Further links
Currently power systems experience a significant development – away from regulated and centralized monopoly structures towards market-based systems with large proportions of renewable (decentralized) energy production and including power consumers.
Such new system designs require an innovative system architecture with clearly defined operational goals, functions and components as well as interrelations for the generation, transmission, distribution and consumption of electrical power in subsystems. Such an architecture also includes subsystems for data collection, coordination, control and protection as well as the connection of systems using communication networks. The architecture does not predetermine specific technical solutions for the individual subsystems, though.
Possible new system structures are, among others:
- Virtual power stations and virtual consumer power stations
- Innovative network topologies and protection mechanisms during emergency situations (intended island operation, area protection)
- Agent-based decentralized control
- New coherent communication architecture
Example: Ecogrid.dk
Goal of the research programme Ecogrid.dk is to develop innovative long-term technologies and market solutions for power networks that comprise a larger proportion of decentralized and renewable energy generators and ‐ at the same time ‐ to ensure the safety of supply.
“ Pioneering efforts regarding system control and operation ”
That requires pioneering efforts regarding system control and operation. The project focuses on international solutions that are relevant for the Danish power systems. Danish energy policy has the goal to increase the proportion of renewable energies to 30% by the year 2025. And there are strong indicators that wind energy might be able to supply even 50% of energy demand by then.
The programme consists of three phases:
Phase 1 (completed)
To identify and describe different solutions regarding a new power system architecture (both the logical and the physical architecture), to analyze the effect of future market developments and to list new proceedings ("Modular units") that support the higher-order goals and functions of the future power systems.
Summary Report Phase I(as E-Pages/Flash)
Phase 2
Research and development regarding new technologies and market solutions that are required for future power systems with a larger proportion of decentralized generation and renewable energy sources.
Phase 3
Practical demonstration of the technologies and solutions from Phase 2.
The partners of Ecogrid.dk include:
Danfoss, DONG Energy, Ea-Energianalyse, EC-Power, Econ Analyse, energynautics GmbH, IMM-DTU, KK Electronic, Power Lynx, Risø-DTU, Vattenfall, Vestas und Aalborg Universitet.