Nach der Anwendungsregel "Schnittstelle Übertragungs-/Verteilnetzbetreiber" des VDE|FNN arbeiten Netzbetreiber enger zusammen.

2019-01-01

Closer cooperation between transmission and distribution networks (VDE-AR-N 4141-1)

In the future, network operators will work increasingly closely together across the voltage levels in network and system management. The "Transmission and Distribution Grid Interface" Application Rule (VDE-AR-N 4141-1) defines new rules for this.

In a nutshell

Control centres and network planning offices from network operators are working increasingly closely together across voltage levels
The key point for future cooperation will be a greater coordination and information exchange
Draft of the Application Rule implements three European Network Codes for Germany: Demand Connection (DCC), Emergency and Restoration (ER)

The energy transition is resulting in new generation plants connecting primarily at distribution level. One consequence is that network operators will have to cooperate more closely across voltage levels in order to continue operating the system safely. At the same time, the principle that each network operator is responsible for his network continues to apply. The transmission system operators also continue to bear system responsibility in their control area. In this area of conflict, extended rules are needed for cooperation between transmission and distribution system operators in network operation. The new requirements of the European network codes Demand Connection (DCC) and Emergency and Restoration (ER) also affect the cooperation between network operators and must be designed on a national basis.

The Network Technology/Network Operation Forum in VDE (VDE FNN) has developed the Application Rule "Technical Rules for the Operation and Planning of Electrical Networks - Part 1: Transmission and Distribution Network Interface" (VDE-AR-N 4141-1).

The interface between transmission and distribution network operators is becoming increasingly important. The focus is on:

Medium-term network planning
Planned shutdowns in daily network operation
Mutual exchange of current network status information
Clear prioritization with opposing control signals

This requires an intensive exchange of information or coordination or specification. The Application Rule defines the processes required for this and the concrete scope of data.

Target groups

Transmission system operator
Distribution system operators (public and non-public) with direct connection to transmission system operators
Large network users

Benefits and improvement

The medium-term network planning (one to three years) results in necessary new construction and conversion projects. For a successful implementation, construction projects and the use of individual network equipment (e.g. for power factor correction) must be coordinated at an early stage at the interface. In addition, the concrete steps in the construction process, e.g. time and scope of the necessary shutdowns, must be planned jointly.

For the first time, the Application Rule establishes the obligation for upstream and downstream network operators to set up a network status monitor that can be viewed by the other parties. This must be implemented within two years of the Application Rule coming into force.

Clear priorities are to be set to ensure network and system security in the event of opposing control signals. If, for example, the distribution system operator must shut down plants due to grid constraints, the transmission system operator will have limited or no system services, such as balancing energy, available from these plants. The new Application Rule also establishes clear priorities for the implementation of other measures.

The VDE-AR-N 4141-1 Application Rule replaces parts of the Transmission Code 2007 and the Distribution Code 2007 and simultaneously implements requirements from the three European Network Codes "Demand Connection", "Emergency and Restoration" and "System Operation Guideline". In addition, an Application Rule on the interfaces between distribution system operators is in preparation.

The Application Rule is part of the activities of VDE FNN to ensure safe system operation as the consumption of electricity from renewable energies increases.