Altair – Controllers for Distributed Generation Management.

Altair is a Family of High Reliability Robust Controllers for Managing Distributed Generation and Optimising Generation Capacity

The Altair family of Generation Management Controllers have been developed in response to industry demand for intelligent management & control of Distributed Generation.

The exponential increase in the adoption of Distributed Energy Generation such as Photovoltaic (PV) and Wind has introduced significant challenges for DNOs when it comes to the control of network voltages and power flows at all voltage levels on their network. When pre-defined conditions occur, generation is constrained. This results in inefficiencies in operation as well as lost generation.

Altair Controllers provide localised independent control of Distributed Generators in response to real time changes both at a local site and on the network. The Controller provides a greater degree of control over both the constraint level and constraint type applied to each generator. It operates in a number of modes, assisting the DNO to optimise the management of their network (ANM).

• Power Demand
• Voltage Control
• P-Q Envelope Control
• Active/Reactive Power Control

Altair Generation Management Controllers allow the DNO to optimise their network usage whilst assisting Distributed Generators to maximise their capacity. Controllers can be totally standalone or integrated into an Active Network Management System. The Altair controllers are modular and compact, providing a cost effective solution for localised control of Distributed Generators. The product architecture allows considerable flexibility in incorporating specific Algorithms tailored to the needs of both the DNO and the Generator. The Altair Controllers support the latest technologies with downloadable firmware for future requirements.

Altair can be readily integrated into an existing or new DMS or SCADA system via a range of flexible communications options including Ethernet, RS232 and RS485 and can operate over a wide range of fixed and wireless communications media. Altair supports industry standard SCADA and IED protocols, including IEC 61850. Comprehensive Cyber security measures are incorporated.

Intelligent Automation of the Future

Generation Management schemes

Altair Controllers support a range of interfaces for controlling generation, including:

• Analogue Output Setpoints
• Volt Free Digital Output Stage Control
• Serial / Protocol Interface

The Controllers support a variety of operating modes

• Voltage Mode: The Altair Controller monitors the grid voltage against a desired or target level. Should the voltage exceed this level then the controller constrains the Generator until the network voltage reaches acceptable levels.
• P-Q Mode: The Altair Controllers can be used to regulate Active or Reactive power generation to either maximise generation or to provide VAR support to the grid.
• Power Management Mode: The Altair Controller monitors the net power flow into the connection substation from the Grid. The controller seeks to maintain the net inward power flow above a minimum level. This is done by dynamically adjusting the generator setpoint controlling the level of renewable generation.
• P-Q Envelope Monitoring: ZIV Automation`s Altair Controllers monitor the power flowing at the generation point and checks it against the P-Q Grid Code Envelope. If the power falls outside the envelope for a pre-defined time then the generation is curtailed and an alarm generated for SCADA.

 

Key features

• Distribution Automation
• ANM cases