Microgrids – another piece in the energy transition puzzle?
It is now clear that the energy transition goals will demand an unprecedented rapid and disruptive development in power distribution systems. Microgrids are emerging as a new growth opportunity and R&D at EDP is investigating the benefits and potential use cases of microgrids through the EU-funded eNeuron project.
Microgrids are localized energy systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main power grid. They consist of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems. Microgrids can also function autonomously by disconnecting from the main grid during outages or disturbances, ensuring a reliable power supply.
For consumers, microgrids offer enhanced energy security and potential cost savings through optimisation of local generation, storage, and consumption. Producers benefit from new revenue streams by selling excess energy locally and/or to the upstream grid. Aggregators, who manage and optimize the energy flow within the microgrid, can leverage advanced analytics to balance supply and demand efficiently, thus maximizing economic returns. The Distribution System Operator (DSO) gains improved grid stability and resilience, as microgrids can alleviate congestion and reduce peak loads on the main grid.
V2G EV Charger installed in the LNB eNeuron pilot microgrid
eNeuron goes one step further by integrating the management of other energy carriers within the community served by the electrical microgrid, such as heating, cooling, natural gas, and hydrogen, for example. E-mobility is also a big part in this scheme, by exploring the concept of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) operations. This integrated optimisation approach enables further significant gains in the overall efficiency.
The eNeuron solution, or toolbox, comprises a cloud-based environment running the optimisation algorithms and local EDGE controllers installed in the substations. These controllers acquire data from different sources (e.g. solar inverters, Energy Management Systems, Energy Storage Systems, EV Chargers, etc.) feeding the optimisation solver in the cloud. The optimisation results are then applied, by the controllers, as scheduled setpoints to the different energy assets.
Battery Energy Storage System installed in the LNB eNeuron pilot microgrid
EDP NEW is putting to test and operationalizing one of these microgrids in the military Alfeite Naval Base, in Almada.
Overall, microgrids are expected to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient energy ecosystem by integrating renewable energy sources and enhancing the flexibility of the power network.
Author: Carlos Cardoso, Research Networks | Research & Innovation at EDP
