A compact medium-voltage series regulator allows existing distribution grids to accommodate significantly more photovoltaic capacity by actively controlling voltage.
The technology can be reportedly installed in existing transformer stations without additional construction, offering a faster alternative to traditional grid expansion.
Should existing power lines be used more efficiently, or should the grid be expanded? This is a central question facing grid operators as deployment of photovoltaic systems, wind farms, and battery storage, with each technology requiring grid connection, continues to accelerate across Germany.
A pilot project in Thuringia aims to demonstrate how additional capacity can be integrated into the distribution grid without immediate expansion. To this end, a compact medium-voltage series regulator (MSLR), developed jointly by Thüga Aktiengesellschaft, TEN Thüringer Energienetze, and Hitachi Energy, has been installed in Hopfgarten, near Weimar.
According to Thüga, the system was commissioned on Wednesday. The compact medium-voltage series regulator actively controls grid voltage, thereby increasing the capacity of existing power lines. This allows TEN’s distribution network to accommodate significantly more electricity from photovoltaic systems. Model calculations indicate that integrating around 260% more PV capacity could be possible using this approach.
