic set-point control as an option in the form factor of the standard controller. Until now, this has only been available as an additional module which takes up additional installation space. While the standard control algorithm uses a fixed voltage setpoint as the target value, dynamic control allows the target value to be adjusted up or down depending on the daily consumption and generation situation.
What potential still exists?
Digitalization gives us many opportunities to bring more transparency to distribution grids. This makes it much easier, for example, to examine the actual load profile in an area to determine how many additional PV systems can actually be included and how many wall boxes can be permitted. The measurement data from the ECOTAP® VPD® controller can be used here to record the actual transformer load profile: What is my maximum feed-in, what is my maximum load? Operators can use such data to plan their grids much more efficiently.
Allrounder
The ECOTAP® VPD® is a clever solution for several applications.
Capacity
expansions in the local network
Capacity expansions
in the local network
The distribution grid is the main area of application for the third-generation ECOTAP® VPD® with 30 amps. It keeps the voltage in the local grid stable, increases the absorption capacity, and is designed for transformers up to a voltage class of 24 kilovolts.
Relieving the medium voltage
Relieving the medium voltage
The ECOTAP® VPD® also saves on grid expansion in the medium-voltage grid and, by decoupling the low voltage from fluctuations in the medium voltage, the VRDT also makes a larger voltage band available there. When used over a wide area, the usable voltage band is extended, thus increasing the absorption capacity.
Stable industrial processes
Stable industrial processes
If a very precise voltage or a larger control range is required, the ECOTAP® VPD® with 100 amps and a preselector is the right choice. It offers 17 operating positions and supplies industrial, agricultural, and commercial processes with a defined and stable voltage band.
Optimum use of renewables
Optimum use of
renewables
The ECOTAP® VPD® can also be used to optimize renewable energy generation systems because a VRDT enables more throughput power for the inverter and makes it easier to meet grid connection requirements. And, thanks to its small size, it even fits into transformers in wind power nacelles.
Save
electricity
Save electricity
The VRDT can also help to save energy because targeted voltage reduction in the distribution grid can reduce electricity consumption. This method, called Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) has been shown in a study by the British grid operator Electricity North West (ENWL) to reduce consumption by up to 8 percent.
Find out more:
The new standard for single-phase voltage regulation
How the ECOTAP® VPD® I from MR also makes single-phase transformers regulated