NETWORK SERVICES

To ensure that the solutions under development by the Cervera network group are suitably hybridised and that their results are transferred effectively, the consortium will be launching the ENERISLA Demonstrator.

As shown in the diagram, the ENERISLA Demonstrator will feature two fully autonomous microgrids owned by TECNALIA and CIRCE with the potential to be linked together by means of advanced communication protocols.

Technological services offered by each centre

TECNALIA’s microgrid is a platform to demonstrate and evaluate the results of R&D&I activities involving new grid control systems and topologies, as well as integrating renewable energy sources, storage systems, EVs and loads that can be managed in smart electric grids. It also renders the following services for businesses in the sector:

  • Developing, optimising and testing operation algorithms for autonomous microgrids and grids.

  • Assessing and validating DER (Distributed Energy Resources) technology in terms of its connection to, integration in and impact on the electric grid.

  • Analysing inverters connected to the grid, islanding and potential contribution to grid stability.

  • Characterising and testing AC/AC and DC/AC converters, active filters, STATCOMs, energy storage systems, etc.

  • Implementing algorithms to make DC sources behave like renewable resources.

  • Emulating cyberattacks, assessing how different equipment (IEDs, RTUs, SCUs…) and information systems (SCADAs) respond to cyberattacks, testing cyberattack detection tools, etc.

  • Conducting individual compliance tests on smart meters and assessing smart meter systems in different grid layouts (various line types and lengths, topologies, loads, noise and attenuation).

CIRCE’s microgrid is an isolated microgrid based on the RTDS simulator. Its processors provide detailed modelling of the electric grid environment where the tested device (protection, controller, IED) would be installed, enabling real-time simulation of any potential uses or grid contingencies, including transitory electromagnetic problems.

The PHIL (Power Hardware in the Loop) concept involves connecting the RTDS to the tested element through a power (amplifier) interface. This means that the system connected to the power amplifier interacts with the grid that is being modelled in the RTDS and exchanges power with the simulator as if it were part of a real electric grid.

CIRCE offers the following services:

  • Grid quality – Electrical tests and calibrations.

  • Standardisation and validation of electric grid equipment.

  • Tests using RTDS (Real-Time Digital Simulator) – Lab tests – Real-time HIL (Hardware in the Loop) tests.

  • Power electronics lab – Integration of renewables and electric vehicles.

The lines of work pursued by the CTIC have focussed mainly on implementing real-time energy monitoring and management systems using big data technology.

Their work currently also involves making monitoring systems smart thanks to machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques, which help to interpret, predict and act intelligently and automatically, as well as ensuring security in energy transactions and in the information stored and transmitted by these systems using innovative technology such as blockchain.

The technological services that the CTIC contributes to the Cervera network are:

  • Interconnecting isolated IoT systems to leverage the value of their data flows. Using the W3C WoT helps to lessen the impact of data silos.

  • Quickly developing applications in IoT systems to capture, process and analyse data flows and persistence in real time.

  • Integrating blockchain according to best praCTICe concerning the command of data flows in IoT systems. This makes for greater traceability, visibility and third-party trust in the platform.

  • Rendering services for businesses and public institutions to conceptualise blockchain solutions, implement associated infrastructures and develop smart contracts and user apps to enhance existing services and open new business lines.

Being a centre that specialises in storage systems, CIDETEC Energy Storage offers various types of services concerning the batteries used in all of this equipment, both for clients and for research projects or publicly funded projects.

All tests are carried out in compliance with applicable standards, unless expressly requested otherwise by the client or according to the specific needs of the project.

The services offered by CIDETEC Energy Storage can be classed in four categories:

  • Technological services based on Li-ion pouch cell prototyping, and designing and manufacturing high-density “post-Li-ion” cells and high-tech “beyond-Li-ion” cells.

  • Characterisation and testing services on pouch cells, modules, battery packs, etc.

  • Engineering services, such as designing and developing HW and SW components, and system engineering services.

  • Cell modelling services concerning a variety of technology, such as multi-physical modelling to analyse behaviour, degradation and life-cycle estimation, empirical modelling to analyse electro-thermal behaviour, etc.