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Aachen/Munich, 8 May 2024 – The name says it all: with the new “Grid Signal Processor” module, gridX is emphasizing the utmost importance of controlling flexible energy-consuming assets in the low-voltage grid – and thus of §14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG). The module will focus specifically on behind-the-meter control, for which Europe's leading smart energy company is renowned. gridX plans to have the module ready for the official launch by fall 2024. In a successful test in a laboratory environment, gridX was able to prove that, in §14a-relevant situations, its smart energy management system successfully processes incoming control signals from the distribution grid arriving at the intelligent metering system (iMSys) and that energy assets, such as charging stations and heat pumps, within a grid connection point can be dimmed accordingly. A self-declaration by gridX records this in writing and clearly shows the responsibilities of gridX in the process of §14a-compliant dimming. With this targeted rapid implementation of the regulatory requirements after the paragraph comes into force, gridX is once again demonstrating that it is acting as a pioneer in the industry, laying new foundations and thus setting standards.
Stay unrestricted with gridX even in the event of high grid congestion
The “Grid Signal Processor” module is intended as an extension of the existing module portfolio, with which energy players can quickly and reliably bring future-proof smart energy management solutions in the home energy management or e-mobility sector to market. In line with the value stacking concept, the “Grid Signal Processor” is to be combined with the Grid Protector or the Energy Optimizer in the future in order to create even greater benefits for end customers. When this is done, it will then provide two key aspects: one is that the module will effectively ensure controllability of local consumption devices in accordance with regulatory requirements, for example, in grid congestion situations, in accordance with §14a. Second, the comfort of users of controllable consumption devices should be kept as high as possible in these situations because smart energy management will cushion power limitations on site as much as possible, for example, by using local solar power production or storage. A special feature of the “Grid Signal Processor” is that companies that use this module in the future will be able to transparently process consumption restrictions for customers and identify and document potential comfort restrictions at an early stage. The gridX technology also makes it possible to reduce end customers' grid usage fees, as it makes the energy-consuming assets controllable. With flat-rate billing, the costs in a HEMS context can be reduced by an average of €150 per year and by up to €550 per site with percentage billing.
Why digital control makes a big difference in the course of §14a
Effective and smooth control of consumers can be realized with an individual output of more than 4.2 kilowatts, including private charge stations, heat pumps, batteries and air-conditioning units, is made possible by the gridX IoT gateway, gridBox, which is installed on site, in addition to the optimal interaction of all relevant energy players. The core of any smart energy management system gives the gridX solution its extremely robust character in the face of any disruptions such as internet outages. At the same time, it also allows all energy flows to be controlled in real time, i.e. with minimal latency, as the gridBox can process incoming control signals for §14a-compliant dimming directly from the iMSys locally. This makes it possible to react to incoming signals such as those from the distribution grid operator (DSO) or changing circumstances, such as load peaks triggered by increased usage, in a matter of seconds and with extreme flexibility. The digital control of energy flows using a local IoT gateway thus provides great flexibility and a decisive advantage over the often still established control using inflexible relays or ripple control receivers.
Find the self-declaration and more info on the Grid Signal Processor on our module landing page.
((Illustration: © gridX GmbH, Reprint free of charge; Image caption))
From theory to practice: gridX has successfully tested the feasibility of “behind-the-meter” emergency control of low-voltage consumption devices using its smart energy management system in accordance with §14a EnWG . With the “Grid Signal Processor” module, the smart energy company is now turning the monetary and system-wide benefits of the paragraph into reality.
gridX is Europe's leading smart energy company based in Aachen and Munich. With its IoT platform XENON, gridX enables manufacturer-independent monitoring and management of distributed energy resources. XENON allows partners to develop and scale energy management solutions faster than ever before. By partnering with gridX, Fastned is able to install more charging points at sites without the need for costly grid extensions, and the Viessmann Group is able to offer its customers intelligent and integrated home energy management systems.
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