sources, while there are some options that leverage existing equipment and data sources. The latter is likely to have a lower cost. Hence, instead of network wide monitoring, combinations of data sampling and network modelling can be used as a cost-effective solution. The AEMC’s “Integrating distributed energy resources for the grid of the future” identifies the following as potential sources of information: • DER register: provides static data on the DER systems connected to the NEM. The data on each installation includes the installed capacity, and the make and model of inverter used for the DER system. • Smart meter data: allows consumers and market participants to see both incoming and outgoing flows of electricity. Smart meters are already capable of providing a large amount of information about voltage, consumption and exports. • Consumer data right for energy: consumers could access relevant NMI standing data fields and DER register information, that could help them to understand and manage their DER usage. • Inverter data: smart inverters can provide information that is not obtainable from smart meters. For example, smart inverters can provide information on power produced, even where that power is consumed on the premises. • Data on DNSP monitoring and investments dealing with DER: DNSPs make some of their information available either through regulatory planning reports, including distribution annual planning reports (DAPR) in which DNSPs are required to publish their forecasts of maximum demands for relevant network assets, the constraints they have identified based on these forecasts, and their investment options. • ARENA projects: The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has supported several integration studies by DNSPs, universities and other interested parties developing new ways of using DER in the distribution networks. Information on and data from the projects are published as part of ARENA’s Knowledge Bank.
3.2.2 Data requirements As discussed in more detail below, data requirements vary for different use cases and hence, a range of various technologies can be employed to obtain the data. In general, use cases focused on network monitoring require data from power quality monitors, smart meters, and smart inverters. This data can be collected from different systems and tools, such as GIS, a DER register, smart meters and power flow models. Data from network sensors and smart meters are the minimum requirement for dynamic voltage control. In case of hosting capacity calculation, most of the approaches require a network model, which can be obtained using network asset information, GIS data, data from network sensors and AMI data, smart meter data, and estimated load data.
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