Gridside HANS

Insight into Reconstruction Planning

The reconstruction planning of transmission system operators like TransnetBW is responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of measures to modernize and expand the power grid, to enable the energy transition and ensure security of supply. This planning is a multi-stage process, ranging from needs assessment through route planning to approval and implementation.

In concrete terms, this means careful coordination of so-called switchings over a long-term period. These describe the temporary shutdown (days to months) of operating equipment such as transformers, busbars in substations, or entire overhead lines. Switchings are organized in projects and sub-projects. Examples include maintenance work that takes place simultaneously with connecting a north-south route or a wind farm. Switchings are also subject to rules (so-called premises) that stipulate that only a limited number may be switched off within a network of operating equipment. This goes so far that switchings must be connected in parallel, in series, or not in series. For example, a premise might be that a switching may only take place in winter or during the summer holidays. All these elements and their relationships are summarized in a switching calendar.

The Need: Modernization of the Software Used

The previous static solutions for reconstruction planning are reaching their limits due to various factors:

• Lack of user-friendly & interactive editing of switchings with low error susceptibility
  
  
• Limited function for visual representation of premise violations
  
  
• Inconsistent data management in distributed systems and between users
  
  
• High effort to coordinate the different data formats of neighboring grid operators in the tri-border area without errors and to convert them into a uniform internal format
  
  
• Manually laborious and inconsistent reports (export of processed files)

Our Solution

The following shows an exemplary switching calendar after data import. To create a compromise between the multitude of settings and functions and a clear interface, users can show and hide menus as needed. Care was taken to group functions sensibly or explain them through tooltips for high user-friendliness.

This allows the desired data sets to be displayed quickly and clearly in just a few steps. The result enables smooth editing of a switching calendar.

As evident from the previous explanations, the particular challenge of the project was the technical immersion into the complex domain of power grid management. Our team had to develop a deep understanding of the reconstruction planning processes while creating a solution that can flexibly handle a variable number of operating equipment and their complex dependencies. But this is exactly where our strength lies: At Helm & Walter, we distinguish ourselves through our ability to dive deep into our clients' application areas.

The result? Digitization at the highest level that excites! The intuitive user interface ensures a smooth workflow and allows new colleagues to get up to speed significantly faster. What used to take days now takes just a few hours – an enormous efficiency gain for the entire team.

Particularly gratifying: The software is continuously being expanded through internal requests from various departments. The original scope of functions is growing organically with the needs of the users. External service providers like GRIDSIDE, who work closely with TransnetBW, also benefit enormously from the new solution. The collaboration between TransnetBW, GRIDSIDE, and our team is extraordinarily productive and is a prime example of successful digitization in the energy industry.

And we're not resting on our laurels: The next milestone is already on the agenda for this year: the implementation of comprehensive report creation with just one click. This will significantly increase the efficiency of planning once again and optimally support TransnetBW in their important task of the energy transition.