In the following, we proudly present you the 5^th EASY-RES Progress Report. Find here in detail the advances and achievements of our eight work packages (WPs) during the last six months.

WP1 – Quasi Steady-State Operation

We have finally developed all the voltage-regulation algorithms for Low Voltage and Medium Voltage distribution networks (DN) together with the specifications for the required ICT system to support the optimisation of the regulation. The testing of the algorithms in the reduced scale CIRGE benchmark grids at the University of Seville has started. With those algorithms the voltage can be effectively regulated using only the reactive power capability of the distributed resources despite the increase in their penetration in the distribution grid. So, the DSO can allow distributed resources up to the rated power of the DN transformers or feeders without any additional investments.

We have also developed the algorithms for the proper control of storage systems (ultracapacitors and batteries) so that they can perform power smoothing (actually limiting the rate of change of the active power) while being capable to restore their normal state of charge after a while. Thus, the volatility of the active power from renewable energy sources can be limited leading eventually to reduced requirements for conventional power reserves.

WP1 Leader: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
WP1 Contact: Charis Demoulias (chdimoul@auth.gr)

WP2 – Development of DRES/BESS Converter Functionalities for Dynamic and Transient Response

A new equivalent model has been developed to facilitate dynamic analysis of distribution networks that provide inertial and primary frequency response as Ancillary Services (AS) to the transmission system. Laboratory experiments have also been performed to validate methods developed to estimate inertial and primary frequency response capabilities of distribution networks.

WP2 Leader: Universidad de Sevilla
WP2 Contact: Juan Mauricio (jmmauricio@us.es)

WP3 – Protection Coordination

WP3 is close to finalizing the methodology for the reaction of distributed resources (DRES) during asymmetrical faults. With this methodology the DRES contribute with fault currents according to the fault location and enable the fault clearing with the legacy protection systems despite the DRES penetration. The methodology is applicable to radial medium voltage distribution networks.

WP3 Leader: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
WP3 Contact: Charis Demoulias (chdimoul@auth.gr)

WP4 – ICT infrastructure for ICAs & µGs

Deliverable D4.4 “Report and Implementation of Energy Management System” was submitted in February. The deliverable describes the different functions and components of an edge-based Energy Management System (EMS) that enables the communication between low-level power elements such as batteries or converters and the high-level EASY-RES ICT architecture. In D4.4, the Smart Grid Architectural Model (SGAM) is used during the design phase to extract the EMS requirements in the context of EASY-RES, which allows visualizing the components in a 3-dimensional cube with different interoperability viewpoints. The interoperability is then realized by adopting the Web of Things architecture to establish a platform-neutral environment to connect physical resources into a unified system. Finally, the Open-Source Energy Management System (OpenEMS) is used as a development basis. More specifically, the OpenEMS Edge is extended to include a few specific control algorithms proving the feasibility of using a battery energy storage system and converter-interfaced distributed renewable energy sources controlled by an EMS to provide ancillary services.

Work on a full-stack demonstrator and testbed network continues; Fenecon has now joined the network, connecting their OpenEMS system to provide live data from real systems for simulation, testing and integration with services being developed by the University of Passau and Lancaster University. Although currently only one node is continually active, further OpenEMS nodes are planned for inclusion in the near future. Deployment and management interfaces for continued development have now been made available to interested partners, and will continue to be updated as the testbed grows. Network instrumentation is in-progress, and will be going live with the next round of updates. Usefully, we now have methods for deploying both container-based software and native binaries in the same orchestration system; this gives us great freedom to explore and expand the testbed capabilities.

Uni Passau issued a local Press Release on EASY-RES approaches for a future grid.

WP4 Leader: Universität Passau
WP4 Contact: Hermann de Meer (hermann.deMeer@uni-passau.de)

WP5 – Cost analysis, new market opportunities & development of AS-based business models

In order to start with the development of business models, detailed cost-functions for the provision of AS are being defined throughout the project (T5.3). Based on these outcomes, quantified business models will be developed for each identified stakeholder or chain of stakeholders, and for each identified revenue stream (T5.5).  After reviewing the current market regulations (particularly the AS market), any obstacles for the introduction of the new AS will be identified, and appropriate modifications will be suggested in (T5.1).

Currently, the work in WP5 is focused on task T5.5, development of business models, as well as in the tasks that are still in progress, such as T5.1, suggestions for modification in the AS market regulatory framework, and T5.3, final report on the cost functions for the new AS.

WP5 Leader: Universidad de Sevilla
WP5 Contact: Jose Luis Martinez Ramos (jl.martinez.ramos@gmail.com)

WP6 – Validation & Evaluation

In the past several months, we have worked on validating controller functionalities in the system setting. The validation is performed in the laboratory of the University of Seville, by integrating three EASY-RES prototypes and their local and centralized controllers in the scaled down version of the real (CIGRE) distribution grids. The preliminary testing is going as planned and our controller shows satisfying performance. We are also making progress on the evaluation of project KPIs, which evaluate stability and reliability of the electricity grids with the EASY-RES controller. Finally, we have started forming the opinion on grid code modifications, which should advise regulatory changes in alignment with capabilities of the EASY-RES controller technology.

WP6 Leader: TU Delft
WP6 Contact: Milos Cvetkovic (m.cvetkovic@tudelft.nl)

WP7 – Dissemination & Exploitation

WP7 is now spearheaded by the newly welcomed beneficiary Bayern Innovativ due to the institutional takeover of Zentrum Digitalisierung.Bayern. Luckily, no staff turnovers occurred and the WP7 crew stays the same! The institutional takeover officially went into force by the beginning of this year and was granted by the EU simultaneously with the project extension.

We issued a Press Release on the extension of EASY-RES and the reseasons for it.

During the last weeks, WP7 intensively edited the 16 key results defined by the project consortium and eventually published them on the newly revamped Horizon Results Platform by the EU. The platform is publicly accessible and the go-to for European innovations. Definitely worth a look!

WP7 Leader: Bayern Innovativ
WP7 Contact: Andrea Deisenrieder, Maximilian Irlbeck (info@easyres-project.eu)

WP8 – Project Management & Coordination

A six-months extension was officially granted to EASY-RES – now ending on 31/12/2021.

The cluster of projects “Ancillary services in distribution networks” which is led by EASY-RES was updated with new projects joining it. A cluster meeting was held in April 2021 in which the attendees discussed measurement and quantification of Ancillary Services and the associated baseline scenarios.

EASY-RES together with fellow H2020 project Net2DG co-organized an online workshop on June 16. During the EU-level workshop, participants discussed “The potential of distributed energy data sources for DSOs and TSOs". You can spot the main takeaways from the workshop in our fantastic Graphic Recording.

WP8 Leader: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
WP8 Contact: Charis Demoulias (chdimoul@auth.gr)