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Success in smart grid project demo

Posted: 05-12-2024

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  • Research
  • Walton News

The team behind the SGC-CyPhySandbox project welcomed a significant milestone as they edge closer to strengthening Ireland’s energy future.

Ireland’s energy sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by the surge in renewable energy sources and ambitious climate action goals set by policymakers. Initiatives such as the Climate Action Plan and Net Zero Roadmap aim to drastically cut emissions, but achieving these ambitious targets requires innovative solutions to overcome critical challenges. Most notably, ensuring that the energy grid remains stable and seamlessly integrates Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) like wind and solar. 

Enter the SGC-CyPhySandbox project – a cutting-edge initiative funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and spearheaded by University College Dublin (UCD), NovoGrid, and Walton Institute in South East Technological University (SETU). This project is addressing the complex interoperability issues that arise as more DERs are connected to the energy grid. Through a unique test platform combining grid modelling, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations, and advanced communication technologies, the project is paving the way for a smarter, more flexible energy system. 

A milestone demo test for the SGC Gateway device 

One of the key developments in the project is the SGC Gateway device, an innovative tool designed by the team in Walton Institute, to simplify the integration of smart grid devices such as inverters and EV chargers. The device tackles a common pain point: the lack of standardisation in communication protocols and data formats across different vendors and models. By translating device communications to and from the IEEE 2030.5 standard, the gateway ensures that DERs can connect safely and efficiently to the grid. 

Recently, the SGC Gateway device demonstrated its potential in a successful milestone test conducted in UCD’s advanced HIL laboratory. The device was connected to a Fronius Primo smart inverter over TCP/IP, showcasing its ability to: 

  1. Capture and graph real-time telemetry from the inverter, such as voltage and current measurements. 
  1. Send power curtailment commands, validated through the SGC Cloud Platform, and actuate them seamlessly on the inverter. 

These achievements highlight the gateway’s capacity to bridge communication gaps, enabling enhanced control and visibility for system operators and asset owners alike. 

Image: The SGC Gateway device

The technologies driving success 

The SGC Gateway device combines hardware and software innovation to deliver enhanced interoperability. 

  • Hardware: Built on low-cost computing hardware, the gateway runs lightweight, containerised software provisioned by the SGC Cloud Platform. 
  • Software: Dynamic cloud-based configurations allow it to adapt to a wide range of devices without requiring on-site adjustments. 
  • Cloud Integration: A robust platform, hosted on Microsoft Azure, facilitates bi-directional communication, real-time monitoring, and secure deployment. 

Why this matters: The bigger picture 

The successful demo is a pivotal step in validating the SGC Gateway device as a cornerstone technology for the evolving energy grid. Here’s how it benefits stakeholders. 

  • Grid Stability: By enabling real-time communication and coordination, the gateway mitigates risks of imbalances caused by the intermittent nature of renewables. 
  • Scalability: The gateway supports the seamless addition of DERs, promoting a more adaptive and decentralised energy network. 
  • Cost Efficiency: Leveraging edge computing lowers barriers to renewable technology adoption, making sustainable energy more accessible for providers and consumers alike. 

Ultimately, the SGC-ChPhySandbox project is a catalyst for Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon energy future. By fostering innovation and addressing key technical challenges, it directly contributes to the country’s climate goals. 

What’s next? 

With the first phase of testing complete, the project is now focused on enhancing the gateway’s capabilities. The next milestone: enabling advanced features like Volt Var Curve (VVC) operation at the edge, further boosting its utility for managing the grid of tomorrow.