The goals of the pilot are related to the advanced monitoring of the grid, the forecast of the power flows and, consequently, the day ahead topology optimisation of the grid.
Actually, distribution networks are built as radial systems, but with the possibility of back-feeding during contingencies. They have some advantages over meshed networks, such as lower short-circuit currents and simpler switching and protecting equipment. On the other hand, the radial structure provides less overall reliability. Nowadays, DSOs have the opportunity to change the topology of their grids in order to obtain an optimal configuration, in terms of losses or other operational indicators (Quality of Service, Hosting Capacity, etc.).
To this purpose, it is pivotal to perform an accurate estimation of the state of network and on a predictive base in order to support DSOs in operating networks with great penetration of DG. To implement this predictive approach, the forecast of the power flows and advanced monitoring of the grid need to be developed. The information obtained from these mentioned partial goals can be used in advance to find the optimal grid topology.
Generators will be consequently managed by the electric protection and remote-control system of the DSO and exploited in order to optimise the grid reliability and efficiency. Moreover, an innovative platform will be activated to evaluate the effectiveness of a coordinated control of MV generators performed by the DSO in order to provide ancillary services to the main grid.
Moreover, new technologies are now getting involved in the picture, with one of the most promising being the energy storage. In the pilot, a coordinated management of distributed energy storage will be tested both in a final user perspective (improving the energy behaviour of LV users) and in the grid perspective (provide ancillary service to the local grid or to the national one).
A.S.SE.M. SpA will coordinate all the activities and will be in charge of the apparatuses deployment, the data gathering and the effective management of the test. Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI), a technical university, will develop the innovative algorithms devoted to optimise the grid topology and the energy storage management in order to monitor users’ behaviour and provide forecast of the power injections. Moreover, a SME, UNE s.r.l., will develop the innovative energy storage system.
