Interconnections to Distribution Networks

{access view=!registered}Only logged in users can view the full text of the article.{/access}{access view=registered}Hydro-Québec, one of the two largest producers of energy in North America, has developed the UTAPP system in order for its control centres to interact with Independent Private Producers’ (IPPs’) sites connected to its distribution network and to receive information from them. The UTAPP can be used with hydroelectric, biomass, solar and wind power production sites. The main purpose of the UTAPP is to interact with the main circuit breaker or inverter of the IPP’s production site in order to open and lock them as required. It also gives precious information about the IPP’s production. The UTAPP complies with rigorous electric network quality specifications, is able to communicate with measuring meters, and uses up-to-date telecommunication security technologies such as DNP3 secure authentication and X.509 certificates. It also uses standard IEC-61131-3 automation programming languages, which allows quick and flexible modifications, keeping the UTAPP easy to use and maintain.