Project description
Novel technologies and tools are directing attention to improved power grid architectures
Alternating current (AC) has dominated power grids historically, in part because conventional generators naturally output AC, and the devices at the end of the line are designed for AC input. Renewable energy sources are increasingly replacing generators, and direct current (DC) technologies such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems are growing. Therefore, it makes more and more sense to begin switching to more efficient, reliable and sustainable DC-related technologies. The EU-funded TIGON project is developing a comprehensive portfolio of power electronics, management software and tools supporting optimised and intelligent DC-based hybrid grids. Outcomes will be demonstrated in a variety of applications including the railway sector.
Objective
DC grids attractiveness has been increased in the last years due to the high proliferation of renewable energy sources together with the increase in DC loads (electronics, LED lighting, electric vehicles, energy storage…). The main drivers behind this paradigm shift are related to the improved efficiency, flexibility, security and reliability DC grids may provide, thus increasing the sustainability of the energy distribution system. However, there is a need for demonstration of DC technologies and grid topologies so that these solutions are able to evolve from a promising solution for the future smart grids to a commercially available technological option.
Under this context, TIGON aims to achieve a smooth deployment and integration of intelligent DC-based grid architectures within the current energy system while providing ancillary services to the main network. To do so, TIGON proposes a four-level approach aiming at improving 1) Reliability, 2) Resilience 3) Performance, and 4) Cost Efficiency of hybrid grids through the development of an innovative portfolio of power electronic solutions and software systems and tools focused on the efficient monitoring, control and management of DC grids. These solutions will be demonstrated in two main Demo-Sites located in France and Spain, while additional use cases in the residential and urban railway sectors will act as niche markets for analysing and further solidifying the replication of TIGON developments after the project’s end.
TIGON has involved for this purpose a multidisciplinary team of 15 partners from 8 different European Member States with a well-balanced consortium integrated by 7 non-profit entities and 7 companies. This partnership provides the required expertise from fields such as power electronics, cybersecurity, standardisation, etc. to design the solutions proposed within TIGON as well as the industrial capabilities required for the manufacturing, integration and validation of the whole TIGON concept.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energy
- social sciencessocial geographytransportelectric vehicles
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftwaresoftware applicationssystem software
- natural sciencesmathematicspure mathematicstopology
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencescomputer security
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
IA - Innovation actionCoordinator
50018 Zaragoza
Spain