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.

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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

• 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)

• Power plant reliability improvement through the stabilization of generation operation in case of connected operation, and frequency maintenance

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Technical effects for DER owners

• Additional guaranteed energy supply - distribution grid

• Own back-up and frequency control costs drop

• Operations and maintenance costs decrease driven by steady generation operation (grid-connected)

• Faults localization and automatic restoration

• Circuit breakers lifetime increase due to the outer grid fault current in-feed trip

• Automatic generation-consumption balancing, including turning generating units on and off

• Installed generation capacity utilization factor improvement

• Fuel efficiency improvement due to CHP decreased fuel consumption for heating

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Technical effects for Distribution System Operators

• Peak shaving

• Electricity losses drop due to DER utilization

• Power quality and supply reliability improvement through DER utilization

• Equipment lifetime increase driven by load leveling

 

Economical effects for DER owners

• Own back-up and frequency control costs drop

• CHP heat energy share increase, leading to fuel consumption optimization

• Power and capacity off-system sales income

• Ancillary services income (voltage control, demand response, etc.)

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Economical effects for Distribution System Operators

• Electricity transport increase through connecting islanded MiniGrid customers

• SAIDI and SAIFI improvement

• Capability of connecting customers requiring two-way feed

• Opportunity to purchase electricity from DER to compensate for losses for a below-market price