The connection of residential and commercial users to the utility network is subject to national standard requirements. The Australian Standard requires adherence to a range of tolerance to ensure a reliable and secure supply of power.
The effects of operation outside of the range of tolerance can cause severe and damaging effects on the electricity network and disruption to all utility network users. This can have adverse impacts on:
- Operation of other equipment in user’s own installation.
- Operation of equipment in other users’ installations.
- Operation of the electricity supply network.
Where voltage and frequency values of the grid itself are out of range, the unit of power generation shall be disconnected from the grid. This disconnection is usually carried out by an Interface Device (ID) that trips after receiving an opening command sent by an external Interface Protection System (IPS).
With Emax 2 and Tmax XT, ABB has designed a unique integrated solution that embeds both functions of IPS and ID. This is suitable for the connection of active users, as a protection system is built into the utility network to maintain voltage and frequency within the range of tolerance.
Moreover, with Ekip UP users can utilise the same functionalities even if various circuit breakers – either by ABB or by other manufacturers are installed in their system. Several interface protections have been implemented into Ekip G Hi-Touch trip unit installed on board of low-voltage circuit breakers and built-in inside Ekip UP Protect+ or Ekip UP Control+ digital units. Today, the embedded IPS is suitable for the connection of active users as specified by Australian Standards.
The benefits of the embedded functions integrated into a single device sees the reduction in the number of components installed with consequent space saving inside the switchboard.
This sponsored editorial was brought to you by IPD. For more information on the ABB’s Smart Grid Interface Protection System and its benefits, visit: https://bit.ly/3GGh0WB
