Hybrid Provision of Energy based on Reliability and Resiliency by Integration of Dc Equipment

Project Information

HYPERRIDE

Grant agreement ID: 957788

DOI

10.3030/957788

Project closed

EC signature date 31 August 2020

Start date 1 October 2020

End date 31 March 2025

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy

Total cost

€ 8 226 001,25

EU contribution

€ 6 965 520,50

Coordinated by

AIT AUSTRIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GMBH
Austria

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - HYPERRIDE (Hybrid Provision of Energy based on Reliability and Resiliency by Integration of Dc Equipment)

Reporting period: 2023-04-01 to 2025-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

HYPERRIDE contributes to the field implementation of Direct Current (DC) and hybrid Alternating Current and Direct Current (ACDC) grids. Starting with the definition of the most relevant fields of application for DC grids, the enabling technologies will be specified in detail on different levels.

From the system perspective, grid planning and operation guidelines are developed. To optimize investments for the use case-dependent application of assets available sizing tools are adapted for the field of DC grids. DC circuit breakers are key technologies for grid protection needed to overcome the main concerns related to these infrastructures. Therefore, HYPERRIDE will raise the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the most promising approaches currently available with the main focus on Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) breakers. To enable grid automation DC sensors are developed further to provide field-ready devices to create data for optimal grid automation. Automation algorithms will be created, validated in a test platform and transferred towards demonstration. This also involves concepts and solutions for cyber security and fault detection. In the case of grid faults, necessary solutions are developed to prevent cascading effects. For fault prevention databases are created to trigger preventive measures.

With demonstrations in three countries – Aachen, Germany, Lausanne, Switzerland, and Terni, Italy – HYPERRIDE will showcase relevant and above-mentioned enabling technologies within a wide range of use cases. The benefits of the solutions will be evaluated, especially the integration potential of renewables and electric vehicle charging with respect to conventional AC grids. Finally, business models are created for the products, services, and applications in HYPERRIDE. Consequently, the project will actively identify and provide solutions to overcome barriers for a successful roll-out of new infrastructure concepts throughout Europe.  

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Key Results Achieved Over the Project Lifetime

Planning, Operation, and Automation
• Component Sizing Tool with open-data set (AIT; D3.2)
• Hybrid AC/DC data models for interoperability presented at IARIA Congress 2023 (AIT, ENG, RWTH Aachen)
• Simulation Tool for techno-economic analysis of Hybrid LV AC/DC grids; paper awarded at CIRED 2021 (AIT)
• PowerFactory simulation models developed for Terni demo use-case scenarios (AIT; D4.8)
• Feasibility study of MVDC hybrid grids at RWTH Aachen campus (RWTH Aachen; D4.6)
• Open reliability database structure (AIT; D5.5)
• Replication and scalability guidelines for Terni grid (ENG, ASM Terni, EATON, EMOT, 8.4)

Enabling Technologies, Automation, Protection, ICT and Cybersecurity
• SCiBreak’s 5kV hybrid MV DCCB: lab-tested and validated in Aachen (D3.1 D3.7 D3.5 D3.9)
• EATON’s solid-state 14kV MV DCCB prototype developed and tested (D3.6 D3.8)
• Synchronized/DC Measurement Unit by RWTH Aachen validated in Aachen and Terni (D3.10 D7.3)
• MVDC sensors by ZELISKO tested and implemented (D7.6)
• Control algorithms deployed at all 3 demo sites (RWTH Aachen, AIT, EPFL, EATON)
• Open FIWARE-based ICT platform with security layer and REASENS root cause analysis extension (ENG, AIT, RWTH Aachen, ASM Terni)
• Protection coordination report for hybrid LV AC/DC systems with comparative simulations (D8.5)

Swiss Demo (EPFL)
• Hybrid LV AC-DC microgrid in operation since 2022
• Active Front-End and Dual Active Bridge converters developed
• State estimation and optimal power flow algorithms deployed
• Resonant DC transformers, PV emulators, and supercapacitor integrated
• Results disseminated via 6 scientific papers

German Demo (RWTH Aachen)
• Demonstration of hybrid MVDC-MVAC-LVDC-LVAC grid operation (Sept 2023)
• External converter/switchgear control and unified communication concept implemented
• Improved LVDC breaker concept with adjustable thresholds
• Protection diode for MV IGBTs tested
• Joint converter operation with VILLAS RT simulator
• Successful integration of 5 kV SCiBreak breaker, Zelisko MVDC sensors, and open ICT platform

Italian Demo (ASM Terni)
• Full-scale DSO-operated hybrid LV AC-DC microgrid since 2024
• Integration of PV, 2nd-life battery, fast EV-charger, AC converters, and critical loads
• AIT DC-AC converter supports AC islanding
• Fully integrated with utility SCADA and real-time monitoring
• EMOT fast charger tested incl. V2G and cybersecurity
• Battery-powered AC charging operation in grid-forming mode
• RWTH Aachen SMU implemented as VILLAS node
• Eaton LVDC solid-state breaker tested

Business Models and Exploitation
• Four use cases analysed: self-consumption, energy communities, market optimization, DSO flexibility
• CBA shows up to 18% OPEX savings and 26% higher local self-consumption (Italian demo)
• Business model toolkit available for replication

Dissemination and Impact
• Active BRIDGE initiative participation and EU LVDC webinars
• Presentations at ENLIT 2022–2024, stakeholder workshops in Lausanne, Aachen, Terni, Vienna
• Policy input on LVDC standards, flexibility, and community rights shared with BRIDGE and DG ENER
• Joint activities and positioning paper with H2020 TIGON project

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Dealing with the demonstration of hybrid ACDC grids, which were seen as one potential technology to overcome future bottlenecks of power grids (utility, industry, infrastructure) in energy transition and to enable energy communities, HYPERRIDE aims to

• Lift specific required key technologies and system solutions to higher TRLs (target area 5-8),
• Collect essential operational experience with these technologies,
• Highlight benefits and cost-effective solutions for relevant use cases,
• Trigger manufacturers to step in recently with product developments and standardization work, and
• Foster on a mid-term perspective further investment in the field for a successful roll-out over Europe.

Therefore, knowledge transfer across European (via BRIDGE and other channels) and international pilot projects and initiatives is crucial to lift synergies and therefore accelerate the technology development and standardization process and include relevant stakeholders’ interests.

Project flyer

BRIDGE brochure 2021

Virtual Enlit 2021 booth

European Researchers' Night 2022 booth in Vienna, Austria

Project logo

Virtual IEEE SG4SC 2021 booth

Enlit 2022 booth in Frankfurt, Germany

Project presentation at SGTech Week 2023 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands