Abstract:
The European project THEUS aims to develop advanced methodologies and tools to support the implementation of hybrid AC/DC networks at all voltage levels. The consortium will develop six planning solutions and six operation solutions, each addressing different aspects of DC and hybrid Alternating Current / Direct Current (AC/DC) grids. These solutions will be validated using data from real grids and test benches. This paper focuses on the activities conducted by the Italian partners: (i) data collection, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) definition and simulation models gathering; (ii) development, led by Sapienza University of Rome, of a power system analysis tool for planning and managing unbalanced Medium Voltage (MV) and Low Voltage (LV) hybrid distribution grids; (iii) development, led by RSE, of methodologies and tools to support transnational AC/DC hybrid transmission system planning, considering reliability and resilience, and to assess the impacts of MVDC (Medium Voltage Direct Current) links into existing distribution grids; (iv) definition, led by ABB, of functional requirements for advanced topologies of MVDC breakers. The hybrid AC/DC grid at ASM Terni and the ABB High Power Lab will serve as test benches for some of the proposed solutions. Finally, the initial results of the project concerning regulatory aspects, standardization, and barriers to hybrid grid deployment will be discussed.
Read the full paper here.
