As PV plants and wind farms feed electricity into the grid decentrally, grid operators quickly lose visibility of actual load flows and current directions in the low-voltage grid.

The communication-capable SENTRON 3NA COM with current direction detection detects whether current flows from the grid to a consumer or from a decentralized source back into the grid – and transmits this information to the grid control center in real time. The result: better grid transparency, early detection of feedback, and a solid basis for intelligent grid planning.

When a short circuit occurs, determining whether the fault originates from the grid or is fed back from a PV system is often unclear – making fault location difficult and prolonging clearance times.

The SENTRON 3NA COM’s current direction detection identifies where the fault originates – whether from the transformer, the medium-voltage grid, or a decentralized generator. This narrows down the fault location faster, resulting in shorter downtimes and lower costs for troubleshooting and personnel.

Without measurement data from the low-voltage grid, optimizing and expanding it in a targeted way is nearly impossible, leaving grid operators to rely on estimates rather than facts.

The SENTRON 3NA COM continuously supplies measurement data on current strength, current direction, and temperature. Combined with the SICAM EGS grid sensor, voltage data from low-voltage outputs is also recorded and transmitted to the grid control center or a central data management system – providing the basis for data-driven grid planning, early detection of bottlenecks, and smart grid functionalities.

Volatile feed-in from renewable sources such as wind, biogas, PV systems, and balcony power plants places high demands on grid stability at the low-voltage level and is difficult to predict.

By combining measurement and current direction detection, the SENTRON 3NA COM identifies feed-in points and evaluates their impact on the grid. This enables safe operation despite high feed-in levels, actively supports the energy transition, and helps build a future-proof grid structure.

Managing plant data is straightforward when you have consistent, always-available transparency across your entire operation.

The SENTRON 3NA COM transmits measured values wirelessly to the SICAM EGS grid sensor, which consolidates data from up to 48 fuses and forwards it to SCADA systems or the secure visualization software Electrification X, enabling precise monitoring of distribution substations from anywhere, at any time.

This seamless connection between low-voltage power distribution and higher-level digital systems, including cloud-based analysis tools, gives you full data transparency across your plants.

Tip: Use the SENTRON Powerconfig mobile app to configure and commission the SENTRON 3NA COM digitally via smartphone or tablet.

• SICAM EGS grid sensor
• Electrification X
• Electrification X – Distribution Grid Monitoring
• More about SENTRON Powerconfig
• Download free app from Apple Store
• Download free app from Playstore