The Electra project

The specific aims and quantified impacts of the scientific and technological objectives (O) include:

O1: Framework for the radical transformation and modernisation of the distribution system in Cyprus, from a passive network (which includes only loads) to an active intelligent system which encompasses automated management of loads and generation from high PV shares. Key performance indicator (KPI) for assessment is the formulation of guidelines for modernising and digitalising cost-effectively the distribution grid (Target: Modernised distribution grid architecture guidelines and framework for intelligent distribution grid landscapes).
O2: Development of interoperable interfaces for smarter integrated operations. The development of communication flow interfaces based on Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) and Modbus, that encompass cost-effective IoT devices for sensing and cloud-based microservices for stream-processing, will facilitate the transition of energy flow monitoring towards interoperable cost-effective embedded technologies. A demonstration site will be also implemented at the UCY microgrid. KPI for assessment is the reduction of grid integration costs for technically enabling market access and aggregation for high performance services (Target: 1 demonstration site. Reduce integration costs of grid edge devices and services by at least 20%).
O3: Development and verification of novel operational-state estimation and forecasting algorithms and tools based on machine learning techniques to pursuit high PV shares within the distribution system. KPI for assessment is to improve distribution grid stability by providing real-time observability for early control action (Target: Tools for managing the variability and uncertainty of high shares of PV at distribution feeders by improving the stability by 20% and safeguarding reliability).
O4: Accurate PV production and load forecasting that enables grid control functionalities for PV systems at distribution feeders. Implementation of PV production forecasts with accuracy less than 5% root mean squared error (nRMSE) normalised to nameplate power for single plants for both day- and hour-ahead forecasts. The project work also scopes to forecast demand targeting <5% mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) on short-term horizon (Target: Day- and hour-ahead PV production and short-term load forecasting algorithms with accuracy <5% nRMSE and <5% MAPE, respectively).
O5: Integration and benchmarking of the developed algorithms, interfaces and tools as an advanced multi-service distribution management platform for real-time and predictive observability and automated control of distribution circuits with high PV shares (cloud-based platform) that can safeguard the large scale deployment of PV and increase the competitiveness of the technology (both technical and economical). The end-solution will be developed using open-source software tools and will thus be transferable and scalable. Indicatively, an achieved high target of 30% of Cyprus’ total electricity supply from RES corresponds to 1,800 GWhrs reduction of electricity from fossil fuels which is equivalent to a reduction of 1,350,000 CO2 ton per year (Target: Enable up to 30% more PV contribution demonstrated at typical real-life feeders with the innovative functionalities of the end-solution).

List of milestones

MS1.1

Reporting to RPF

Due (Months): M6, M12, M18, M24, M30, M36

MS1.2

Quality Management Plan

Due (Months): M1

MS1.3

Risk Management Plan

Due (Months): M2

MS2.1

Dissemination and Communication Plan

Due (Months): M2

MS2.2

Dissemination activities

Due (Months): M36

MS3.1

Formulation of guidelines for state estimation and distribution automation

Due (Months): M6

MS3.2

Implementation of experimental test-setup pilot infrastructure and demonstration site

Due (Months): M9

MS3.3

Unified digitalised active distribution grid architecture

Due (Months): M9

MS4.1

Development of novel interoperable energy flow management interfaces for digitalised distribution grid architectures

Due (Months): M17

MS4.2

Implementation and verification of grid interoperability demonstration test-bench infrastructure

Due (Months): M20

MS5.1

Development of accurate DA and HA PV production and short-term load forecasting models

Due (Months): M18

MS5.2

Development and verification of operation-state estimation and forecasting tool

Due (Months): M26

MS6.1

Implementation and operational verification of advanced multi-service distribution management platform

Due (Months): M32

MS7.1

Business plan for the Exploitation and Commercialization of the solution

Due (Months): M34

MS8.1

Policy, Regulation, Standardisation recommendations