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Grid Transparency Enhances Reliability for Swiss Utility
Siemens equips IBC Energie Wasser Chur with smart fuses, sensors, and IoT analytics to improve low-voltage grid monitoring and operational efficiency.
www.siemens.com
Improving Grid Reliability in Chur
Swiss utility IBC Energie Wasser Chur (IBC) faced rising challenges in maintaining reliable electricity supply for around 40,000 residents in the greater Chur area. Distributed energy feeds, increasing load demands, and higher expectations for voltage quality created pressure on the low-voltage network. A solution was needed that could increase operational transparency and responsiveness without costly retrofitting.
Problem: Limited Visibility and Response Time
Traditional grid monitoring systems at IBC offered limited insight into real-time load conditions and fault detection. Load peaks could go unnoticed, and responding to disruptions was slower, affecting supply reliability and operational efficiency. With the energy transition driving higher demand for renewables integration, IBC required a scalable, data-driven solution that would support both current operations and future expansion plans.
Solution: Smart Fuses, Sensors, and IoT Integration
Over two years, IBC installed Siemens’ Sentron 3NA6 COM low-voltage high-performance fuses and Sicam Enhanced Grid sensors across 200 transformer stations and 290 distribution cabinets. These devices were integrated with Siemens’ Electrification X IoT suite, which provides:
- Continuous access to grid data
- Automated alerts for faults and load peaks
- Analytics based on key performance indicators
- Support for operational and investment planning
This solution allowed easy integration into existing infrastructure, providing a 30% increase in usable grid capacity without extensive retrofitting. Data-driven monitoring enables proactive maintenance and more efficient control of grid resources.
Benefits and Added Value
Benefits and Added Value
- Enhanced supply reliability: Continuous monitoring and automated alarms reduce downtime and optimize maintenance schedules.
- Cybersecurity: Encrypted, certificate-based data transmission meets high cybersecurity standards.
- Operational efficiency: Data analytics support early detection of load peaks and informed investment decisions.
- Future readiness: Scalable system supports expansion and adaptation to the energy transition.
“Availability and reliability are paramount for every grid operator. Data-driven transparency enables proactive operation and is essential for the resilient grid of the future,” said Stephan May, CEO of Electrification and Automation at Siemens Smart Infrastructure.
Radoje Krstic, Protection Technology Specialist at IBC, added: “With Siemens’ technology, we can advance digitalization at grid level 7 safely and economically, while keeping future supply needs in focus.”
Supporting Climate Goals
By 2040, Chur aims to become a climate-neutral city, with 88% of electricity already sourced from renewables. Siemens’ integrated hardware and software provide a foundation for optimizing grid management, supporting the city’s sustainability and energy transition targets.
www.siemens.com
Radoje Krstic, Protection Technology Specialist at IBC, added: “With Siemens’ technology, we can advance digitalization at grid level 7 safely and economically, while keeping future supply needs in focus.”
Supporting Climate Goals
By 2040, Chur aims to become a climate-neutral city, with 88% of electricity already sourced from renewables. Siemens’ integrated hardware and software provide a foundation for optimizing grid management, supporting the city’s sustainability and energy transition targets.
www.siemens.com
