Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - UNITED-GRID (Integrated cyber-physical solutions for intelligent distribution grid with high penetration of renewables)

Teaser

The electrical distribution system has been undergoing drastic changes since the last decade and even more so are expected in the future. The changes are mainly due to the international commitment to reduce the carbon footprints in the efforts to cope with the global climate...

Summary

The electrical distribution system has been undergoing drastic changes since the last decade and even more so are expected in the future. The changes are mainly due to the international commitment to reduce the carbon footprints in the efforts to cope with the global climate change problems. The challenges lie in the facts that large- and small-scale renewable energy sources (RES) are increasing their share in total energy supply mix. To manage the intermittency by the RES, energy storage (both large- and small scale) and demand-side response by local resources can be used. There is a need to develop a new way to plan and operate the future distribution grids securely, efficiently and economically with large amount of RES, energy storage, demand-side resources while keeping network reliability at acceptable levels. This project addresses the above needs by developing advancement of a cross-platform for energy management and control systems with high level of automation and security to enable future intelligent distribution grids with high penetration of renewable energy sources.

UNITED-GRID aims to secure and optimise operation of the future intelligent distribution networks with unprecedented complexity caused by new distributed market actors along with emerging technologies such as renewable generation, energy storage, and demand resources. The project will provide integrated cyber-physical solutions, while efficiently exploiting the opportunities provided by the new actors and technologies. The core deliverable is the UNITED-GRID tool-box that could be “plugged in” to the existing Distribution Management System (DMS) via a cross-platform for advanced energy management, grid-level control and protection. The cross-platform is, in essence, the bridge between the conventional DSM with the new “devices” in the distributions systems, e.g., inverters of solar photovoltaics, EV chargers, control systems of buildings, smart sensors, etc. This cross-platform allows interoperability from inverter-based distributed renewable energy sources up to the distribution grid at the low and medium voltage levels, thus going beyond the state-of-the-art to optimise the operation of the grid with real-time control solutions in a high level of automation and cyber-physical security.

Work performed

During the first reporting period the project activities have been carried out according to the project plan. All work-packages have been started their activities without any major delays. All 19 deliverables (including the periodic technical report) have been completed and submitted. An overview of main results achieved is shown in the figure attached.

The main highlights from the results of the completed tasks (where only the lead partners are named) are the following.
• Development of new technologies: In WP4, CEA has developed technology for PV forecasting in various forecasting horizons (from day ahead to 5 minutes ahead). The technology has been installed at the demo-site of SOREA. In WP5, SST has developed prototypes of sensors for current and voltage measurement at LV grids which can provide synchro-phasor measurement. Time synchronization of measurements at different locations of the grid enables the availability of phase information for state estimation which is used for real-time monitoring and protection and self-healing applications in other WPs. The sensors have been tested at demo-site of ENEXIS.
• Development of advanced algorithms, methods and solutions: In WP3, 12 primary use cases of UNITED-GRID (CEA) and UNITED-GRID solution architecture and the communication requirements have been developed (SST). Analysis of existing interoperability methods (standards, concept description, guidelines and recommendations, interoperability KPIs) has also been carried out (ATOS). In WP4, CTH has developed a congestion forecast framework which can be used visualize the probability for network congestion and voltage deviation in distribution grids with large number of solar PVs and PEVs. In WP5, TU/e has developed a market-based congestion management technique based on a hybrid architecture including agents crossing different strategic layers with their interactions mapping. In WP6, ATOS has developed a framework of the final targeted UNITED-GRID Solutions composing of the functional specifications and functional architecture that enable to delimit the functionalities of the final solution which will be developed and integrated for demo-sites within WP6.
• Scenarios, policy analysis and development: In WP2, an assessment framework for DSOs to evaluate their status and future-readiness levels of their distribution grids was developed by CTH. CEA has made a qualitative assessment of impacts of scenarios on the technical aspects of future intelligent distribution grids and the requirements to reduce these impacts for integrated cyber-physical solutions and linked them to the solutions provided in UNITED-GRID. RISE with support from GE has identified and evaluated five specific regulatory issues that are expected to have a significant impact on the current and future development of the DSOs in the three partners’ countries.
• Plan for business development and exploitation of results: In WP8, the intellectual assets framework strategy including a template for registering intellectual assets within UNITED-GRID was developed by IMCG. Also, an out-reach and communication strategy and plan has been made. A top priority is given to deepen contacts with DSO companies to get their inputs and show the project\'s benefits and results in Europe as well to nurture the already strong communication with relevant regulatory and policy bodies.

Final results

In the first reporting period, some of the main technology development beyond the state of the art has been achieved. SST provided an advanced measurement solution based on current and voltage sensor prototypes that are synchronized through GPS to provide globally synchronized measurements. Proper software and hardware developments have been provided leading toward the integration of the measurement methodology to UNITED-GRID Solution. The adequacy of this method has been tested through integration to ENEXIS SCADA/DMS system. CEA has developed technology for PV forecasting in various forecasting horizons (from day ahead to 5 minutes ahead). The technology has been installed at the demo-site SOREA.

The key technologies and solutions to be developed and tested by the end of the project include: i) Communication and measurement platform for real-time monitoring and grid resilience against cyber-attacks; ii) Control tool-box to cope with uncertainty from high penetration level of renewable energy resources; iii) Data analytic techniques for optimising grid utilisation; iv) Advanced measurement based protection schemes; v) Pathways for distribution grid development for DSOs. UNITED-GRID will support the distribution system operators with affordable solutions to improve distribution system’s hosting capacity for renewable energy sources, enhance physical-cyber security and flexibility, and reduce network congestion. UNITED-GRID’s exploitation and business plans will produce pathways on how project results and developed solutions and services will benefit project partners, policy and academia. It will contribute to a fossil-free society in the future.

Website & more info

More info: https://united-grid.eu/.