RESOLVD Renewable penetration levered by Efficient Low Voltage Distribution grids

This project has the purpose of developing innovative technologies and methods aimed to integrate an increasing penetration of renewables in distribution grids dynamically. However, the increase of distributed and renewable generation involves a reduction of the stability and quality of supply. Moreover, current Low-Voltage (LV) grids are not flexible and do not implement any control strategy. The project aims to develop new types of power electronics-based devices capable to control LV distribution grids. These devices will be in charge of controlling a LV small area allowing interconnection with other LV feeders to manage energy flows and executing self-healing strategies. At the end of the project, such devices will be key technologies for boosting massive DER integration with minimum grid reinforcements needs, while also ensuring security and quality of supply to consumers. Furthermore, the power electronics-based devices should be equipped with storage capability to provide the network with such enhanced flexibility, and this is a challenge from diverse points of view. Mainly, the network needs are diverse and greatly vary from one location to another and the potential use of second-life batteries could reduce the storage costs. This project tackles the above mentioned challenges by developing an advanced power electronics-based device able to integrate and manage a heterogeneous group of storage technologies. Moreover, such solutions will lever new business models around energy management in a smart grid context with high penetration of renewable production, storage units in the distribution system and demand response. Finally, the system will be coordinated by the DSO, but at the same time network information would be accessible to customers and other energy agents involved in the business models; so, the project will require to develop secure and appropriate communications.