The growing adoption of self-consumption and distributed generation is changing power flows in low-voltage grids in Spain, increasing the need to monitor and manage electrical parameters in real time. E-distribución, the distribution arm of Spanish utility Endesa, is testing the LV Line Manager, a system designed to control voltage levels and facilitate the connection of new energy resources while maintaining supply quality.

The device provides real-time monitoring and management of voltage on low-voltage networks. Its deployment comes as electricity generation increasingly shifts from centralized power plants toward distributed generation closer to points of consumption.

E-distribución’s network currently serves more than 438,500 connected self-consumption installations, including around 45,000 collective systems. The resulting bidirectional electricity flows pose new technical challenges for distribution networks.

The pilot will be deployed on networks in Aragon and the Balearic Islands to assess the LV Line Manager’s performance under conditions associated with distributed generation and fluctuating demand.

One challenge is overvoltage during periods of high photovoltaic generation, particularly around midday. Demand peaks, meanwhile, can cause voltage drops. Networks can also experience voltage imbalances due to the uneven distribution of users and differences in their consumption and generation profiles.

The system continuously monitors electrical parameters, including voltage and current, and can automatically intervene to correct imbalances and maintain grid conditions within operating limits.

It is also designed to facilitate the connection of additional low-voltage resources, including renewable energy systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

E-distribución said the technology could increase the capacity of existing networks to accommodate additional distributed energy resources while reducing voltage quality issues.

Real-time voltage management could allow distribution operators to make greater use of existing infrastructure and increase grid flexibility in response to fluctuations in generation and demand.

The LV Line Manager was developed as part of an Enel Group innovation project involving different grid environments in Italy and Spain. Enel selected the technology through its Open Innovability platform after evaluating market-ready solutions for testing under real-world grid conditions.