Research infrastructures for the smart energy grid
DERs (generically including energy generators, loads and storages) are elements of the grid that can provide, singularly or as aggregated systems, services (e.g. peak shaving) that make it possible a more secure power supply, matching the demand in the electricity grid. Their integration will have important benefits for the electric system, users, suppliers, the EU economy and the environment. However, the transition to a smart energy grid still requires substantial research to identify and solve challenges. To facilitate this effort, the EU-funded 'Distributed Energy Resources research infrastructure' (DERRI) project offered all interested researchers in Europe free access to the laboratories within its network. The consortium joined 16 research laboratories from 12 countries from across Europe with unique yet complementary expertise. The primary focus was on systems or architectural aspects of a smart grid exploiting DERs, a field that was explored through joint research, networking and transnational access activities. Given the strength and expertise of the partners, it is no surprise that joint research activities resulted in significant contributions. The team connected the partner labs in a virtual research infrastructure, facilitating access and greatly enhancing the technical capacity of each laboratory and of the infrastructure in overall. Researchers also developed new testing methodologies to assess in the laboratory essential components and the real-time impact of DER integration in the grid, thus minimising time and money compared to tests on real power systems. Networking activities brought together scientists to ensure standardisation of methods enhancing reliability and traceability. Important outcomes were the creation of common reference quality standards supported by the implementation of round-robin testing protocols enabling comparison of best practices. Finally, transnational access served more than 60 projects and approximately 100 users, who benefited from more than 750 use-days at partner facilities. The fruits of these labours have been widely disseminated in peer-reviewed journal, at conferences and in workshops. The prolific DERRI project has made a vital contribution to the EU's energy transition towards a smart grid exploiting DERs. Laying the foundations for standardisation of testing, for utilisation of complementary infrastructure capabilities and for collaborative efforts will ensure the EU is at the forefront of an energy revolution.
Keywords
Smart grid, distributed energy resources, power supply, research infrastructure, virtual laboratory, testing standardization, testing methods and procedures
