“TECNALIA advises companies in the electricity sector at the ASEME information session”
TECNALIA provides digital solutions for controlling voltage and resolving congestion in low-voltage networks
We develop and provide the sector with a set of digital technological solutions geared towards planning, analysing and operating low-voltage networks. First, we outline the context and issues associated with controlling voltage and congestion in low-voltage networks, and explain how TECNALIA helps to mitigate these challenges.
These tools make it possible to move towards the safer, more efficient real-time management of distribution networks, while also incorporating mechanisms for managing demand that make it easier to implement flexibility.
Technological solutions proposed by TECNALIA
- High-fidelity network models: the development of complete, detailed low-voltage models that make it possible to validate new technological solutions in scenarios involving prosumers, uncertainty regarding measurements, and errors in inventories or topologies.
- LV monitoring algorithms: implementation of machine learning models capable of predicting the state of the network and detecting voltage events or congestion even when the data is incomplete, noisy or uncertain.
- Voltage event predictor: a tool that estimates the likelihood of power surges or power drops at each supply point, using historical consumption data and event logs from smart meters.
- Overload predictor for substations: a system that predicts the thermal state of the transformer, the hotspot temperature and the degradation of insulation through predictions linked to load and temperature, facilitating maintenance and operational decisions
- Multi-objective OPF algorithms: optimisation methods that manage and dispatch energy resources while minimising losses, stabilising voltage and reducing operating costs, and also integrating future uncertainty regarding consumption and generation.
- Communications and virtualisation: collaborative communication architectures complementing existing wired PLC networks with private B5G/6G-IoT networks. Analysis of edge cloud architectures, based on criteria such as latency, efficiency and scalability, for deploying solutions in low-voltage systems.
What do we gain from these digital solutions?
- Early warning of unwanted network events, increased available capacity, and the ability to delay investment in network upgrades, thereby optimising the use of existing infrastructure.
- They also make it possible to increase flexibility at the lowest possible cost, improve the quality of supply and encourage more active participation from prosumers.
- This will all contribute to a better local integration of renewable energy and provide distribution companies with solid support for operational and strategic decision-making.