Efacec Automation has recently launched a new series of protection devices named TPU 220, for line/feeder protection or other applications in HV/MV systems. These compact relays are a cost-effective solution for power system protection while offering additional control, measurement and recording functions in one single device, for easy and reliable power system management. They can be used standalone or system integrated, as main protection or as backup in more complex schemes.

Presently, there are two products already available in this series: TPU S220, a generic multifunctional relay; and TPU B220, a voltage and frequency relay. The availability of several device models, ranging from simple overcurrent and earth-fault relays to full-function line/feeder relays including frequency functions, synchro-check and fault locator, enables the adequate choice for each user application. In early 2013, a new product, TPU M220, will be released, which will extend the series application range to industrial applications and motor protection.

The fit-for-purpose design, with pre-defined function sets and configuration templates, allows plug-and-play engineering. The built-in logic engine, fully programmable in IEC 61131-3 languages, allows further application flexibility, providing alternatives for implementation of user-defined PLC logic. By fully supporting IEC 61850 and other open communication standards, TPU 220 is future-proof and easy to integrate into either existing or new systems. Full integration in the Automation Studio toolset allows simple configuration, programming and management.

These TPU 220 series is already being applied in several ongoing projects, namely in Portugal, Angola, Romania and Venezuela.

Energy Awareness – an R&D Project, ranging from Demand Side Management/Demand Response to Smart Metering, domestic Intelligent Electronic Devices and Home Automation.

Efacec is proud to announce the EnAware R&D project, which stands for Energy Awareness. The project was granted with funds by Portuguese for National Strategic Reference Framework that constitutes the framing for the application of the Community’s policy for economic and social cohesion in Portugal for the 2007-2013 period.

EnAware is an R&D project developed in co-promotion, which was submitted for funding by Efacec as project leader, as well as by Bosch Termotecnologia S.A., Efapel and Fraunhofer Portugal.

Project Description

The solution to be provided by this R&D project aims at enhancing a multitude of aspects related to nowadays solutions for intelligent management of load profiles for Low Voltage consumers. As this project proposes the introduction of developments over a significant extension of the energy system – ranging from solutions for Demand Side Management/Demand Response (DSM/DR) to new features development for Smart Meters – it will contribute to strengthen the concept of aggregated energy production & consumption management.

In addition, by allying the capabilities of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) with Home Automation and domestic Intelligent Electronic Devices (IED), this project also aims at innovating the way residential consumption data is presented to the end user as well as the usefulness of that data.

Concerning Smart Metering and home energy monitoring, the proposed solution goes beyond the simple presentation of consumption data by introducing the analysis and correlation of consumption/production data and its transformation in personalized and near-real-time information for the end user. The alliance with Home Automation allows an intelligent use of the abovementioned information, providing the end users with the tools to control a larger number of variables with influence in their consumption.

Besides contributing to the efficiency enhancement of the energy system as a whole, the previously mentioned innovations will provide an important step towards raising the end user awareness of the benefits brought by an efficient use of energy at home.

Role of Participants

The Efacec role is to provide solutions for integrating all domestic side components with the power network, under the perspectives of Network Operation (SCADA/DMS), of Demand Side Management (DSM) and of supply of New Services for the consumers. Its role will impact mainly at the level of Demand Response, specifically at Smart Metering level (smart meter, data concentrator and head-end).

The role of Bosch Termotecnologia S.A. is to provide efficient, innovative and sustainable solutions for sanitary hot water, integrating demand response functionality.

The role of Efapel is to provide domestic Intelligent Electronic Devices, as components for home automation, capable of local metering, improving demand response.

Finally, the role of Fraunhofer Portugal is to design, develop and prototype the home server, which will integrate all domestic data, interfacing the smart meter and all home components, improving demand response and, simultaneously providing user interfaces to the end user, improving the awareness of his own energy consumption profile.