ANALYSIS OF AUTOMATION STRATEGY FOR INTEGRATED CUSTOMER-ORIENTED SYSTEM VIA SMART DIGITAL NODES IN DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS

There are many compelling justifications for the significance of MV/LV distribution transformers in facilitating customer-centric services in the next years. The integration of transformer-level intelligence has the potential to strengthen the characteristics of the low voltage (LV) grid management system, which is often lacking in automation. The transformer enables the use of advanced technologies such as local private networks and EDGE computing. The transformer plays a vital role in connecting the appliances of end consumers with the medium voltage grid. Typically, the location of the facility is in close proximity to the client inside a neighboring energy village. Transformer stations are thus ideal locations for the placement of batteries that facilitate the sustenance of the local energy community, bigger photovoltaic panel systems, and expedited charging apparatus. This article presents, use of Smart Digital Nodes (SDNs) as central nodes within the energy community, replacing the conventional MV/LV distribution transformers. This research is intended to provide a new digital service model at the distribution transformer level. A real-life scenarios are presented. Hence, the transformer station presents a very advantageous site for the integration of batteries, substantial photovoltaic (PV) panel sets, or rapid charging devices within the local energy community.