GRIDCELL: Sustainable Future with Smart Grid Management
Last Updated: 21/07/2023 08:41 Created at: 21/07/2023 06:29
Final Presentation of NAVISP Project EL2 084 now available:
On Monday, July 17th, 2023, Fundamentals, SMPNet, Chronos Technology and The University of Strathclyde’s Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) presented the results of the NAVISP EL2 084 project "GridCell". Over 20 people from industry and research institutes followed the interesting presentation and the subsequent interactive Q&A session.
In an era of rapidly increasing renewable energy integration into power distribution systems, the need for innovative and sustainable grid management solutions has become paramount. A previous project, NAVISP-EL2-012 ENERSYN, showcased the significance of accurate time-synchronized sensor systems in supporting groundbreaking applications in the power distribution industry. Building upon this success, Powerline (UK) developed in this project: GridCell, a revolutionary and sustainable grid technology that combines five essential elements – precise timing reference, smart contracts, power sensors, network controller, and AI-based resource scheduling. In the pursuit of a greener and more sustainable energy future, GridCell not only addresses escalating demands and challenges in modern power grid management but also navigates the scalability issues of the Net Zero Grid era while contributing to enhanced resiliency at both national and local levels, unlocking new possibilities for efficient and reliable grid management.
GridCell includes the Smart Power Cell (SPC) concept, a cutting-edge system seamlessly integrating local load, storage, and power generation assets. With the ability to operate both connected to the grid and autonomously during grid failures, the SPC would ensure uninterrupted power supply to local consumers. Noteworthy features include automated resynchronization tools, distributed smart contracts for efficient management of commercial relationships, and adaptive optimization with real-time control tools, promising enhanced performance. The SPC's precise and resilient timing system plays a pivotal role in grid synchronizations and transaction timestamping, making it an attractive proposition for the energy industry. The GridCell system comprises essential elements like the Local Timing Master (LTM), providing accurate timing and distribution options within the Cell, the GridCell Management and Inference System (GMIS) as the central supervisory platform with Smart Contract and PRS algorithm software, the Smart Network Controller (SNC) ensuring stable power exchanges, and the Chameleon Power Sensor (CPS) detecting operational events and ensuring contract compliance.
GridCell's research on decentralized 'trading microgrids' has shed light on the potential transformation of energy grid organization, presenting exciting opportunities in peer-to-peer trading and local multi-vector energy grids. However, the path forward is riddled with challenges, including ensuring reliability, resilience, grid stability, and navigating industry governance structures and legal issues. The next step following the project involves bridging the gap between regulation and commercial implementation, with trials planned in Scotland to demonstrate Peer-to-Peer (P2P) trading. The pioneering research undertaken in the GridCell project on decentralized 'trading microgrids,' coupled with the active involvement of the consortia in key industry initiatives, are allowing the Gridcell project to make a significant contribution to shaping a sustainable and decentralized future for energy distribution.
The project was part of NAVISP Element 2, which aims to maintain and improve the capabilities and competitiveness of the participating States' industry in the global market for satellite navigation and, more broadly, PNT technologies and services.
More detailed information can be found in the slides of the Final Presentation