The energy paradigm is shifting from centralized power plants to distributed generation. In this context, the increasing share of variable RES is challenging the distribution grid in terms of reliability, stability and security of supply. As an answer to these challenges, FLEXIGRID project aims to improve the distribution grid operation making it more flexible, reliable and cost-efficient, through the development of hardware (HW) and software (SW) modules.
How project developments contributed to goals’ fulfilment?
Goal 1: To improve the system flexibility by enhancing the grid hosting capacity of RES towards the energy network decarbonisation. This goal was pursued through developments focusing on DER and demand flexibility, and improved protection systems under high RES penetration.
Goal 2: To increase the observability, controllability and automation of the grid for the improvement of both its security and resilience. This goal was achieved thanks to the advancements in smart grid technologies.
Goal 3: To mitigate short-term and long-term congestions in the distributed grid from an economic efficient point of view. This goal was addressed through specialized smart grid algorithms and HW infrastructure.
Goal 4: To ensure the interoperability and compatibility of the developed solutions with the different platforms used by the European DSOs guaranteeing a proper and secure data management. In this sense, an open-source platform called FUSE was developed and deployed.
Goal 5: To carry out a complete demonstration program up to TRL 8 in four different demo-sites, obtaining reliable results on its replicability and ensuring its attractiveness for European stakeholders, achieved through trials at: (Spain) Focused on smart grid architecture with fault location testing and smart secondary substation (SS) installation. It highlighted the efficiency of automation in areas with high RES, showcasing both new and retrofitted SS; (Greece) It featured a hotel resort with a substation, PV installations, and storage systems. Key use cases included holistic energy system optimization and microgrid congestion management, focusing on optimized local energy use and peak shaving solutions; (Croatia) It featured a MV network designed for urban environments, emphasizing energy flexibility in residential apartments. It involved advanced metering and coordinated energy storage and heating systems; (Italy) It addressed power supply vulnerabilities through a dispatching platform enabling grid operation in islanded modes and integrated Smart RTU technology for real-time monitoring and grid optimization.
Goal 6: To identify and analyse the needs and shortfalls of the distribution grid as well as the obstacles to innovation under the current local and international context and regulation framework. FLEXIGRID focused on addressing the evolving needs of distribution networks and identifying obstacles to innovation and regulatory framework.
Goal 7: To raise awareness among citizens and other relevant stakeholders of the transition towards a low carbon economy considering them as an active player in the energy system. Communication activities were undertaken such as scientific articles publication, as well as participation and organization of conferences and events.
Goal 8: To ensure the exploitation of the project results by developing a corresponding business plan as well as their dissemination by exchanging knowledge with other projects under the BRIDGE Initiative. On the one hand, business cases and strategies for exploiting key results were defined, aligning project's evolution and market context. Furthermore, various dissemination activities were conducted, including participation in the BRIDGE initiative as well as in different events.
