Thytronic iCCI System: the comprehensive answer to new regulatory requirements

The Italian electrical system is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the growing spread of distributed generation and the need to integrate renewable energy sources safely and effectively. In this context, the Central Plant Controller (CCI) has become an essential element in ensuring the observability and regulation of medium-voltage production plants.

The CEI 0-16 standard, together with ARERA Resolution 385/2025/R/eel, has established the mandatory installation of a CCI for all plants with a total rated power equal to or greater than 100 kW, both new and existing. This device, considered an “equivalent generator” from the point of delivery perspective, must be able to monitor electrical parameters, communicate securely with both the Distribution System Operator (DSO) and the Transmission System Operator (TSO), and intervene in the regulation of power and voltage according to the IEC 61850 standard.

In response to these requirements, Thytronic has developed the iCCI System — an integrated, robust and compliant solution designed to simplify plant adaptation and ensure full compatibility with the current regulatory framework.

A solution designed for seamless integration

The iCCI System is a device for the centralised control of medium-voltage production plants, installed directly at the point of delivery. It has been designed to ensure continuous monitoring by the DSO and secure data transmission to the TSO, in full compliance with Annexes O and T of the CEI 0-16 standard, and by implementing the IEC 62443-4-1, IEC 62443-4-2, and IEC 62351-100-3 cybersecurity standards.

The iCCI System consists of a wall-mounted cabinet complete with GPS and wiring, and the Thytronic iCCI device.

The wall-mounted cabinet is designed for robustness and ease of installation, and includes:

·       integrated wiring

·       GPS with 10-metre antenna and mounting accessories

·       AC/DC converter for power supply

·       miniature circuit breakers for power disconnection

·       terminal blocks for interfacing with field signals

·       ±24 Vdc terminals for powering communication and measurement devices

Inside the cabinet, the Central Plant Controller – iCCI forms the digital core of the system, responsible for data management, communication, and security.

The iCCI controller, fully compliant with CEI 0-16, includes:

·       the iCCI61850 licence for the IEC 61850 communication protocol

·       the iCCICS unified Cyber Security certificate (valid for three years), ensuring secure connections with the DSO

A complete management ecosystem

For those seeking an even more advanced configuration, Thytronic also offers an optional predisposition kit. This kit includes CEI 0-16-compliant protection relays, high-precision measurement modules, ThySensor sensors, and toroidal current transformers for residual current measurement.

The integration of sensing, measurement, protection, and control simplifies the upgrade of existing plants and ensures optimal management even in the most complex operational contexts.

The iCCI System is compatible with plants of various sizes and configurations, suitable for both full-feed-in and self-consumption installations. It can acquire and transmit the main electrical quantities (active power, reactive power, and voltage at the point of delivery), monitor the status of general and unit devices, and modulate active power upon external command from the DSO.