GRIDALYZER - AI-supported measurement technology

Municipal utilities are increasingly facing the challenge of actively managing the growing complexity and dynamics in the low-voltage grid as a result of the energy transition. The constant expansion of decentralized generation plants, the increasing spread of electromobility and the use of heat pumps are creating new and highly fluctuating load profiles. These developments require significantly greater transparency and precise recording of relevant grid data in order to ensure secure and efficient grid operation in the future.

The aim of the project is to design and implement a comprehensive, cost-efficient and scalable monitoring solution in the low-voltage grid. The aim is to make current grid loads visible, identify bottlenecks at an early stage and create the basis for forward-looking grid planning.

Requirements for the system

The monitoring solution to be developed should fulfill the following requirements:

• Precise and reliable measurement of relevant electrical variables (e.g. voltage, current, frequency, harmonics)
• Simple retrofitting in existing distribution cabinets
• Secure and standardized data transmission (e.g. mobile radio, LoRaWAN)
• Integration into existing network management or IoT platforms 
• Provision of interfaces for analysis and visualization

The GRIDALYZER from comtac AG is a modular power meter system for low-voltage grids that has been specially designed for use in transformer stations and cable distribution boards. It consists of a voltage sensor and up to 20 current sensors, which are connected to each other via a daisy-chain cabling system that cannot be interchanged. This modular architecture enables flexible adaptation to a wide range of network structures and measurement tasks.

The system records phase- and output-resolved measured values for voltages, currents, power, phase angles and harmonics. An integrated artificial intelligence (AI) continuously analyzes the power quality and generates power quality indicators that enable an immediate assessment of power disturbances such as voltage dips, flicker, harmonics or transients.

Communication and power supply take place via a common bus cable with Modbus RTU interface, via which all measurement data can be easily read out. The GRIDALYZER also has a USB interface for diagnostics and displaying current operating statuses. Firmware and AI models can be updated, ensuring that the system is always up to date.

Thanks to its IP67 protection class, corrosion-protected housing and connectors, the GRIDALYZER can be used reliably even in adverse environmental conditions. Installation is facilitated by status and diagnostic LEDs, bayonet catches on the Rogowski coils and unique module IDs - for fast, error-free installation.

With these features, the GRIDALYZER is an intelligent, robust and expandable metering system that provides municipal utilities with a precise data basis for grid transparency, quality assessment and forward-looking grid planning.

The use of the GRIDALYZER has made a decisive contribution to the digital transformation of the low-voltage grid for municipal utilities. By continuously recording and analyzing currents, voltages and power flows, you gain unprecedented transparency about the status of your grid - in real time, with pinpoint accuracy and reliable for operational and strategic decisions.

1. load management in operations management:

With the GRIDALYZER, your grid managers can detect grid bottlenecks live. The real-time data makes it possible to see immediately which outgoing circuits or strings are overloaded. In one specific case, an impending bottleneck could be eliminated immediately by simply switching in the station - without interrupting the supply and without costly measurement campaigns. The system thus enables forward-looking and fast-reacting grid management.

2. support for network planning:

The GRIDALYZER provides immediate information on the current grid situation in the event of connection requests. Based on the measured load and voltage values, grid planners can quickly assess whether sufficient capacity is available for new consumers or feeders. This speeds up approval processes and increases planning reliability - especially in dynamically growing grid areas.

3. asset management and service life assessment:

By precisely measuring currents and load curves, the actual thermal load on transformers and cables can be clearly determined. This data provides a sound basis for objectively assessing remaining service life, maintenance requirements and investment priorities. This makes it clear where in the network replacement or reinforcement investments are required first.

4. network marketing and strategic planning:

The data collected also creates new market potential: Heat pumps or charging infrastructures can be specifically promoted in sections of the grid that are well utilized or can be specifically expanded. This not only makes the grid more stable and efficient, but also actively uses it as an economic location factor.

GRIDALYZER thus provides the basis for data-driven, future-proof grid management that intelligently combines operational management, planning, asset strategy and marketing.