Ideas create the future - Innovation Report 2021 - Westnetz GmbH
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Ideas create the future. Innovation Report 2021
Ideas create the future. _ Westnetz Innovation Report 2021 01
Hello and welcome to our world
of energy distribution innovations!
Even in times when much has changed privately, professionally and worldwide as a result of
the pandemic, we would like to inform and inspire you with our progress in digitalisation, for
sustainability and for new growth.
In this year’s report, we will show you the results of over 70 research and innovation projects.
We will report on ready-to-use, future-proof technologies that have emerged from our internal
innovation programmes in cooperation with manufacturers and service providers. These new
technologies are being used at Westnetz, promote climate protection and make our system
operation efficient and safe.
Over the following pages, you are cordially invited to discover new things for your business or
to contact the named person to discuss details in an inspiring conversation. Please implement
any benefits derived from this networking into your everyday life. We also benefit greatly from
the exchange with you. Wherever we take great steps together to develop innovative energy
distribution systems for the future: in the Westnetz regions, in the neighbouring regions in
cooperation with other distribution system operators and also very much beyond.
Please stay healthy.
Kind regards,
The Management Board of Westnetz GmbH
Dr. Jürgen Grönner Diddo Diddens Dr. Stefan Küppers
Regional Technology Energy/Finance Specialist Technology
and Asset Management and HR and Digitalisation
02 Contents Ideas create the future. _ Westnetz Innovation Report 2021 03
12 43 Contents
Digitalisation Energy future starts at the
Digital. Intelligent. Connected. beginning – Training and further
04
Active grids for a future full of education at Westnetz
Inspiring technology pioneers,
energy.
distribution system operator
of the future.
We are Westnetz!
06
Research & development,
innovations & technologies –
good for the climate, good for the
energy world of the future, good
for the region and good for people.
24 08
Cooperations – innovative
together, better together.
Sustainability
Sustainable. Environmentally conscious.
12
Climate neutral. – Green grids for future
generations.
54 Digitalisation
19
Research & Development
New technologies in use
Projects
24
Sustainability
36
TOGETHER healthy & safe
40
Challenge and promote
ideas & innovations@Westnetz
40 43
Energy future starts at the
Challenge and promote ideas
beginning – Training and further
& innovations@Westnetz
education at Westnetz
Ideas made by Westnetz –
outstanding, innovative and
50
future-proof Overview innovations
66 54
Research & Development –
Projects
Innovations
Projects
66
Innovation – Projects
36 84
TOGETHER healthy & safe Degree theses 2020
Come healthy, go healthy – Note to the reader
Occupational safety is a corporate culture We use gender-appropriate language in this report. If we have neglected this 86
in a wording, it is nevertheless intended to address all genders at all times. Contacts
04 Ideas create the future. Ideas create the future. _ Westnetz Innovation Report 2021 05
Inspiring technology pioneers, We protect the environment, develop particularly
sustainable processes and strive for absolute
distribution system operator of the future. climate neutrality by 2040. First and foremost,
however, we protect the health of our employees
We are Westnetz! and work intensively on our internal occupational
safety. In this way, we achieve zero accidents in
the company and beyond.
We are the largest distribution system
operator in Germany and supply approx.
7.5 million people over 51,000km2 with
electricity and gas – an area larger than
Switzerland.
We are responsible for planning, expanding and maintaining
around 180,000 kilometres of electricity grid and around
24,000 kilometres of gas grid – a distance that is five times
the size of the earth’s perimeter. Around 5,800 specialists
with a high level of technical expertise work 24 hours a day
and 365 days a year for reliable and safe supply. On average,
We value the immense potential of our free- and forward-thinking this results in 2.5 innovative ideas per working day for
employees and promote this throughout the grid area in our future-proof grid technologies.
state-of-the-art training and education centres – one more
reason why we are one of the best training companies in
Germany. However, we also rely on artificial intelligence to
check, categorise and repair over 200,000 wooden masts in We go underground and lay cables particularly quickly, efficiently
real time using an advanced machine-learning process – with using state-of-the-art plow laying technology. And we launch and
more than 90 percent accuracy. deploy drones forthe sustainable, flexible and safe inspection of
our overhead lines – in conjunction with specialised image
analysissoftware for automated fault detection.
We value every detail, evaluate all relevant data using state-of-
the-art technology and artificial intelligence. However, we also
keep an eye on the big picture and work together in a future-
oriented manner with other distribution system operators on
the topic of data security and storage in an absolutely secure
data environment.
In 2020, we invested EUR 4.7 million in the best innovation pro-
gramme in our company’s history and invested every euro from
the associated patent marketing in new future technologies.
We take care of every single grid connection and bring new With success, as since 2015, the number of patent applications
customers to the grid every year. In 2020, we also launched in the company has increased almost fivefold.
SmartQuart, the first real-life laboratory for the energy
revolution. Here, three city districts are inter-networked and
generate, store, exchange and consume energy on a local level –
intelligently, sustainably and viably.
06 Ideas create the future. Ideas create the future. _ Westnetz Innovation Report 2021 07
Research & development,
innovations & technologies –
good for the climate, good for the energy
world of the future, good for the region
and good for people.
Market-ready and Sustainability and Innovative and Technological Supply and Health and
future-proof digitalisation highly specialised progress data security safety at work
Ideas create the future – a title that is Above all today, sustainability and When we invest in innovative and Climate protection and technological Automated maintenance processes, The safety of our employees is
more relevant than ever at Westnetz. digitalisation determine the way in highly specialised inventions, we progress can and should definitely digital grid status logging in real time, paramount at all times. Occupational
Every year our innovation manage- which we think and act within the always consider the possible effects support each other. decentralised control options – tech- safety is therefore an indispensable
ment brings to the fore exciting and energy industry – and will certainly on climate and the environment – nological progress also poses new part of our company’s success. This
ambitious ideas, which are developed continue to be the measure of all and therefore on our health and your With the new SF6-free switchgear challenges. is an aspect that we, like our techno-
by employees in all Westnetz regions things tomorrow. At Westnetz, we health. We also need to reduce systems, Westnetz is bringing the logical advances, are happy to pass
and areas. However, they all have one like to face a double challenge. emissions and energy losses within most climate-friendly switchgear At Westnetz, we attach great im- on to our cooperation partners.
thing in common: They are clever our company. technology into operation, thus portance to ensuring supply and
ideas that can be further developed The declared goal of the German laying an important foundation for data security for our customers at
into market-ready and future-proof Federal Government to achieve Our odorisation nozzle exchange complete climate neutrality. all times.
grid technologies and made available climate neutrality goes hand in hand units (OWE) serve as a prime
to all distribution system operators. with increasing requirements for example of sustainable innovation- The latest sensor technology is used
Westnetz ideas help shape the future energy distribution systems. We management, reducing natural gas in research for decentralised gas
of the energy world – climate-neutral, respond with diverse, highly auto- emissions when changing nozzles quality measurement with quantity On the following pages, you are
highly automated, safe and healthy. mated innovations in order to in- from around 15m3 to 0.1m3 and, in conversion or for increasing the out- invited to get your own impression
crease the performance of the grids future, by feeding green hydrogen put of existing transformers by of our new ideas and results for a
and meet the expectations of our into gas grids decentrally. around 20%. new, energetic and consistently
supply customers for decentralised customer-oriented future.
energy management.
08 Cooperations Ideas create the future. _ Westnetz Innovation Report 2021 09
Economical, progressive and future-oriented –
cooperations with industry and business
Innovative together, better together.
Digitalisation system for low-voltage grids ready & available
Successful cooperations accelerate growth and bring in compact design
Westnetz ideas into the energy world of tomorrow – • Invented at Westnetz to measure and control
and all the way to our customers. low-voltage grids.
• 40 devices in use at Westnetz – and approved.
• Manufacturing and marketing are prepared with
renowned grid technology specialists in order to
reliably serve the market, reach a large customer
As one of the leading distribution system operators in Germany, Westnetz provides around 6 million base and thus reduce costs.
customers with a reliable supply of electricity and gas. There is sufficient expertise and experience Link to article on p. 18
available to design a sustainable energy industry. Innovation is also proven by the annually increasing
number of patent applications for promising new technologies. We are also well positioned when it
comes to building prototypes. However, in the series production and marketing of inventions, the un-
disputed value of market-proven cooperation partners is evident. What we cannot do on our own, we
can do together – initiate growth ourselves and share the advantages of low-emission and sustainable
distribution grid technologies with people around the world. Instead of taking the simple route of costly
grid expansion, we develop our innovative ideas into market-ready, affordable and sustainable solutions
together with our counterparts from business, science and operation. SF6-free technologies ready & available
• Invented by Schneider Electric Automation GmbH
and prepared for market launch.
• Developed in detail by Westnetz together with
Schneider Electric during trial operation in our
transformer stations.
• Serial production by Schneider Electric.
Link to article on p. 29
Odorisation technologies ready & available
• Invented by Westnetz.
• Scientifically perfected by DBI-GUT GmbH.
• Brought to series production by Böhmer GmbH.
• Inspection in 5 minutes (600 times faster than
previously).
• Nozzle change in 15 minutes (200 times faster
than previously).
• Avoidance of methane emissions when changing
odorising nozzles; the goal of zero emissions is
almost achieved.
• Over 20 odorising nozzles and around 10 odorising
nozzle replacement units (OWE) ensure a good
return on investment for Westnetz.
Link to project description on p. 75
10 Cooperations Ideas create the future. _ Westnetz Innovation Report 2021 11
Fresh, free and scientific –
cooperations with research and development
Decentralised long-range regulation ready & available Researchers often free from industry experience and
thus bring fresh and free thinking into innovation
• Westnetz invention for largely autonomous, flexible processes. They are also fully up to date with the latest
and decentralised control of controllable transformers developments in research and technology – which is
with massive oversupplies by renewable energies. helpful for the construction of future-proof prototypes.
• Optimisation in cooperation with the Technical
University of Dortmund.
• Prototype tested and improved in Westnetz operation Hydrogen supply Digital Innovation 2021
for 3 years.
• Production of a first small series is prepared in • Westnetz is currently developing new solutions for the
conjunction with WAGO Kontakttechnik GmbH. hydrogen supply of the future together with the Münster
University of Applied Sciences (Steinfurt campus).
• In extended cooperation with Schütz GmbH Messtechnik,
research is being carried out on decentralised gas quality
measurement with quantity conversion and ideally
with a connection to the gas smart meter – based on
the latest sensor technology.
Gas expansion turbine ready & available
• Invented by Westenergie Technologie & Infrastruktur.
• Perfected by Dortmund University of Technology.
• Tested at Westnetz and has been in trouble-free trial
operation for 4 years.
• Manufactured by W2 Armaturen GmbH and already
commissioned by two innovative distribution system Real labs – SmartQuart Digital Innovation 2021
operators.
Ausgleichenergie
• In real-world laboratories such as SmartQuart, Westnetz
works with scientists, municipalities and manufacturers
Speicheranlage
Ausgleichenergie Ausgleichenergie
Klimaneutral.
Neubauquartier
Speicheranlage Speicheranlage
Photovoltaik
Dachanlagen Zentrale Schnell-Ladesäulen
Geothermie
Lokal. Digital.
Klimaneutral. to research and develop sustainable, digital Klimaneutral.
and intelli-
Neubauquartier Neubauquartier
Photovoltaik Photovoltaik
Dachanlagen Zentrale Schnell-Ladesäulen Dachanlagen Zentrale Schnell-Ladesäulen
1
Smart Poles
Geothermie Vision: 0 % CO2 Geothermie
Intelligente
Quartierssteuerung
100 % erneuerbare Energien
Lokal. Digital. gently networked energy solutions for districts
Lokal. Digital.
and
3 Quartiere in
Deutschland
10 Partner
601 1
Smart Poles Smart Poles
Vision: 0 % CO2 Vision: 0 % CO2
regions.
Essen
Intelligente Bedburg 100
Millionen Euro % erneuerbare Energien Intelligente 100 % erneuerbare Energien
Was heißt das konkret?
Quartierssteuerung Kaisersesch Gesamtinvestitionen Quartierssteuerung
Beispiel 1:
Energie der Zukunſt
3 10 3 10
DAS URBANE Das SmartQuart-Projekt
QUARTIER Quartiere in
An drei Standorten in Deutschland
Partner Quartiere in Partner
Deutschland
entstehen smarte Quartiere, die sich fast Deutschland
Link to article on p. 32
Dicht besiedelte Regionen werden auch vollständig klimaneutral mit Energie
zukünſtig auf den Import von erneuerbarer
Energie angewiesen sein, um möglichst versorgen. Zentrales Element des Projekts
ist die intelligente Vernetzung der
Essen Essen
unabhängig von konventionellen Energieformen
60 60
zu sein. In Essen werden deshalb beispielsweise
ein Quartiersspeicher, energetisch optimierte Energiesysteme innerhalb und zwischen
den Quartieren. SmartQuart ist Teil des
Bedburg Millionen Euro Bedburg Millionen Euro
Gebäude und eine vernetzte Infrastruktur
umgesetzt.
Programms „Reallabore der
Energiewende“ und wird im Rahmen des
Kaisersesch Gesamtinvestitionen Kaisersesch Gesamtinvestitione
Link to project description on p. 64
Was heißt das konkret? Energieforschungsprogramms der Was heißt das konkret?
Bundesregierung gefördert.
Beispiel 1: Beispiel 1:
Energie der Zukunſt Energie der Zukunſt
Überschussenergie
Speicheranlage
Neubauquartier
130 Wohneinheiten DAS URBANE Wasserstoffbasierte
Microgrids
Überschussenergie
LOHC Wasserstoffspeicheranlage
Das SmartQuart-Projekt DAS URBANE Das SmartQuart-P
QUARTIER QUARTIER
+ Waldkindergarten
Windkraſtanlage H2-Nutzer
Industriegebäude
An drei Standorten in Deutschland An drei Standorten in Deutsch
Zentrale Schnell-Ladesäulen
Zentrale Wärmepumpe
Smart Poles
Wärmenutzung entstehen smarte Quartiere, die sich fast entstehen smarte Quartiere, d
Wasserstoffmobilität
Abwasserwärmetauscher Dicht besiedelte Regionen werden auch Windkraſtanlage
H2-Blockheiz-
vollständig klimaneutral
Dicht besiedelte Regionen mit Energie
werden auch vollständig klimaneutral mit E
zukünſtig auf den Import von erneuerbarer Photovoltaikanlagen zukünſtig auf den Import von erneuerbarer
kraſtwerk
versorgen. Zentrales Element des Projekts versorgen. Zentrales Element
High-performance cable plough
Energie angewiesen sein, um möglichst Elektrolyseur Energie angewiesen sein, um möglichst
unabhängig von konventionellen Energieformen ist die intelligente
unabhängig Vernetzung
von konventionellen Energieformen der ist die intelligente Vernetzung
ready & available
zu sein. In Essen werden deshalb beispielsweise zu sein. In Essen werden deshalb beispielsweise
ein Quartiersspeicher, energetisch optimierte Energiesysteme innerhalb
ein Quartiersspeicher, energetisch und zwischen
optimierte Energiesysteme innerhalb und
Gebäude und eine vernetzte Infrastruktur
Intelligente
Quartierssteuerung den Quartieren.
Gebäude SmartQuart
und eine vernetzte Infrastruktur ist Teil des den Quartieren. SmartQuart is
umgesetzt. Stromnetz umgesetzt.
Gasnetz Programms „Reallabore der Programms „Reallabore der
Intelligente
Wasserstoffnetz
Datennetz
Quartierssteuerung Energiewende“ und wird im Rahmen des Energiewende“ und wird im R
Wärme- & Kältenetz Energieforschungsprogramms der Energieforschungsprogramms
Was heißt das konkret? Bundesregierung gefördert. Bundesregierung gefördert.
Beispiel 2: Was heißt das konkret?
Energiebedarf intelligent decken heißt:
Die Überschussenergie Überschüssige Energie muss problemlos aus Beispiel 3: Intelligente Vernetzung heißt auch, dass die
einem Netz ins andere gespeist werden. Die
Die Wasserstoffnutzer Strom-, Wärme- und Gasnetze miteinander
DAS ELEKTRISCHE erzeugte regenerative Energie aus Bedburg gekoppelt werden. So wird Strom in einer
• Westnetz employee Gregor Schuck, together with
kann deshalb vor Ort genutzt, gespeichert oder
H2
Power-to-Gas-Anlage in grünen Wasserstoff
Gefördert durch: QUARTIER den anderen Quartieren übertragen werden.
ÜberschussenergieWärme kann durch das innovative DAS WASSERSTOFF- umgewandelt und von Unternehmen in
der Gegend für Wasserstoff-Busse im Überschussenergie
Speicheranlage Niedertemperatur-Netz verteilt werden.
Neubauquartier
QUARTIER öffentlichen Nahverkehr oder für die
Erzeugung von Wärme genutzt.
Speicheranlage
Neubauquartier
130 Wohneinheiten Wasserstoffbasierte Überschussenergie 130 Wohneinheiten Wasserstoffbasierte Überschussenergie
+ Waldkindergarten Microgrids LOHC Wasserstoffspeicheranlage + Waldkindergarten Microgrids LOHC Wasserstoffspeicheranlage
Thomas Nüsse (Nüsse Kabel- und Rohrleitungsbau
AufgrundWindkraſtanlage
eines Beschlusses Windkraſtanlage H2-Nutzer H2-Nutzer
des Deutschen Bundestages
Zentrale Schnell-Ladesäulen
Partner Assoziierte Partner: Industriegebäude Zentrale Schnell-Ladesäulen Industriegebäude
Zentrale Wärmepumpe Zentrale Wärmepumpe Wärmenutzung Wärmenutzung
Smart Poles Smart Poles
Windkraſtanlage Wasserstoffmobilität Windkraſtanlage Wasserstoffmobilität
Abwasserwärmetauscher Abwasserwärmetauscher
H2-Blockheiz- H2-Blockheiz-
GmbH), tripled the laying speed using a high-perform
Photovoltaikanlagen Photovoltaikanlagen
kraſtwerk kraſtwerk
Elektrolyseur Elektrolyseur
ance cable plough.
Intelligente Intelligente
Quartierssteuerung Quartierssteuerung
Stromnetz Stromnetz
Gasnetz Gasnetz
Intelligente Intelligente
Wasserstoffnetz Wasserstoffnetz
Quartierssteuerung Quartierssteuerung
• This saves 20% on costs. The laying depth of 1.2 metres
Datennetz Datennetz
Wärme- & Kältenetz Wärme- & Kältenetz
Was heißt das konkret? Was heißt das konkret?
Beispiel 2: Was heißt das konkret? Beispiel 2: Was heißt das konkret?
Energiebedarf intelligent decken heißt: Energiebedarf intelligent decken heißt:
Die Überschussenergie Die Überschussenergie
is also a new record.
Überschüssige Energie muss problemlos aus Beispiel 3: Intelligente Vernetzung heißt auch, dass die Überschüssige Energie muss problemlos aus Beispiel 3: Intelligente Vernetzung he
einem Netz ins andere gespeist werden. Die einem Netz ins andere gespeist werden. Die
Die Wasserstoffnutzer Strom-, Wärme- und Gasnetze miteinander Die Wasserstoffnutzer Strom-, Wärme- und Gasn
DAS ELEKTRISCHE erzeugte regenerative Energie aus Bedburg
kann deshalb vor Ort genutzt, gespeichert oder
DAS ELEKTRISCHE
gekoppelt werden. So wird Strom in einer erzeugte regenerative Energie aus Bedburg
kann deshalb vor Ort genutzt, gespeichert oder
gekoppelt werden. So wird
H2 H2
Power-to-Gas-Anlage in grünen Wasserstoff Power-to-Gas-Anlage in gr
Gefördert durch: QUARTIER den anderen Quartieren übertragen werden.
Wärme kann durch das innovative
DAS Gefördert
WASSERSTOFF-
durch: QUARTIER
umgewandelt und von Unternehmen in
der Gegend für Wasserstoff-Busse im
den anderen Quartieren übertragen werden.
Wärme kann durch das innovative
DAS WASSERSTOFF- umgewandelt und von Unt
der Gegend für Wasserstoff
QUARTIER QUARTIER
• The cable plough is also available for external orders at
Niedertemperatur-Netz verteilt werden. öffentlichen Nahverkehr oder für die Niedertemperatur-Netz verteilt werden. öffentlichen Nahverkehr od
Erzeugung von Wärme genutzt. Erzeugung von Wärme gen
any time.
Aufgrund eines Beschlusses Aufgrund eines Beschlusses
des Deutschen Bundestages des Deutschen Bundestages
Partner Assoziierte Partner: Partner Assoziierte Pa
For short film on the high-performance cable plough, see:
www.nuesse-kabel.de (only available in German)
12 Digitalisation Ideas create the future. _ Westnetz Innovation Report 2021 13
Digital. Intelligent. Connected.
Active grids for a future full of energy.
Furthermore, the goals of decarbonisation and decentralisation determine the way in which the
energy industry thinks and acts. Westnetz is actively involved in the development of advanced
technologies that enable highly automated and digitally supported grid operation of the future.
Individuality, flexibility and performance are important keywords for all parties involved. This
is b
ecause the classic role distribution of feeders and users will change increasingly. Electricity
and gas should be available everywhere at any time, cost-effectively and ideally sustainably.
Requirements that Westnetz is ambitious about and also experienced in.
Gas/heat Electricity
Gas grids Electricity Communication Artificial
(natural and bio- grids of the grids (e.g. intelligence
gas, hydrogen) fibre optics)
We bring the energy dis-
Decentralised Supply to Industrial tribution system to mind –
digitalisation
supply conurbations supply
Wind power Photovoltaics Biomass Hydropower Fuel cells Power plants Combined heat Power-to-gas
and power plant
Sustainability/
environmental
protection
Smart grid AR/VR Energy Smart control Maintenance/ Charging Storage Digitalisation
and cable workflow management servicing e.g. infrastructure technology
technology support with drones for e-mobility
Charging
infrastructure
for e-bikes
14 Digitalisation Ideas create the future. _ Westnetz Innovation Report 2021 15
System Operation 4.0 – we make the grid intelligent and active
Decarbonisation and decentralisation are bringing about The technology of SO 4.0 will contribute to making the controlled local grid stations and earth and short-circuit Milestones
drastic changes for the energy industry in Germany. In volatility of the renewable generation and storage of elec- indicators. Smart grids and digitalisation thus create the Westnetz has achieved the project objective “Roll-out 100”:
2022, the last nuclear power plant will also be disconnected tricity and the integration of e-mobility more observable basis for new innovative processes for the planning and 100 low-voltage grids in our distribution grid are digitised
from the grid in Germany. The last German coal-fired and subsequently controllable. The smart grid first of all operation of low-voltage grids. using SO 4.0 technology. Smart grid components monitor
power plant in 2038. Experts also predict an increase in provides a detailed look behind the curtain. Suddenly, inter processes and make the grids transparent, control flexibility
gross electricity consumption – due to e-mobility and ventions such as optimisation and digitalisation in the Meaningful data (current, voltage, phase angles and earth and thus manage constantly changing loads and discharges
digitalisation, for example – by more than a quarter by distribution system are possible at all levels. fault currents) is collected from lighting points, customer of the low-voltage grids. Smart grid components are used
2030. The resulting supply shortfall must be compensated systems, local substations and distribution cabinets using for monitoring, control and flexibility. In addition, the target
for using renewable, decentralised energy sources. Smart and creative – the future distribution system sensors and smart meters. These are transmitted to the system including 25 iMSys (intelligent measuring systems)
Actively controlled with a high degree of automation can SO 4.0 platform via mobile communication or fibre optics. was implemented and basic applications were implemented.
As part of the energy revolution, through the integration use existing capacities more efficiently from the outset. Dynamic low-voltage data is visualised in real time (60 With a comprehensive operating concept, SO 4.0 is ready
of wind power and PV systems, battery storage, electro- Intelligent measurement systems (iMSys) are used for seconds) on this central platform, and technicians are also for the start of normal operational operation. Initial evalu-
mobility and heat pumps, the low-voltage grids are facing grid transparency on the way to the smart grid. With the made available on mobile tablets and used for grid trans- ations of the measured data yielded insights into working
new, immense challenges. This is why Westnetz has been smart meter gateway, a control box is used via the SO 4.0 parency and control. System operation, planning and sys- with real-time data, data volumes, live load profile meas
working at full speed since 2018 to make the low-voltage platform for grid-conducive control. tem management can therefore work with real live data urements and grid loads.
grids intelligent, due to the expected ever-increasing de- for the first time.
mand for grid capacity. Smart grids are far cheaper than traditional constructions
in copper and aluminium in terms of optimum use of
Flexible, active distribution systems of tomorrow – smart existing grid capacity. In addition, they are able to react
grids – will be able to make better and more efficient use more quickly and better to fluctuations in feed-in, loads
of existing systems and capacities. and mains voltage. System security also benefits. This is
because errors can be detected and localised more quickly
Future project System Operation 4.0 and precisely in transparent distribution grids. Sector coupling – ideal networking for a future-proof overall system
The future project called System Operation 4.0 (SO 4.0)
aims to develop a scalable standard solution for smart Different concepts are being tested due to the increasing Security of supply has always been one of the biggest
grids, to define and cleverly combine the existing required requirements for the technology in the substations. And demands on us as a flexible and progressive distribution
modules. Westnetz is therefore working at the regional the robust, easy-to-install sensor technology, modularly grid operation. In order to ensure this security, the concept
centres in Osnabrück, Rauschermühle and Wesel on constructed with two or three plug-in components, already of sector coupling is becoming increasingly important. It
digital technologies that initially make the distribution works. It enables transparent, automated processes, a connects the electricity, gas, heat and transport sectors in
systems more transparent. controllable low-voltage side, simplified planning through such a way that surplus energy can be distributed to the
measurement values instead of calculations, remote- other sectors at any time as required.
If, for example, a lot of solar power is produced on sunny
days, it can be used immediately and fully automatically in
the transport sector to charge electric vehicles. Then, at
night when there is a lack of solar power, combined heat
and power plants with connections to the electricity, gas
and heat grids ensure that additional power is provided
by gas to guarantee sufficient power capacity in the elec- even with severe fluctuations in wind and solar energy
tricity grid – and, if possible, to refill the heat accumulators feed-in. Behind this is a complex control system that is
at the same time. The conversion of electricity into gas necessary to achieve the energy revolution.
with decentralised storage is only one component here.
Accordingly, the supra-regional electricity and gas
Distribution system operators such as Westnetz ensure distribution systems have long been on their journey
the necessary grid capacities at all times in order to enable into the digital age. Generation, storage and use of
operators of sector coupling systems to operate reliably energy flows are observable, controllable and individually
and economically. controllable by modern technologies. The increased
demand for storage capacity is covered by active and
The decentralised and functional sector coupling solutions coupled energy distribution grids, which can inde-
will be urgently needed in the future. This is the only way pendently control feed-in and draw-off in line with
for electricity grids to offer guaranteed high reliability, System Operation 4.0.
16 Digitalisation Ideas create the future. _ Westnetz Innovation Report 2021 17
From feeders and users – new technologies for growing requirements Smart meter electricity – Measuring systems of the future
The demand for more and more efficient grid connections It should be possible to calculate and trade the supply and The digitalisation of the energy revolution is taking great energies such as wind power, photovoltaics, biomass,
is constantly growing, as more and more market partici- demand of renewable energies with up-to-the-minute strides – and so are the requirements for companies and hydropower, combined heat and power plants or power-
pants want to produce and consume green electricity accuracy in the future. An oversupply of solar and wind distribution system operators, as well as their obligations. to-gas by the distribution system operators.
themselves. The statistics show the significant growth in energy then leads to a decline in the price of electricity and The Metering Point Operation Act (MsbG) stipulates the
photovoltaic, wind and gas combined heat and power consequently to an increase in demand, because electricity replacement of all analogue electricity meters. Alterna- Smart meters thus make all energy and power flows
plants, heat pumps and electric vehicles. The electricity is used or stored under these favourable conditions. tives are, for example, modern metering devices, i.e.digital measurable and controllable in the first place. Private
sector therefore benefits, for example, from the sustain- Likewise, underproduction and rising prices automatically meters, with which detailed recording of your own con- households can influence their costs individually, for
able environmentally friendly growth of decentralised lead to reduced demand. In order to enable this market sumption is possible. Westnetz also relies on the future- example by purchasing electricity if it is low priced due
green electricity generation – whether industrially on a mechanism or to balance supply and demand over price, proof smart meters. This is understood to mean digital to overproduction. CHP plant operators mainly produce
large scale or in private households. At Westnetz, we also intelligent measuring systems and a completely new data measuring systems that not only measure power con- electricity for their own use, store it and then feed it
benefit and are delighted that more and more customers processing system are being set up. sumption, but also send the measured values to the into the grid when demand and price increase.
are feeding green electricity into our distribution system metering point operator via an integrated communication
or charging their electric vehicles via a charging box. We This corresponds to the “Law on the Digitalisation of the unit (smart meter gateway). The intelligent metering system is operated by the
provide the grid capacity required for this on a needs- Energy Revolution”. It envisages that energy consumption distribution grid operator and plays a decisive role in the
oriented basis. and generation will grow together digitally. With the aim Smart meters are therefore not an annoying obligation, energy revolution, because it also helps to ensure grid
of greater transparency for consumers and greater trans- but rather offer far-reaching opportunities for all partici- stability in the event of bottlenecks. The aim is to optimally
However, growth also means ever-growing requirements parency for consumers and improved load and generation pants in the energy market. As data volumes increase, so combine generation, consumption and storage – on demand
for us as a distribution system operator – and for our grid. management on the distribution systems – and of course does customer orientation. The user’s own power con- and in real time. As we can already conclude a mobile phone
All parties involved require performance, sometimes more, with absolute protection of personal data. sumption can be easily viewed from anywhere and in real contract with minute-by-minute billing and needs-based
sometimes less, but in any case different than before. time via the app. The automated data transfer creates additional packages with various suppliers, intelligent
transparency, accelerates billing and enables new flexibility measuring systems will in future also enable the individual
for individual electricity contracts between customers kilowatt hour of electricity to be automated individually,
and their energy suppliers. This is because not only simply and automatically by consumers, suppliers and
consumption data is transmitted, but also the current producers.
power requirement, which must be provided by renewable
Key facts
• Since the beginning of
2020, there has been a
legal obligation to install
an intelligent measuring
system where there is an
electricity consumption
of more than 6,000kWh
per year or over 7kW of
installed generation
capacity.
• By 2032, almost 4.5
million Westnetz electri
city meters will have to be
replaced, around 530,000
of which will be replaced The meter range of the Westnetz is rounded off by the
by smart meters. digital, mobile construction site power distributor. With
the usually robust build-quality, reliability and flexibility.
• Westnetz wants to have And now also with customer-oriented GPS tracking, digital
installed 27,000 smart remote data transmission and intelligent networking.
meters by the end of
Link to project description on p. 77
2021.18 Digitalisation New technologies in use Ideas create the future. _ Westnetz Innovation Report 2021 19
Digital Innovation 2021
Digitalisation system for low-voltage grids – Drones for future-proof support in inspection processes
continuous use for the energy revolution
Digital, secure and sustainable Launch of semi-automated overhead line inspection
Westnetz takes digitalisation to the next level and transfers thus controllable. Two patent applications underline the Last year, Westnetz, in cooperation with the other distri- Our vision is already being transformed step by step into
the advantages of the smart meter to the level of distri- novelty of this Westnetz innovation, which will also be bution system operators of E.ON, broke new ground and reality. In 2020, a large number of technicians were
bution system operators. made available to all distribution system operators in the combined two forward-looking technologies: the hardware trained to become so-called drone operators. Now the
future. drone with an image analysis software that uses artificial drone is to be integrated even more extensively into the
The digitalisation system for low-voltage grids is an indus- intelligence (AI) to detect and classify abnormalities in inspection processes as a tool.
try-standard metering system and can be integrated into overhead power lines. With the vision of implementing a
the cable distribution cabinets in local grid stations in just fully automated inspection of overhead lines with drones Previously, the deployment was carried out manually by
15 minutes. There, it continuously collects and transmits and thus simplifying, accelerating and digitising previous the technicians examining each mast individually with the
bundled low-voltage grid data, which provides a detailed processes. drone. In the future, the partially automated process is
picture of the grid power requirement for the feed-in and expected to provide many times the added value. One
discharge of electricity in the local area. A necessary intermediate step is semi-automated in- particular advantage is, for example, that employees can
spection, which we are currently working on in close co- concentrate completely on the inspection, while the
The digitalisation system for low-voltage grids there- operation with the other DSOs. Open exchange and the drone independently departs from a predefined flight
fore functions as an urgently required information use of synergies are the top priorities. The developed route. Numerous image data are generated, which can no
bridge, making the low-voltage grids transparent and application for the technicians’ tablet already forms the longer be evaluated manually due to the high number, but
basis for this vision. As soon as the approvals for the are classified and evaluated using AI. Already today, we
flight outside of sight of the drone operator have been are very busy collecting images to train image analysis
obtained, we at Westnetz are ready to take off for this software for semi-automated inspection.
Digital Innovation 2021 milestone. Initial experience in this area has already
been gained in the WAFI project (see p. 21). The flight One-off preparatory measures
distance was around 50km. • Planning of flight routes (via LIDAR 1 or geodata)
Communication adapter for integrating gas meters • Linking flight routes to mast profiles
into intelligent measuring systems/smart meters • Establishment of a platform for storing flight routes for
each mast profile
What began in the electricity sector with the construction dwell time of SLP stock meters in the gas grid, is impres- • Central upload and naming of image data from the in-
of a secure smart meter gateway infrastructure can be sive due to its low costs. spection process
continued in the future with the integration of SLP gas
meters into intelligent measurement systems. Profitability With the successful completion of the testing phase and
can be improved by sharing this highly secure communi- the completion of a communication adapter approved by
cation infrastructure. Similarly to the electricity sector, PTB, an important component will be laid in order to
transparency for end customers with regard to their con- enable the start of system integration in-house or the Light detection and ranging; a radar-related method for
1
sumption behaviour is also sought in the gas sector. digitisation of the entire business process for recording optical measuerment of distance and speed via laser beams
gas measurement values for the first time.
In this context, Westnetz has developed a communication
adapter with which a standard SLP existing gas meter At the same time, the communication adapter also con-
can be integrated into an intelligent measuring system. tributes to the company’s sustainability goal because, on
An important step towards the goal of transferring count the one hand, the existing gas meters do not have to be
values digitally and in real time to the meter operator via removed and disposed of and, on the other hand, the new
the smart meter gateway in the future. technology in the future will lead to a significant reduction
in travel and traveltimes for manual reading. This results
In the Technology for Gas Measurement Technology de- in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
partment at Recklinghausen, an extensive laboratory en-
vironment was set up for the prototype communication While we had no influence on the technical development of
adapters. Extensive tests will continue to be carried out the smart meter electricity, the adapter for gas meters is a
here, in close consultation with colleagues from Gateway separate development which is very close to operational
Administration and Data Management as well as the completion. This allows us to coordinate the further devel-
manufacturing company. opment of the gas meter fully. In addition, an expansion of
the scope of services of the communications adapter to
Still in the testing stage, but already a success story: The include water and heat is planned, which will create new
communication adapter, as an essential step towards digital and above all favourable solutions for digitalisation for
and automated count data acquisition as well as a long other measurement point operators.20 New technologies in use Ideas create the future. _ Westnetz Innovation Report 2021 21
Ready to start at any time – thanks to the drone garage
Sample semi-automated process flow In the Mettmann substation, a drone garage was tested
for one month. The product from Great Britain not only
Possible steps of the semi-automated inspection process: • Benefit: Technician can follow the flight live via tablet, serves as a parking space, but also as a charging station.
Technician wants to inspect several masts, create images concentrate fully on the inspection, if necessary inter- This means that the drone is ready for use at any time
for AI, document errors vene or pause the flight to take a closer look at any and can be started fully automatically from the garage if
• Positioning of the drone in a safe starting position anomalies required, in order to take relevant photographs on an in-
within view of the first mast and checking of the • Automatic return of drone to starting point spection flight. The images are then transferred to the
surroundings for obstacles/flight objects • Image data is automatically loaded into analysis soft- control station via WLAN. Conclusion: An important
• Opening of the application for loading flight routes ware and named according to mast type building block for our overall vision of fully automated
on the tablet • Duration of inspection per mast incl. overhead line: a overhead line inspection.
• Checking whether the flight route is plausible under few minutes
current aspects (change in vegetation, new obstacles/
houses, etc.); amendment of the route if required
• Activation of semi-automated flight (drone follows
programmed route, inspects selected poles within WAFI – targeted troubleshooting with transient waves
minutes, creates footage for documentation)
Not only are drones efficient tools when it comes to routine In the future, the drone operator should also be supported
overhead line inspection, but they also have great potential by automated image processing with object recognition
for targeted damage detection. With the help of the tran and classification when working. This is a Westnetz-owned
sient wave technology used, fault locations can now be solution based on the deep learning method1, which is also
located to an accuracy of up to 150m. This saves time, integrated centrally in the inspection process.
money and resources.
Initial flights beyond visual range have already been carried
Previously, in the event of a line fault, it was only possible out (with the approval of the state aviation authority). The
to specifically name the affected circuit using the earth- drone flew a total distance of 50km along a defined test
fault direction indicators in the substations. This often track. Conclusion: The fully automated event-oriented in-
resulted in a complex inspection under time pressure, spection process works.
whereby the location and cause of the damage could not
always be found. With the help of the new patented tran- Special Machine Learning/Information Processing Method
1
sient wave-based event-oriented overhead line inspec-
tion (WAFI), however, we can react immediately to the Advantages of the WAFI
occurrence of the fault in the future, target the damage • Fast and efficient line fault tracing up to 150m
site specifically by drone and initiate further necessary • Minimal personnel required for inspection and
steps based on the live recordings – a huge improvement. assessment of damage
• Live recordings allow simultaneous review of the
Process sequence entire path
If a line is damaged, electromagnetic transient waves • Create image data for image analysis training (AI)
are generated, which spread along the line and can be
measured with the existing technology. The recorded
measurement data is processed centrally, the control
line and a drone control unit are informed by email about
the precisely localised fault location. At the same time,
Benefits of partially automated inspection the mission configuration file is automatically transferred
• Saves time compared to manual inspection • Uniform image material as a basis for learning to the drone in the deployment area. After checking the
by drone how to use the AI analysis software planned route, the operator will release the fully auto-
• Increased work safety by minimising mast climbs • Experience with fully automated processes mated drone flight to the calculated location of the
• Sustainability in terms of reduced driving times • Expansion of external business through drone damage. Now the live recordings can be used to assess
due to longer inspection intervals flight as a service provider the situation and initiate further measures.
Your contacts Carsten Hermanns Frederik Puhe
on this subject: carsten.hermanns@westnetz.de frederik.puhe@westnetz.de22 New technologies in use Ideas create the future. _ Westnetz Innovation Report 2021 23
Tomorrow’s future starts today – early technology detection
The use of new, mostly digital technologies in the dis- If we come across a promising idea in our research, we First tests are more than promising Over the next few months, the reliability of the system
tribution grid is essential in order to continue to oper- evaluate it together with various experts and specialist During the current beta test phase, Westnetz put one of will continue to be tested in different weather conditions.
ate it efficiently, safely and intelligently in the future. departments with regard to its applicability in the company. the systems into operation in the substation in Münster. But it is already evident: Starlink’s performance will be
Technology and innovation management therefore The “Technology Readiness Level” (TRL) is also incorpor Together with Westenergie’s Telecommunicationsdepart further enhanced with each additional satellite in the orbit.
have the highest priority at Westnetz. ated into the decision: If the TRL is high, i.e. the technol ment, Westnetz’s Technology department is currently If the project results continue to be so positive, a new
ogy will soon be ready for market, a positive test phase examining how well the technology is proving itself in product can be included in the communication portfolio
We use technology early detection methods to inform promises rapid deployment and implementation options. ongoing operations. as soon as use is approved for commercial purposes.
ourselves about current trends and developments and to Following these initial tests, a final assessment is made
discover, test and secure today the relevant inventions and the following procedure is recommended: This can be The first results are promising: Data transfer rates of Then technicians in particular benefit if they work in poorly
for the future of the energy industry. a further observation of the development of technology, over 200Mbit/s, latency of usually less than 50ms and connected areas. Many new and innovative applications
but also a roll-out in the company. availability of well over 95% – even though the system is that are helpful for work on substations or substations can
We use both technology scouting, where you seek a still under construction. With these properties, use as only be used ideally with a good communication connec-
technological solution to specific problems, and technol Starlink is an example of a communication technology crisis communication or as an alternative to DSL connec- tion.
ogy scanning, which describes a broad and non-thematic that we have discovered and evaluated using our early tions in remote areas is actually conceivable.
search. technology detection methodology (see article below).
Your contact Hanna Kammering
on this subject: hanna.kammering@westnetz.de Key fact
• SpaceX’s satellites,
currently over 1,000, circle
around the world at an
altitude of around 550km.
Success story Starlink – communication technology from another star Each satellite has four
phased array antennas
With Starlink, Westnetz is currently testing a completely been in use for a long time for the connection of some and a crypto gas reverb
new communication system that cannot be compared wind farms. So far, however, this has also entailed some drive designed to keep the
with previous technologies. technical disadvantages, such as a high time delay and satellite in its orbit for five
low data transfer rates. years.
With this new satellite network, SpaceX, the space com-
pany founded by Elon Musk, is already the largest satellite Starlink is different. The biggest difference is that the
operator in the world and aims to offer worldwide Inter- satellites, of which there are over 1,000, do not move in
net access by satellite. geostationary orbits over 35,000km from the Earth, but
circle in significantly smaller orbits at a distance of around
We discovered the future-proof technology years ago 550km. This results in advantages such as lower time
as part of our early detection processes and included it delay and competitive data rates of more than one Gbit/s
in our topic memory. Starlink was then identified as a (comparable to today’s DSL connections). Furthermore,
potential communication technology for a variety of use no cable connection is necessary, so that local interfer-
scenarios. Today, the system is mature enough to pilot. ence and large-scale power failures do not influence
Satellite technology is currently making great progress communication – and it also offers a solution for areas
and it is foreseeable that it will play a major role in the that are poorly connected to the communication network.
future of communication.
The technology is designed to be globally available on all
Of course, Westnetz and Westenergie already use a wide oceans and in all deserts over the long term. This benefits
range of communication technologies: Mobile communi- Westnetz, as some of the substations and wind farms
cations, DSL, fibre optics, radio communication, Power are located in remote locations in such a way that a wired
line communication and others ensure stable data trans- connection is not economical. Your contacts Dr. Eng. Daniel Hölker Stefan Kreutz
mission in our grid area. Satellite communication has also on this subject: daniel.hoelker@westnetz.de s.kreutz@westnetz.de24 Sustainability Ideas create the future. _ Westnetz Innovation Report 2021 25
Sustainable. Environmentally
conscious. Climate-neutral.
Green grids for future generations.
In harmony with people
and the environment –
sustainability Sustainability and ecological footprint issues are more topical than ever. With our experience and
energy, we are therefore committed to inventing technologies that are not only better, but also more
environmentally friendly. In the first real laboratory of the energy revolution, the district in Kaisersesch,
for example, is relying entirely on hydrogen as the green energy source of the future.
The testing of innovative resources and new procedures is just as essential for achieving absolute
climate-neutrality as their integration into the day-to-day work of employees and an active transfer of
knowledge. Efficient partnerships with companies that are just as future-oriented show success, such
as in the development of SF6-free technologies.26 Sustainability Ideas create the future. _ Westnetz Innovation Report 2021 27
Continuously reducing emissions, promoting natural gas Distribution system operators on the right path
and hydrogen – for a sustainable gas grid of the future
In the past, the distribution system operators have already However, even though there are significantly larger
established a number of successful measures to minimise polluters, the stated goal of Westnetz remains complete
Natural gas and hydrogen – a source of hope for the complete energy revolution methane emissions in order to ensure the technical safety climate neutrality. Environmental aspects are becoming
of the gas grids. This excellent development can be increasingly involved in the assessment of gas infrastruc-
Natural gas is a combustible, naturally developed gas However, the issue of methane emissions emitted during expressed in a specific number: DSOs account for only tures. Ultimately, harmful emissions should and must be
mixture that represents an important pillar of future the extraction and transport of natural gas is becoming 0.24% of the carbon footprint in Germany. further reduced along the entire value chain.
energy supply – for heating residential and commercial increasingly important. After all, if methane (CH4) escapes,
premises, as a heat supplier in industry, for power gener it will have a greater impact on our environment as a The extensive investment in renewal over the last few dec
ation or as fuel for ships and transport vehicles. Natural greenhouse gas than CO2. Diffuse Deutscheremissions,
Verein des which, for ades has significantly reduced emissions from methane
gas scores particularly well in terms of sustainability and example, enter the atmosphereGas- und Wasserfaches
due to smalle.V. leaks in leaks in pipelines. The large-scale conversion to steel and
climate protection, especially because the use of natural machines and lines, must therefore be avoided. Only then, Deutscher Verein des
Gas- und Wasserfaches e.V.
plastic pipes enabled an enormous reduction in the number
gas in gas power plants achieves the highest power according to the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs, l www.dvgw.de
of reportable events and thus a reduction to today’s very
generation efficiency of over 60% and can be very can natural gas continue to function as a key element of low emissions.
flexibly ramped up from a standstill of a gas power plant
l www.dvgw.de
the energy revolution beyond 2030 and optimally
to full output within minutes. This is an ideal complement, supplement renewable energies. Distribution system Thanks to new methods for extrapolating emissions, new
e.g. for PV and wind turbines that can only produce operators are already on the right track to zero emissions, emission factors are now also coming into focus. Starting
electricity depending on the weather. Natural gas also accounting for 0.24% of total emissions. The switch to points for reducing emissions for DSOs can be found in
Verminderung von
burns with a particularly low level of pollutants and is hydrogen and biogas will enable climate-neutral processes the replacement of damaged lines, by the construction of
therefore considered the most climate-friendly fossil fuel. and activities for all in our grid regions. excavator damage demonstration plants to prevent dam-
age caused by external influences during civil engineering
FACTS AND FIGURES NATURAL GAS
METHANE
Methan-Emissionen in der EMISSIONS
FROM NATURAL GAS INFRASTRUCTURE
Facts, figures and
work or in the reduction of blow-out emissions due to
changed modes of operation. All in all, only climate-neutral
distribution grid operation promotes sustainable gas dis-
Erdgas-Infrastruktur
initiatives by the gas industry
Key facts tribution.
• DSOs account for The graph illustrates the low proportion of methane emissions from the total natural
0.24% of Germany’s Klares Ziel – Klare Maßnahmen
gas infrastructure of 0.5% of total emissions. The share via the distribution grid
https://www.dvgw.de/medien/dvgw/en/topics/
DVGW-Brochure-Methane-emissions.pdf
carbon footprint operation is only 0.24%.
88+6+A
• Diffuse methane
emissions of natural Westnetz is Germany’s market leader
gas have already
decreased by 40% in The German Gas and Water Association e. V. (DVGW), Detection and Repair” (LDAR) method is already practised
Germany since 1990. re
as a network of over 700 DSOs, is currently running a and standardised by the DSOs in Germany.
de
The trend continues an e large-scale measurement program across Germany. This
%
6 Ga s
to decline. is not only intended to improve the data basis for the
100 % than distribution system. Rather, the aim is to derive further New trend through independent emissions measurements
6 % Me
• Since 1990, leaks Treibhausgas- 0,5 % Methan-Emissionen durch measures to reduce emissions with new, contemporary
and damage to gas Emissionen die Erdgas-Infrastruktur
emission factors. There are already 120 measurement
ZIEL: Diesen Anteil weiter senken! 140
105
lines in Germany have results available, to which Westnetz alone has contrib- l/h
l/h
decreased by 90%. uted around 50 measurements at pipeline leaks and gas 0
pressure control and measuring systems, as well as a l/h EF-2000 EF trend EF-2000 EF trend
further around 160 measurements on special natural significantly significantly
88 % Kohlenstoffdioxid lower lower
gas discharge lines. Westnetz now knows realistic emis-
sion factors from its own grid and can derive the most Methane slip Methane slip
effective reduction measures from them. natural gas pipes: in natural gas systems:
9 measurements 41 system measurements
The evaluations show that emission factors become more 164 blower measurements 1
Source: DVGW (only available in German)
realistic on the one hand and significantly lower on the
other. A new DVGW guideline with 29 reduction measures
is now aimed at the further reduction of line leaks and ex- (in addition to the total number of measurements of the
1
tended inspection methods. The application of the “Leak DVGW measuring program ME-DSO)
Seit über 30 Jahren arbeitet die Gaswirtschaft an Zusätzlich zu den Investitionen wurden viele operative
der umfassenden Modernisierung ihrer Infrastruktur. Maßnahmen implementiert – zum Schutz der Verbraucher,
Im Ergebnis sind die Methan-Emissionen in Deutschland der Mitarbeiter und der Umwelt. Die folgende Checkliste
insgesamt um 40%, im Bereich der Verteilnetze sogar zeigt die wichtigsten Maßnahmen, die der DVGW und
um 63% gesunken. seine Mitgliedsunternehmen für eine sichere VersorgungYou can also read
