2016
IDE4L
The EU-funded IDE4L project demonstrated an entire system of distribution network automation, IT systems and functions enabling active network management. The vertically and horizontally distributed decision-making architecture aims to improve real-time monitoring and controllability of MV and LV grids and to integrate renewable energy sources and new loads more efficiently, without compromising the distribution grid’s reliability.
Highlights:
Scope:
Although the practice was demonstrated in Denmark, Italy and Spain, the automated architecture, solution and functionalities are applicable to any distribution grid in Europe (or globally where relevant).
Main information:
The emergence of distributed renewable energy resources has increased the complexity of managing MV and LV grids. New challenges that have emerged include:
The IDE4L project was conceptualised to address these challenges and design advanced automation systems that utilise ancillary services of distributed energy resources and aggregators.
IDE4L relied on existing technology, solutions and emerging requirements in order to design the advanced automation system. Key functionalities include decentralised FLISR, real-time monitoring, state estimation and congestion management. The resulting concept managed fast charging conditions and utilised the existing distribution network more cost-efficiently through exchanging dynamic information and services among flexibility market actors (DSOs/commercial aggregators and TSOs).
Additional information:
The Tampere University of Technology is the project coordinator of the EU FP7-funded project IDE4L (2013-16), which includes research institutes and university faculties, associations, technical solution providers and distribution system operators, and energy providers from 6 countries in Europe.