The digitization of the Energy Transition is equally driven by legal requirements and new technologies. PSI supports customers in achieving the greatest possible optimization by using analysis and AI methods. For example, our current products already include special functions for optimized infeed of renewable energy and for the integration of charging stations. New business models can also be developed on this basis, such as control of energy purchases of large consumers.
The integration of decentralised generation plants (DEA) creates new feed-in points in the distribution grid level, which can cause back-feeding into the superordinate grid level. As a result, network topology changes are already necessary several times a day.If in the course of this uncontrollable conditions for the existing protection concept are detected, immediate action must be taken and the DEA must be disconnected.
The aim of the VeN2uS research project is to develop and implement an adaptive and networked grid protection system that adapts the protection parameters in the event of power flow shifts and topology changes and ensures safe operation. To this end, an adaptive grid protection algorithm is first developed and verified. In parallel, resilient and reliable communication and protection test concepts are developed. Subsequently, the development paths are merged and the adaptive and networked network protection system is verified by demonstration in the laboratory and (for the first time in Germany) also in field tests. This ensures that real challenges of commissioning and grid management are addressed.
The results from simulation and practice will then be used to quantify the added value of the developed grid protection system compared to conventional inventory protection. Finally, the entirety of the knowledge gained within the framework of the research project will be translated into recommendations for action.
The aim of PSI is in particular the integration of the adaptive grid protection into the control room and the inclusion of the system managers. For this purpose, an integration of the networked adaptive protection into the control room environment will be implemented and tested in a field trial. This will provide important information about the application from the point of view of the operational management and allow the application of adaptive grid protection to be checked for plausibility.
Source: enArgus
Together with six partners we participate in the research project IDiNA which is coordinated by the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. PSI will develop a validation platform for novel digitization applications in network operations and test it as a cloud-based solution. This will enable research partners to validate their new research results with real data such as historical measured values and network states. PSI intends to develop and implement new Function-as-a-Service (FaaS) business models for PSI's customers and partners.
The research project "Intelligent Digitalization of Energy Supply to Optimize Grid Operations and Increase Acceptance (IDiNA)", launched on March 1, 2021 and funded by the 7th Energy Research Program of the BMWi, will promote the provision of information by end customers with the development of new business models. This is of great importance for the digitalization of the energy system and thus of the power supply as a critical infrastructure.
For the first time, IDiNA focuses on the concrete value of information, which is based on the creation of benefits in existing and future processes of grid management, energy markets or in a change in consumer behavior of private individuals and companies.
The consortium consists of PSI Software AG, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (project coordinator), Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, the research institution OFFIS e. V. as well as Stadtwerke Wunsiedel GmbH, Stadtwerk Hassfurt GmbH and Es-geht! Energiesysteme GmbH. IDiNA is funded under the funding code 03EI4024 in the 7th energy research program of the BMWi with approx. 2.4 million euros.
Further information, including the research shares of the collaborative partners, can be found on enArgus, the Internet portal of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy, which provides information on current and completed research projects related to energy research.
For further information please visit the website of the project coordinator "Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg".
In order to be able to exploit the potential of the distribution networks for a successful energy turnaround, network transparency must be a prerequisite. A complete expansion of sensor technology is challenging and completely contradicts the idea of economic efficiency. Estimating the state of the grid, taking individual measured values into account, therefore replaces a comprehensive sensor system. In this context, state estimation with artificial neural networks (neural state estimation) has proven to be a technology with high potential.
Since the training of an artificial neural network only generalizes for the states of a specific network model, the project TRANSENSE aims at the investigation of a transferable state estimation.
For this purpose, methodical transfer learning is applied to neural state estimation. Transfer learning is not only an integral part of Transitive Neural State Estimation, but is also trained with an innovative method: If a model of the system is available ' e.g. as a digital twin in operation ', then the training algorithm monitors the statistical distribution of the patterns and requests from the simulator those that are most likely to lead to an optimal training result. The results are validated in a validation platform close to the control system with realistic models.
In order to ensure rapid practical application, the project is accompanied by an analysis of possible innovations through transfer learning in energy networks. The focus of the PSI sub-project is on the development and testing of a state estimation validation environment for the assessment of Transitive Neural State Estimation. In addition, PSI is carrying out an analysis of further areas of application for transfer learning in the area of innovative network monitoring functionalities and, based on initial feasibility studies, is identifying future research needs.
Source: enArgus
The climate objectives of the government require additional network expansion as well as integration of innova-tive concepts in the process management of the electrical power grids. The project flexQgrid significantly contri-butes to this objective by focusing on process management concepts for using flexibility potentials. The objecti-ves are the realization of flexibility use in the distribution grid as well as providing flexibility for upstream volta-ge levels which are addressed by the points "Power grids" and "Technology-based system analysis" of the 7th energy research program.
As consortium partner, PSI Software AG is responsible for the concept design and prototype development of de-centralized semi-autonomous network control for online operations as well as its integration in an actual control system environment. The quota-based network traffic light concept is also integrated in the control system en-vironment. The practicability of both expansions are examined and assessed by a traffic light system. In this re-search, the appropriate user, operation, and visualization concepts are designed, tested, and assessed in coopera-tion with partners and in particular their control system staff. In addition, we support the concept work for cent-ral aggregation and demand concepts for flexibility potentials from the perspective of a control system manu-facturer. The developed solutions are tested in a comprehensive field test at Netze BW.
PSI GridConnect GmbH has already developed a new kind of hybrid network controller (PSIngo) for multiple voltage levels which enables the integration of partially autonomous and decentralized network management into the network ope-rations management in control centers. As part of flexQgrid, this network controller is integrated in the quota-based network traffic light concept and intervenes during the red light phase when the operating limits of the grid are exceeded.
The largely automated control requires specific understanding of the system which is obtained from topology and measurement data. PSI develops AI-based algorithms which can generate a sufficiently accurate network model even with erroneous network data in order to ensure correct functionality of the system. Modern AI pro-cedures are also used for controlling systems and performing various decentralized functions in case of compo-nent failures in order to provide a resilient architecture as well as maximum system availability and supply security.
The network traffic light concept is discussed as an option to manage the volatility in the distribution grid. It al-lows to use flexibility for trading on downstream network levels based on the current system state with and wit-hout limitations as well as for system services by the network operator. The objective of flexQgrid is the in-tegratíon of the network traffic light concept in the existing control system architecture for use in the operational process management. The benefits for network operators include acquisition and processing of additional in-formation and provision of operating alternatives by visualization of the previously mentioned flexibility opti-ons and an information and operating concept designed for the network traffic light concept.
In particular in low and medium voltage networks, the number of decentralized generators and controllable loads is increasing. These are not managed by a fixed schedule but are subject to a variety of external in-fluences. Depending on the network situation, this results in operational alternatives for using active and reactive power reserves. This requires information about the underlying aggregate flexibility in the network. The objective of PSI as part of the flexQgrid consortium is to support the development and assessment of a method for aggre-gation of active and reactive power flexibility at a connection point to the upstream network level. In order to use the aggregated flexibility for operational purposes in the network, a demand concept is designed for distribu-ting the flexibility requirement of the upstream network level to individual generators.
Additional information about project details, field tests, and publications are available on the project homepage.
The project HONOR is the first project to develop and test a holistic concept for integration of a supra-regional flexible market mechanism which includes energy sources from a variety of sectors. The objective is to develop a market mechanism for trading with decentralized flexibility which is based on analysis of the current and forecast network states. Aggregation and demand concepts allow using already available flexibility options and are made available to the network management with yet to be developed operating and visualization concepts. In addition, modules for network state monitoring based on network data and measurements as well as for cybersecurity assessments are included. In order to develop a user-focused solution, European interest groups are included in the development. To complement the theoretic assessment of its economy and risk, a demonstration for testing the flexible demand management and for assessing the cybersecurity, the online monitoring, and the detection algorithms are performed in the control system environment.
PSI is tasked with the concept and prototype development of algorithms for central flexibility aggregation and assessment and with creating a plant-based demand concept which will be embedded in an online and realtime-capable flexibility market. In the lab demonstration, the prototypes will be integrated in a control system en-vironment based on the control system PSIcontrol and the assistance system PSIsaso for forecast calculation. In order to examine and assess the practical capabilities under realistic conditions, the decentralized flexible equipment of the Technical University of Denmark are connected via telecontrol to the control system en-vironment in the lab of the Technical University Dortmund.
The flexibility trading requires additional network connectivity via ICT connections between ge-nerators and consumers. This provides additional attack surfaces to attackers. In order to ensure secure operation and trading without manipulations, PSI provides cybersecurity support for this system to Kungliga Tekniska högskolan and Foreseeti AB. The research department of PSI sup-ports the partners with the modeling of attack scenarios and the optimal use and combination of available state information for monitoring and detection of attacks and anomalies as well as with a holistic concept for system monitoring.
Additional information about this EU-supported research project under Grant Agreement No. 811171 are available here.
Since July 2019, the H2020 project EnergyShield has been funded by the EU as Grant Agreement No. 832907. EnergyShield addresses the cybersecurity requirements of electricity and energy system operators (EPES) and develops a software solution for defense against cyber attacks using a combination of latest technologies for vulnerability analysis and assessment as well as online monitoring of process and office networks. PSI is responsible for designing and ensuring the maximum customer benefit by using a methodology specifically for EU-funded integration projects. The results of the project will be integrated in the cybersecurity portfolio of PSI.
EnergyShield implements five cybersecurity tools in three modules:
The project consortium leaders are SIVECO Romania SA as coordinator and PSI Software AG. In addition to the 7.5 million Euro funding over three years by the European Commission, the project is also supported by se-ven innovative small and medium sized companies, three research institutions, and seven end users.
More information is available on the project homepage
The project ZellNetz2050 develops a holistic concept for the architecture and operation of an energy system for Germany which is based on hierarchical cellular structures. The primary ob-jective of the project is an economic and sustainable solution which enables evolution of the energy system (district heating, electricity, gas) based on the European framework conditions.
The key project contribution of PSI is the central nervous system for the cellular approach in form of an intelligent cellular automation system. It consists of self-organizing "cell managers" which enable autonomous operation of the various cell types and intelligently connect the inter-cellular components. For more information about the project objectives and progress as well as the cellular approach, see the Landingpage of RPTU "Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität".
The project SpiN-AI develops and tests innovative and practice-oriented procedures and (software) modules for network planning and peak shaving. In the first step, the expected reduction effects of this procedure on the otherwise needed network expansion are determined and assessed. Multiple voltage level planning tasks and network expansion requirements of the medium and high voltage grids are analyzed as part of this process.
This includes the definition and design of the interfaces which are needed between the developed modules and the network control system to support network planning and peak shaving in realtime operations.
The project description is also available in the project overview of Frauenhofer Institute
Please be aware: if you will change the language on the linked side, you will get information on a totally other development project - SpiN-AI is only presented in german language
One of the present and future challenges is to utilize and expand the network reliably and efficiently. This requi-res holistic analysis of the entire energy cycle in electricity, gas, and heating district networks. At this time, the energy industry is not yet fully equipped for this task. Monitoring and data exchange across networks are not yet fully available. The joint project MathEnergy is designed to address this issue.
The project develops the model reduction and estimation of uncertainties for changing energy networks with focus on electricity and gas as well as the design of cross-network efficient simulation and analysis models and model-based concepts for monitoring, control, analysis, and data exchange.
More information is available on the project homepage.
The objective of the project IDEAL (impedance controller and distributed congestion management for auto-nomous power flow coordination, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy) is the deve-lopment of a responsive congestion management system for high and medium voltage networks.
This project researches and tests the required communication and interaction between agents, impedance controllers, control centers, and distributed flexibility requirements on the basis of new networking concepts. The developed system will be tested and evaluated in field tests. The project schedule has been extended to December 2020.
The project netzDatenStrom examines the options for making the large volume of state data, which are generated during the operations of electrical grids, available for analysis outside the control center.
The focus of PSI is on the optimization of grid operations. To accomplish this objective, we will use interfaces and definable data flow processes to integrate big data solutions and applications into the control system environment in order to make the network state information available for process management and planning.
more information is available on the openKONSEQUENZ landing page.
The objective of the project LINDA was to check to what degree electricity can be restored locally by using only renewable energies in case of outages. The first field tests have been successfully completed. The project com-plements the existing national-level strategies of transmission system operators to ensure supply in case of an outage.
In November 2018, the Bayrischer Energiepreis was awarded for this project, followed by "ISGAN Award of Excellence – Honorable Mention“ in June 2019.
Additional information is available in this clip which our customer Lechwerke AG has posted for you on YouTube.
The objective of the project BERCOM is the reduction of the outage risk of energy infrastruc-tures. This is achieved by setting up an additional and secure communication infrastructure. It is based on a mobile phone network which is dedicated to operators of critical infrastructures and which is integrated in the existing communication infrastructure. This enables secure system ser-vices such as central control of decentralized energy generation plants like wind parks or solar parks. At the same time, system states can be better reconstructed in case of faults. The so-called two-factor authentication for control commands prevents unauthorized interventions in the ener-gy infrastructure. (Source: BMBF)
Two key questions were the focus of the project NETZ:KRAFT:
The project NETZ:KRAFT has shown options for actively using EEA in the network restora-tion process and for supplying islands, and realized these in training simulators and lab demo systems.
For additional information about this project, see the final report of the project coordinator of the Frauenhofer Institut für Energiewirtschaft und Energiesystemtechnik.
Seven German municipal utilities - Aachen, Allgäu, Duisburg, Leipzig, Osnabrück, Sylt, and Trier - have founded the "econnect Germany" research association. From 2012 to 2016, econnect Germany researched with partners from industry and research at seven locations in Germany.
As part of a federal research project, econnect field tests started on September 26, 2014. Ten residential custo-mers of STAWAG each received an electric vehicle for use in their daily lives.
The loads generated by the charging stations and the electric vehicles are sent to the STAWAG control system via an open interface which in combination with additional master data enables monitoring and control by the control system. For this purpose, the data entry of the PSIcontrol system has been expanded and the appropria-te monitoring functions have been realized.
The project econnect Germany is part of the research program ICT for Electric Mobility II and was named as the lighthouse project for electric mobility by the federal government in 2012. The research has been funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and managed by the German Aerospace Center as the project coordinator.
The info clip provides an overview of the project activities which has been uploaded to YouTube by our customer STAWAG.
To reduce costly preventive measures, existing system capacities should be more efficiently utilized in normal system state. In consequence, quick and relieving measures are needed in times of disturbances because of the higher loading of the lines. This approach of so called curative measures is more and more discussed. To manage the proper ratio of preventive and curative measures according to system security requirements, optimization tools are needed. Furthermore, a decision support has to be provided for system operators to handle system security in an increasingly complex system. In the joint research project “InnoSys 2030”, PSI Software AG in cooperation with TenneT TSO GmbH, develop a “Preventive and Curative Congestion Management” (PCCM) module, which combines preventive and curative measures for congestion management considering an improved utilization of existing system capacities. This paper describes the concept of PCCM’s calculation cycles, its visualization concepts and the planned operation in thecontrol center environment of TenneT.
Get more information on the project website www.innosys2030.de
The focus of the research project infostrom is the technical support of inter-organizational cooperation and sys-tem restoration in case of electricity outages. All technologies, concepts, and methods for improving the inter-organizational communication, information, and coordination processes have been developed and analyzed in cooperation with the University of Siegen, Fraunhofer FIT, PSI, RWE, SAP Research, and the counties Rhein-Erft and Siegen-Wittgenstein.
The final report including the contribution of PSI is available on the website of the Federal Office of Civil Protec-tion and Disaster Assistance.
Dr. Tobias Pletzer
Department Manager Research & Development
+49 231 22966-212
+49 174 1504087
tpletzer@psi.de