Storage4Grid (S4G) started on Dec. 1st, 2016 and finished on Feb. 29th, 2020. The project aims at boosting the uptake of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) between the distribution grid level and the end-user level, by developing a novel, holistic methodology for modelling, planning, integrating, operating and evaluating distributed ESS (at end-user premises and at substations), Electrical Vehicles (EVs), innovative energy metering and energy routing technologies. The S4G holistic methodology comprises:
• A Decision Support Framework (DSF) for planning the deployment of distributed ESS
• Predictive control algorithms prioritizing and optimizing the use of storage capacity distributed at end-user premises, substation level and in EVs
• An innovative Unbundled Smart Meter (USM) and an Energy Router (ER) enabling the S4G storage control strategies in real-life settings.
S4G pursues a set of Technical Objectives (TO) linked with long-term Strategic Objectives (SO):
• TO1: pre-design the S4G interfaces, namely a set of interfaces and a joint Common Information Model (CIM) suitable for monitoring and control of heterogeneous storage systems
• TO2: develop a set of predictive control algorithms suitable to perform real-time optimization of distributed storage system in existing low and medium voltage grids
• TO3: establish an Unbundled Smart Meter (USM) extending existing AMI standards in open fashion to allow local “plug-in” integration of interfaces providing information about storage control, EV charging and local user interfaces to enable interaction with users
• TO4: establish a fully integrated Energy Router allowing an easier integration of DC home grid, renewables and EV’s in a Smart Grid ready approach
• TO5: develop a decision-support tool for analyzing, planning, forecasting and optimizing the use of distributed storage in the low and medium voltage grid
• TO6: To propose and apply an evaluation methodology that assesses the technical feasibility of the developed technologies & solutions and as well as evaluates the user acceptance while considering the multiple actors and stakeholders within a Smart Grid.
• SO1: engage with private and professional end users to secure acceptance of S4G solutions
• SO2: develop a business model framework involving relevant actors (individual prosumers, ESS technology providers, service providers, DSOs, ESCOs, etc.) supporting a number of business cases
• SO3: within the business ecosystem outlined in SO1, extend available insight on the potentials of storage technologies to help decision makers in defining investment strategies
• SO4: provide inputs to on-going standardization activities in the area of storage modelling, testing and control, so to foster an eco-system of vendors, service providers, private and professional storage users
• SO5: provide a set of cyber-security guidelines and policies for operating storage systems involving users data and preferences handling correctly privacy- and security-related aspects
The Storage4Grid project aimed at progressively achieving the objective’s previously enlisted, throughout its execution. At the beginning of the project, one or more quantitative indicators have been assigned to each of the project objectives, along with target values to be achieved by the end of the project. Activities within the project have been organized in three phases and, at the end of each phase, the indicators have been quantified and compared against the target values. By the end of the project all targets have been achieved and, in many cases over achieved.