Secondary racks boosting Argentina’s electricity network

With increasing energy sources in Argentina, there is a need for new and upgraded infrastructure for energy delivery. The Sistema de Interconexión (SADI) is a wide-area synchronous AC grid linking all electricity networks. It handles the high-voltage transmission and allows power export and grid stability across the region. More energy from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, challenges grid stability due to their intermittency. Renewables offer clean energy that depends on the transmission network’s ability to support intermittent generation. This can put a strain on poor or aging infrastructure in the country. Recently, the country announced an expansion of the electric transmission system. Investing in this system will help improve reliability, balance supply, and help integrate power flows between Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil. Secondary racks act as the physical and electrical interface between the low-voltage side of the distribution transformer and the ongoing feeder cables.

Secondary racks house the low-voltage general breaker (LGB) and the individual feeder breakers. The LGB protects the entire transformer from a major fault on any of the lines. Electricity network upgrades involve ensuring the protection system operates reliably with many variable power injection sources to prevent nuisance tripping. DG can cause voltage fluctuations at the secondary rack. Upgrades include smart secondary racks with sensors to track voltage levels, frequency, and power in real time. Modernized racks with automated reclosers enable the control center to identify faults. The rack then isolates the fault at the secondary rack level. Modern racks ease the addition of new circuits or the upgrading of protection devices as demand grows.

Roles of secondary racks in Argentina’s electricity network upgrades

Secondary racks are hardware components mounted on utility poles to hold and organize secondary conductors. The racks ensure order, clearance, and safety on overhead lines. They extend the lifespan of conductors by preventing mechanical stress from sagging. Secondary racks improve system reliability as Argentina modernizes its distribution grid to handle higher demand. Here are the roles of the secondary racks in Argentina’s electricity network upgrades.

1. Organizing secondary conductors—secondary racks keep low-voltage conductors properly spaced on distribution poles. Organized conductors reduce line clutter, improve safety, and simplify maintenance.
2. Supporting overhead secondary lines—the racks carry the distribution wires to prevent sagging. Secondary racks help maintain consistent voltage delivery to end-users and reduce risks of outages.
3. Controlling sagging conductors—secondary racks allow utilities to secure slack or sagging lines. Secondary racks ensure compliance with clearance standards and reduce the risks of accidental contact and energy losses.
4. Grid expansion—secondary racks allow the installation of new feeders and extend low-voltage networks. The racks keep dense wiring organized and reduce maintenance time in urban areas. They also ensure secondary conductors can span long distances without excessive sag.
5. Enhancing safety and reliability—properly racked conductors reduce the risk of contact, public hazards, and damage during high winds.
6. Supporting renewable energy integration—organized racks help manage increased wiring complexity while maintaining stability and safety. This is crucial as Argentina increases distributed solar PV and small-scale renewable connections.

Major innovations in Argentina’s electricity network

Argentina is adopting key innovations to support its upgrades to its electricity network. These include grid modernization, renewable integration, resilience improvements, and regulatory transformations. Other innovations include storage, monitoring, robust high-voltage and low-voltage refurbishments, and smart communications. The following is a further discussion on the key innovations used in Argentina’s electrical network.

• Advanced SCADA and substation automation—this improves real-time monitoring, quicker detection of faults, and improved coordination between substations.
• Smart meters and digitalized networks—utilities like Edesur have been rolling out smart meters in Argentina. These enable remote reading of consumption and early detection of anomalies and allow customers to see usage data.
• Grid communication upgrades—Transener has been upgrading its communication backbone from older technologies to modern packet networks. This supports data-intensive applications, better situational awareness, and more responsive grid operations.
• Battery energy storage systems—including energy storage—help improve grid stability and reduce reliance on emergency generation. Battery storage helps smooth out variability from renewables and provides more flexibility.
• Modernizing infrastructure—this consists of preventive maintenance and providing spare parts for substations. This ensures high-voltage assets are well-maintained to avoid failures and extend the life of the grid.