New Industry Products

Electronic Voltage Transformer targets Smart Grid Needs

August 25, 2014 by Jeff Shepard

Maxwell Technologies, Inc. announced its new Electronic Voltage Transformer (EVT) for smart grid applications that range from 110 kV to 550 kV. The EVT is the latest addition to Maxwell's CONDIS® family of high-voltage capacitors and capacitive dividers, and is used for digital current and voltage monitoring in smart grids to guarantee measurement accuracy of the grid. The EVT can replace the traditional capacitive voltage transformer (CVT), and is about one-third the size and weight.

As the smart grid market grows, there are more automated substations that require accurate current and voltage monitoring. The Maxwell EVT's low-voltage output and high-temperature stability are key factors in improving measurement accuracy, while its lighter and slimmer size, as compared to the CVT, allows integrators and utilities to save a considerable footprint in each substation that is operated.

This next-generation high voltage capacitor divider was developed in conjunction with select Maxwell customers. It is characterized by a low voltage output at 100V, with a simple connection that permits direct digital treatment of the signal, high stability over a broad temperature range and optimal performances with an increased frequency bandwidth.

"Substation owners have relied on large CVTs for the past 60 years, and they can now look forward to a modernized, compact solution that more accurately monitors and measures digital current and voltage," said Sacha Jenny, general manager, Maxwell SA and vice president of high tension. "The EVT helps meet the needs of the growing number of automated substations to ultimately improve grid efficiency, and will also help Maxwell increase its customer traction in the electric utility market."