Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISEThe use of modern, controllable operating equipment in combination with state of the art grid planning can make oversized and expensive grid expansions obsolete while continuing to guarantee the security and reliability of the power supply. The future structure of electricity grids depends a great deal on the equipment that will be connected to the grid in the future and their operation. We offer our customers support in planning the grid of the future. In our Digital Grid Lab we have tools which enable us to investigate the combination of new technologies with current control and communication infrastructure from grid operators.
Optimization of the Grid Infrastructure
The use of modern, controllable operating equipment can make oversized and expensive grid expansions obsolete while continuing to guarantee the security and reliability of the power supply.
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Grid Planning
Decision Support System for Target Grid Planning
Procedure for grid expansion planning.
Similar to grid operation, grid planning is a complex, due to the the uncertainty in the supply obligation for new loads and generators. Specifically the electrification in the mobility and heat sectors have a big impact here. The starting point for these investigations is mapping the status quo and establishing a so-called “scenario funnel.” At the same time, new smart technologies extend the solution space given by conventional grid reinforcement. We use scientific methods in a decision support system for cost-optimized target grid planning in the straZNP project, for example.
Definition of Supply Obligations
Consumption profiles calculated with SynPRO for a single-family home with electric vehicle.
Based on your specific and regional data, we define scenarios that fulfill the required future supply obligations. For each technology (electric vehicles, heat pumps, photovoltaics, etc.), we create possible expansion scenarios. In addition we determine the probability to help you in your selection. With our tool SynPRO, we generate node-sharp demand profiles.
Grid Expansion Planning
Visualization of the estimated network state as heat map.
Based on the previously defined supply obligation and the current grid situation, we use our optimization tools to calculate optimal grid infrastructures. This includes smart grid technologies such as reactive power control or controllable local grid transformers. If the supply obligation cannot be solved with smart technologies, we suggest equipment replacement or new power lines to alleviate bottlenecks in the grid operation in the future. More information you can find at the DiGO project.
Performing Evaluation Tests in the Digital Grid Lab
Researcher in the Digital Grid Lab working at the emergency power system 2.0 (battery-based) with local power distributor and electrical load.
In our new Digital Grid Lab we carry out hardware-in-the-loop tests of new components under real conditions and can map the micro-grid.