Use cases
UC2 MV & LV DC and AC/DC hybrid distribution grids
The rise of hybrid AC/DC grids requires advanced simulation tools to ensure reliable design under normal and fault conditions. Traditional radial power distribution networks face challenges due to increased use of power electronics and renewable energy sources, demanding innovative reconfiguration strategies.
Current tools lack the necessary features for accurate analysis, with no industry standards established. New planning tools for MV and LV hybrid grids must enhance efficiency, reliability, and reduce operational costs. The integration of MVDC converters is vital for managing higher energy demands and distributed energy resources, emphasizing the need for open-source simulation tools to drive innovation and collaboration within the scientific community.
This use case will address challenges in hybrid AC/DC grids through two scenarios: leveraging the HYPERRIDE project’s hybrid grid and the ASM distribution grid in Terni. UNIROMA and ASM will validate a PSA-ACDC tool for planning and management of hybrid distribution grids (P4) by analyzing power flows under normal and fault conditions, solving issues in the design and operation of hybrid MV and LV distribution grids with PV plants, EV charging stations, batteries, and mixed loads. The tool will enable detailed simulations of AC/DC networks under balanced and unbalanced conditions, enhancing system modeling and operation. P4 will also support predictive and adaptive grid expansion planning, incorporating resilience assessments and exploring multi-energy integration, such as green hydrogen generation and district heating, to maximize techno-economic benefits.
CIRCE, SCU and GDZ plan to design a new MVDC distribution network in Manisa, utilizing existing grid data.
This project involves comparing the design of a DC network with that of an AC network, as well as modelling it using a tool that enables the network’s digitalization and standardization. This initiative stems from the need to find an alternative to the traditional radial AC network topology, which faces challenges such as energy loss, harmonic distortions, voltage imbalances, and efficiency issues.
The goal is to address these challenges by implementing a robust and efficient MVDC system that offers improved performance metrics.