INCREASE

INCREASING THE PENETRATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN THE DISTRIBUTION GRID BY DEVELOPING CONTROL STRATEGIES AND USING ANCILLARY SERVICES

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

The significant rise in distributed renewable energy sources has placed an enormous burden on the secure operation of the electrical grid, impacting both the transmission system operators (TSOs) and distribution system operators (DSOs). The massive increase of the intermittent DRES in low (LV) and medium (MV) networks has led to a bidirectional power flow which raises the urgent need for new operational and control strategies in order to maintain the ability of the system to provide the consumers with reliable supply of electricity at an acceptable power quality level. Technically, INCREASE will focus on how to manage renewable energy sources in LV and MV networks, to provide ancillary services (towards DSO, but also TSOs), in particular voltage control and the provision of reserve. INCREASE will investigate the regulatory framework, grid code structure and ancillary market mechanisms, and propose adjustments to facilitate successful provisioning of ancillary services that are necessary for the operation of the electricity grid, including flexible market products. INCREASE will enable DRES and loads to go beyond just exchanging power with the grid which will enable the DSO to evolve from a congestion manager to capacity manager. This will result in a more efficient exploitation of the current grid capacity, thus facilitating higher DRES penetration at reduced cost. Because of the more efficient use of the existing infrastructure, grid tariffs could decrease, potentially resulting in a lower cost for the consumers. The INCREASE simulation platform will enable the validation of the proposed solutions and provides the DSOs with a tool they can use to investigate the influence of DRES on their distribution network. The INCREASE solutions will also be validated (i) by lab tests, as well as (ii) in three field trials in the real-life operational distribution network of Stromnetz Steiermark in Austria, of Elektro Gorenjska in Slovenia and of Liander in the Netherlands.

Introduzione (Teaser)

Many countries are making impressive progress towards integration of distributed renewable energy sources (DRESs) into conventional electricity grids. New management tools backed by a business plan and regulatory framework will ensure a smooth transition.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The large increase in contribution of intermittent resources such as wind and solar energy sources is impacting reliable and secure electricity distribution. In order to maximise the many benefits associated with DRESs, including reducing dependence on fossil fuels and decreasing associated emissions, integration into the current infrastructure must be effectively managed.

Funded by the EU, the project http://www.project-increase.eu/ (INCREASE) (Increasing the penetration of renewable energy sources in the distribution grid by developing control strategies and using ancillary services) is developing tools to allow distribution system operators to go beyond retroactively managing congestion to proactively managing capacity in low- and medium-voltage networks. More efficient use of DRESs will increase penetration, potentially reducing costs for operators and consumers.

Within the first project year, the team developed the principle modelling units for the integrated platform such as power distribution lines, load scenarios, and corresponding control devices and interfaces. The control system, based on the multi-agent system paradigm, was integrated into the network simulation platform and the researchers have begun optimising coordination of multiple services or objectives. Scientists are now beginning the process of implementing and validating the proposed control strategies.

In parallel, researchers are evaluating the current regulations and market mechanisms regarding DRES operation. Investigators have already developed a conceptual framework addressing the potential impact of barriers to implementation on the business plan options of the various market participants. It lays the groundwork for delivery of a well-organised and structured proposal to the European Commission regarding the optimal business plans and regulatory frameworks governing them.

Communication and dissemination is going strong. The website is up and running and continuously updated with press releases, newsletters and the project brochure. A workshop dedicated to the INCREASE project was held at the Smart Grid event in Austria, and partners have presented project progress at numerous conferences.

INCREASE plans to significantly enhance penetrations of DRESs in the existing grid infrastructure through a holistic treatment of control technologies, potential market mechanisms and a regulatory framework. Taken together, the project will contribute to increased sustainability of power distribution at a lower cost to the consumer.