Smarter Energy, Brighter Future: Powering Australia’s Sustainable Future
Australia is rapidly transforming its energy landscape. From rooftop solar panels to smarter appliances, households and businesses are changing how electricity is generated and consumed. These innovations are driving us toward a cleaner, greener future, lighting the way for a more sustainable world.
But as renewable uptake grows, new challenges emerge. When large amounts of solar power flow back into the grid, or when demand from appliances surges, the network can become unstable. If unmanaged, this could lead to blackouts. This is why innovative control technologies are essential; and why Hetech’s expertise as a trusted Australian electronics manufacturer is critical in delivering them.
Hetech-Manufactured Products for Grid Stability
To keep our electricity network stable, Hetech manufactures two key solutions: the Demand Response Enabling Device (DRED), based on ripple control technology which reduces power consumption from appliances during peak demand, and the Generation Signalling Device (GSD), which safely manages solar generation during emergencies. Together, these devices give network operators the tools they need to prevent instability and keep energy flowing reliably.
Demand Response Enabling Device (DRED)
Manufactured by Hetech, the DRED helps electricity network operators manage demand by controlling AS 4755-compliant appliances like air conditioners.
Using Audio Frequency Load Control (AFLC) signals, the DRED reduces appliance power consumption during peak periods, easing pressure on the grid and helping prevent blackouts.
Demand response modes:
- DRM1: Compressor off (minimum compliance with AS 4755.3.1)
- DRM2: Compressor at 50% capacity
- DRM3: Compressor at 75% capacity
By modulating appliance output rather than cutting power entirely, the DRED ensures comfort for households while supporting network-wide sustainability.
Generation Signalling Device (GSD)
Also manufactured by Hetech, the GSD provides a critical solution for managing renewable energy systems, particularly solar.
When solar output is very high and demand is low, grid stability can be threatened. The GSD allows electricity network operators to limit or disconnect solar inverters during these situations, maintaining a secure and reliable power supply.
Generation-limiting modes:
- DRM0: Disconnects the inverter completely from the grid
- DRM6: Limits output to 50% of average generation over the last five minutes
The GSD plays an essential role in enabling the continued growth of solar while protecting the stability of the network.
Queensland is leading the charge: since February 2023, all new and certain replacement inverter energy systems over 10 kVA are required to be fitted with a GSD, ensuring the network remains secure during rare minimum-demand events.
The Emergency Backstop Mechanism
High renewable energy uptake is excellent for reducing emissions and lowering household electricity costs. However, when generation is very high and demand is low (a scenario known as ‘minimum system load’), parts of the electricity network can become vulnerable.
The emergency backstop mechanism provides a framework to manage this risk. It gives network operators a reliable way to temporarily control generation during rare emergency events, ensuring that electricity supply remains stable and distributed generation can continue to expand safely.
How it works:
- Activation: The network operator sends a signal via AFLC.
- Response: The GSD temporarily shuts down the inverter.
- Safety: Electricity from the grid continues uninterrupted.
- Recovery: Inverters automatically return to normal operation after the event. A fail-safe resumes operation if no “on” signal is received after four hours.
While these events are rare, the mechanism ensures reliability while supporting more renewable connections across the grid.
Why Hetech Matters
By manufacturing both the DRED and GSD, Hetech provides the technologies that make a smarter, more sustainable grid possible.
With over 30 years of experience in electronic design and manufacturing, Hetech delivers solutions built to the highest standards:
- Supporting grid stability through innovative demand and generation management solutions
- Enabling renewable energy growth safely and reliably
- Reliability and durability in real-world operating conditions
- Precision performance in high-reliability and mission-critical environments
- Certifications and accreditations: AS9100, ISO9001:2015, J-STD-001, and IPC-A-610, with the capability to meet Class 1, 2, or 3 requirements
Hetech’s expertise ensures that the transition to renewable energy is not only sustainable but also secure, efficient, and resilient.