A smart grid is an electricity network that connects and manages generators, consumers, and energy storage systems. The European Commission's Smart Grids Task Force describes it as an electricity network that integrates connected users, including generators, consumers, and those that perform both functions.

Smart grids are therefore also referred to as the “Internet of Energy” or the “Internet of Electricity.” They coordinate power flows from centralized and decentralized sources, facilitating the integration of renewable energy and energy storage systems.

Smart grid applications cover a wide range of tasks within the energy supply system. These include:

• Load management to prevent grid overload
• Integration of renewable energy sources
• Real-time monitoring for rapid detection and resolution of faults
• Smart meters and measurement systems for monitoring consumption
• Fault localization and grid diagnostics
• Virtual power plants and energy management systems

All these applications have one thing in common: they depend on precise and stable measurement data. Voltage measurements provide an essential foundation. Without accurate measurements, changes in load cannot be reliably detected, faults cannot be precisely located, and renewable energy sources cannot be reliably integrated.

As mentioned above, precise measurement data is essential for reliable smart grid applications.

Inaccurate or unstable resistors in sensors can lead to incorrect measurement values. This can impair grid monitoring, make the integration of renewable energy more difficult, and delay the detection of faults.
In the long term, inaccurate measurement data can affect the efficiency and safety of the entire energy system.

For sensor developers, this means: choosing the right resistors is crucial for measurement quality, long-term stability, and reliability in the field.

The sensors used in these applications must meet demanding requirements:

• They must measure voltage, current, and other electrical parameters at critical points in the grid
• They must do so over operating lifetimes of 20 to 30 years while being exposed to changing temperatures and harsh environmental conditions
• They must withstand overvoltages caused by lightning strikes or switching operations. Such impulses can damage components and cause measurement errors
• They also have to operate at high voltage levels. Depending on the application and location, these can range from a few kilovolts to several hundred kilovolts

The intelligent power supply of the future requires intelligent sensor technology. Millions of new measurement points will be installed in the coming years to make power grids more efficient, stable, and sustainable. Resistors used in smart grid applications must meet significantly higher requirements than those used in conventional industrial applications. In addition to high precision, long-term stability, temperature resistance, and reliability are crucial.

Miba Resistors develops high-voltage resistors for sensor, monitoring, and metering applications.

Our resistors offer numerous advantages:

• Highest precision:
  Thanks to tight resistance tolerances, our solutions enable precise voltage measurements. This is essential for the quality of grid monitoring and the reliability of smart grid algorithms.
   
• Low and controlled temperature coefficient:
  Smart grid sensors are exposed to changing temperatures throughout the year. A controlled TCR ensures that measurement accuracy is maintained even when temperatures fluctuate.
   
• High-voltage stability:
  Our high-voltage resistors provide highly stable performance even at high operating voltages. This minimizes measurement errors and ensures long-term accuracy.
   
• Long-term stability:
  Grid components are often designed for operating lifetimes of more than 20 to 30 years. The robust design of our resistors helps maintain stable electrical properties throughout their entire service life.
   
• Optimized design for lightning impulse withstand capability: 
  A particular feature of our solutions is their specially developed design for high lightning impulse loads. Medium-voltage sensors must reliably withstand overvoltages caused by lightning strikes or switching operations. Our specifically optimized designs help provide the required level of robustness.
   
• High reliability:
  The combination of high-quality materials, precise manufacturing, and comprehensive quality control enables exceptionally high reliability in long-term operation.
   
• Customized solutions:
  Every smart grid application has different requirements regarding voltage, resistance value, dimensions, or impulse load capability. Miba Resistors therefore develops customized solutions that can be precisely tailored to the respective sensor application.

Would you like to learn more about smart grid applications, high-voltage resistors, and voltage dividers? Our service experts are here to provide you with expert advice and support.