Real-time technology for the effective integration of distributed energy resources

Year

2016

Organisation

Alpiq

Description

Alpiq developed a real-time data-to-decision platform that offers products and services to its customers and partners for all aspects around energy and flexibility markets. The self-learning algorithms deployed in the cloud platform catalyse the effective integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) through the optimal dispatch of flexible generation and load.  

 

Highlights:

  • Making use of synergies between different types of assets throughout the whole energy value chain and enable their easy and efficient dispatch to short-term markets
  • Self-learning algorithms (fundamental DER model, self-learning forecasts, stochastic optimisation) enabling full automation of data-to-decisions processes
  • Rapid modification of algorithms to fit changing regulatory and market incentives
  • Scalable and modular framework based on micro-services, combining different competences of partners’ assets and solutions  

 

Scope:

The platform was initially implemented to connect assets and sources in Switzerland, Germany and the UK in 2016. Forthcoming scaling-up includes Italy and Spain, with complete roll-out across EU to follow.


Main information:

The international energy markets are becoming increasingly more complex, more integrated and more distributed. The key to effective DER utilisation is to accommodate for future uncertainties with a flexible framework that enables a rapid, autonomous adaptation and holistic integration. Alpiq’s Digital Technology & Innovations team addresses this challenge via the development of an integrated platform where all energy stakeholders’ assets are interlinked and optimally managed.  

All types of systems can be connected to the platform, from smart homes, charging networks of electric cars, to large industrial consumers, centralised and decentralised power stations, solar systems, storage facilities and electricity grids. The platform processes all parameters from available data sources in real-time, calculates the optimal decision options and can directly dispatch them. The generalised framework serves a wide range of applications (e.g. peak-shaving, demand response and aggregation of capacities for Virtual Power Plants), thus enabling the involved partners to generate additional revenues.  

Alpiq recently demonstrated a commercial showcase on a waste water treatment plant, where two flexible, sewage-gas powered generators were optimised in order to apply peak-shaving and effectively reduce grid-usage during periods of high tariffs.  

 

Additional information:

Alpiq is one of the leading energy companies in Switzerland and is aiming to become Europe’s leading smart energy services provider. The new business unit Digital Technology & Innovation will focus on the further development of self-learning algorithms in order to use digitalisation to connect and optimise all flexible and decentralised assets in the energy sector.

 

RGI gratefully acknowledges the EU LIFE funding support:

EU LIFE funding support Logo

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the LIFE Programme. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.