The project execution aligns with the DoA plan.
Initial actions under WP1, "Management," involved committee selection, communication planning, recruitment execution, and progress monitoring through regular meetings. The accomplishments of WP1 include successfully recruiting 15 Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) and conducting Kick-off and Intermediate Meetings. Despite completing ESR recruitment, two positions were left vacant due to dismissal or withdrawal, leading to the initiation of new recruitment processes. Currently, 14 out of 15 ESRs are recruited.
Under WP2 “Green and Renewable distributed electric energy generation and storing” new topologies, control strategies, condition monitoring, and improvements in reliability have been investigated for inverters. A new energy management system has been simulated, involving renewable generation and storage, and the operation and control of a microgrid has been studied as the basic unit to perform Virtual Power Plants.
In WP3 “Smart energy distribution. Microgrids and grid of microgrids”, bidirectional energy chargers and their capability to provide ancillary services have been studied, as well as their connection to traction networks. The topology and performance of DC-DC converters for fast charging stations and smart transformers have been studied.
WP4 “End user of energy and prosumers” undertakes an analysis of new consumption models and prosumer trends, for initiating the design of the energy router supervisor. A modulation strategy for power converter topologies ushers in several noteworthy advantages. New methods have been formulated for Photovoltaic Module Parameter Identification. Appliance modelling and a simulation model is developed that generates realistic load profiles in different conditions.
WP5 centers around "Green economy models and Management Systems." Integrated strategies to manage energy flexibility in buildings and energy communities are under development. Also, a digital twin has been developed to design and simulate electric systems, prosumer activities, and grid operability. Policies frameworks and barriers for energy communities are under study, as well as business models.
WP6 is dedicated to "Network-wide trading" and has organized three doctoral schools with 16 courses for ESRs, covering technical and soft-skills topics. There is ongoing development of a novel course platform, and all ESRs have signed personal career development plans, recorded as deliverables. The continuous development anticipates reflecting the exploratory nature of research and emerging opportunities.
WP7, titled "Dissemination and Exploitation of Results," ensures project updates through a dedicated website (
https://smartgysum.eu/(si apre in una nuova finestra)). The website includes comprehensive project information, partner contact details, ESR profiles, network training activities, and ongoing research progress. A non-public section allows authorized access to the document repository and private information. Other dissemination activities have been performed in conference, scientific dissemination events for general public (like the European Researchers’ Night), and media.
Finally, WP8, known as "Ethics requirement," established the Research Ethics Committee (REC) during the Kick-off Meeting. REC is instrumental in ensuring the project's adherence to fundamental ethics principles in research, complying with H2020 guidelines and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. REC actively participated in fellows' recruitment during the project.
