Cologne/Dresden, 17 March 2025 - German technology leader for smart grid solutions envelio and energy data management specialists Robotron Datenbank-Software GmbH are launching a new partnership. With their respective expertise, the cooperating companies are able to cover the entire process chain of grid-oriented control in accordance with Section 14a EnWG. envelio and Robotron have already successfully demonstrated end-to-end control in the low-voltage range in a joint project with the service provider for municipal utilities and metering point operators smartOPTIMO in the ENERVIE grid area and other German distribution grid operators. The software solution is now available for grid operators.
envelio and Robotron cover the entire process chain according to § 14a EnWG
The implementation of Section 14a EnWG represents a further challenge for many grid operators in the context of the energy transition. They are obliged to dim consumers if there is a risk of overload in part of the low-voltage grid - and to do so in a precise and non-discriminatory manner. Such interventions can only be carried out reliably with specialised software. envelio and Robotron have worked together on an optimal solution that covers the entire §14a process and all interfaces of the various IT systems:
For this purpose, the real-time data of the grid operators (TAF10, RLM and local grid stations) are integrated into the Robotron data platform. The Intelligent Grid Platform (IGP) from envelio accesses and processes this data in order to determine and visualise the current status of the respective grid. This gives grid operators an overview of what is happening in their grids at all times. The Robotron system can permanently archive the data via the network in the optimum degree of compression.
Control commands are transmitted in encrypted form
Building on this, other IGP tools, such as congestion management, make it possible to control the grid in line with demand and automatically determine control commands in accordance with §14a EnWG. Robotron encrypts the control commands calculated by envelio and transmits them to the corresponding smart meter gateways. There they are received and decrypted so that the consumption units can implement the respective control commands.
The software solution from the two IT specialists thus enables network operators to handle the §14a process chain in a consistent, automated and legally compliant manner. This also creates synergy effects with other processes relevant to network operators, such as network planning.
envelio and Robotron have already successfully demonstrated their solution in the ENERVIE network. It can now be implemented for all network operators. Robotron offers network operators an efficient solution based on the processing of real-time data. This not only enables the seamless integration of measurement data, but also the precise and fast transmission of control commands in order to optimally fulfil the requirements of modern network management tasks.
Björn Heinemann, Managing Director of Robotron Datenbank-Software GmbH, comments on the partnership: "Monitoring and control in the low-voltage sector are key pillars for the success of the energy transition. With its innovative energy data management solutions, Robotron is an established IT partner for numerous players in the energy market. The partnership with envelio is an important step towards realising end-to-end control at the low-voltage level and covering the entire process chain of grid-oriented control in accordance with §14a EnWG. Together, we are creating synergies that will enable us to seamlessly integrate our solutions and offer our customers an even more powerful control instrument."
Dr Simon Koopmann, co-founder and CEO of envelio, comments: "Many grid operators see it as a challenge to implement Section 14a EnWG in compliance with the law - especially as there is no separate control system in the low-voltage grid as there is in the medium and high-voltage sector. Precise real-time data is essential for control at the lowest grid level. We are therefore all the more pleased that, together with the experienced data specialist Robotron, we have created a solution that allows grid operators to automate the entire process from start to finish based on real-time data."
About envelio:
envelio was founded in 2017 as a spin-off of RWTH Aachen University and provides software for grid operators. With its specially developed Intelligent Grid Platform, the cleantech company provides its customers with a transparent insight into the actual processes in the grid. The digital twin enables grid operators to optimise processes through automation and digitalisation, eliminate weak points in the grid and handle grid connections automatically. The Cologne-based company is thus creating the basis for the needs-based expansion of distribution grids and the development of flexible smart grids. In line with the motto "Intelligent grids for a sustainable future worldwide", the award-winning software company aims to offer its platform solution in more and more markets and continue to drive forward its internationalisation . www.envelio.com
More on the topic and the Robotron solutions for grid-orientated control: www.robotron.de/netzorientierte-steuerung
