DISCERN

Distributed Intelligence for Cost-Effective and Reliable Distribution Network Operation

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'As the patterns of power generation and distribution are rapidly changing in Europe towards a highly dispersed and volatile system, Distribution System Operators need to completely change traditional ways of grid operations. Currently developed solutions to increase the intelligence of medium and low voltage grids to cope with this task are often highly specialized, non-replicable and therefore not cost-effective.

It is therefore the aim of this project to assess the optimal level of intelligence in the distribution network and to determine the replicable technological options that will allow a cost-effective and reliable enhancement of observability and controllability of the future distribution networks in Europe. DISCERN will build on five demonstration projects operated by major European DSOs. The involved demonstration sites unite a variety of technological approaches addressing different challenges. They hereby constitute the main resource of DISCERN. In addition, DISCERN will liaise with other EEGI smart grid innovation projects in Europe in a series of workshops and leverage on their results. Hence, DISCERN will become part of the EEGI family of projects. Based on comparative assessment, guided by a set of Key Performance Indicators, of technological options, solutions and operational processes, the project will define recommendations on replicable solutions. Moreover, DISCERN will demonstrate innovative solutions in field tests and simulations.

As a result, DISCERN will enable DSOs to more rationally manage their networks and to plan their extension thereby facilitating the large scale introduction of renewable generation necessary for the transformation of the energy system.

To achieve its objective, DISCERN builds on a strong European consortium which includes five DSOs, technology providers, research institutes and universities as well as a technical consultancy.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Europe is committed to becoming a highly energy-efficient, low-carbon economy by setting ambitious goals for climate and energy by 2020. An EU initiative is looking at ways to meet the growing demands in electricity production and consumption.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

European distribution system operators (DSOs) are facing new challenges in operating, maintaining and developing an efficient power generation and distribution system. As electricity grids keep modernising, distribution networks require new rules of operation and a different architecture to ensure high power quality. The shift to smarter grids has become a necessity.

The EU-funded project 'Distributed intelligence for cost-effective and reliable distribution network operation' (http://www.discern.eu (DISCERN)) has set out to provide reliable and cost-effective technological solutions to efficiently monitor and control distribution networks.

Even though workable solutions for grids exist, DSOs have the difficult task of finding the best balance in making a grid less expensive, yet safer and more reliable.

During the first reporting period, researchers assessed and compared technical solutions, as well as created use cases. They defined smart grid functionalities and sub-functionalities for testing technology options. They also developed key performance indicators for costs and benefits to compare optimal solutions and technological options.

The activities helped to develop a framework for the evaluation of solutions that can be reproduced in various European regions while taking into account local regulatory laws, environmental conditions and network restrictions. These actions will form the basis for the next phase of the project, which includes simulations and field tests.

DISCERN is helping to provide European DSOs with solutions that will one day enable consumers to monitor their electricity consumption while saving energy and money.