AlteroSmartGrid
Powerful solution ensuring the MiniGrid distribution-connected operation for both electricity in-feed and output within a predefined power range.
Guarantees reliable connection between distributed energy resources (DER) and distribution grids.
MiniGrid is a self-balancing energy cell with various-type generation, consumption and storage.
The control system ensures automatic MiniGrid separation into balanced islands with the subsequent re-synchronization of fault-free ones. The separation is performed quicker than regular automatic emergency control operation in order to protect the generating equipment and preserve uninterrupted supply within fault-free sections of MiniGrid.
AlteroSmartGrid ensures
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Energy supply reliability increase for both distribution grid customers and MiniGrid customers through the implementation of two-way feed (local power plant and outer grid)
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Power plant reliability improvement through the stabilization of generation operation in case of connected operation, and frequency maintenance
Technical effects for DER owners
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Additional guaranteed energy supply - distribution grid
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Own back-up and frequency control costs drop
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Operations and maintenance costs decrease driven by steady generation operation (grid-connected)
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Faults localization and automatic restoration
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Circuit breakers lifetime increase due to the outer grid fault current in-feed trip
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Automatic generation-consumption balancing, including turning generating units on and off
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Installed generation capacity utilization factor improvement
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Fuel efficiency improvement due to CHP decreased fuel consumption for heating
Technical effects for Distribution System Operators
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Peak shaving
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Electricity losses drop due to DER utilization
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Power quality and supply reliability improvement through DER utilization
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Equipment lifetime increase driven by load leveling
Economical effects for DER owners
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Own back-up and frequency control costs drop
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CHP heat energy share increase, leading to fuel consumption optimization
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Power and capacity off-system sales income
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Ancillary services income (voltage control, demand response, etc.)
Economical effects for Distribution System Operators
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Electricity transport increase through connecting islanded MiniGrid customers
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SAIDI and SAIFI improvement
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Capability of connecting customers requiring two-way feed
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Opportunity to purchase electricity from DER to compensate for losses for a below-market price
ASG
AlteroSmartGrid was tested using electrodynamic simulators. One of the DSOs has approved the AlteroSmartGrid-empowered grid connection of a CHP providing energy supply for a 50-thousand-tenant residential cluster.