depsys, the cleantech company that empowers distribution grid managers to evolve their operations through digital technology, has extended its free quarterly grid Health Check reports across its distribution system operator (DSO) customers for the first time.
Thanks to the data insights provided in the reports, more than 50% of customers discovered critical points in their networks they were previously unaware of, including loading, voltage and power quality issues. These reports are being shared at operational and executive level within the grid operators, helping to accelerate digitalisation throughout the utilities.
Emilie Zermatten, Technical Account Manager at depsys, explains, “The critical points clients found from the health checks varied in severity, but no doubt represented problems that needed to be addressed. For example, we were able to show one client that their network frequently experienced dips under certain weather conditions, which was an indicator that equipment might need replacing. Our goal here is to make life simpler for DSOs.”
Using real network data collected by its GridEye grid monitoring and analytics solution, depsys has analysed its customers’ networks to highlight trends, anomalies and outliers, delivering individual reports that are intended to help grid operators to better understand and manage electricity distribution networks with confidence.
Anja Langer Jacquin, Chief Commercial Officer at depsys, comments on the expansion: “One of the key bits of feedback we’ve had is that the Health Checks are seen as a valuable way for executives to tell how healthy their grids are at a glance without having to spend time wading through the detail. It’s like Google Analytics for DSOs.”
depsys created the first set of quarterly Health Checks on behalf of seven customers in Q1 2020. Thanks to its success and positive feedback, depsys has now extended the service to all their standard customers as of Q3. depsys’ commitment to a collaborative approach means the reports are co-created with customers and continuously improved based on their feedback.
Over time, the Health Checks will provide a long-term view on grid performance and areas for attention. Health checks are now given to all standard DSO customers.
Customer feedback from DSOs includes: “The Health Check report is detailed and well-designed and enables us to get an easy overview of the grid status, its seasonality and the hotspots at a glance,” from Andreas Lanz, Technical Expert Grid Management, Stadtwerk Winterthur.
Report details for each grid operator:
- Provides overview of both voltage and loading for the last quarter.
- Focuses on devices (transformers and cabinets) with extreme performance (highest and lowest values on average over the period of time).
- Pinpoints nodes close or above their voltage limit (+/-10%), or close to 100% loading.
- Shows the stability or instability of certain nodes (high loading/high voltage on few points).
- Highlights nodes with a high number of power quality events.
