Experts at a Waterford research and innovation hub have won significant European Commission funding for projects which aim to provide cutting-edge global solutions for the future electricity grid.
Researchers at the Telecommunications, Software and Systems Group (TSSG) at Waterford Institute of Technology are carrying out detailed studies into grid control, grid automation and future power systems.
The work is being tested and validated in Ireland by the multi-skilled Irish team using pan-European, real time simulation infrastructure with ESB Networks, project leader Miguel Ponce de Leon explained.
"TSSG is looking at the impact of having such a large number of voltage measurement points in converters at electric generation and storage units in distribution grid network.
"We’re also evaluating how software applications, that run over new 5G networks, can provide the necessary performance to ensure a cost-effective solution to allow for scalability, ultra-low latency and very large capacity as well as network slicing and prioritised message transport.
"Our tried and tested solutions will be capable of supporting huge numbers of low-cost and low-energy communications devices, lasting for up to ten years without on-site maintenance while also reducing the need for wireline connections, thus eliminating the need to dig if something does go wrong."
ESB Networks Jonathan Sandham said: "Our grid needs to be future proofed and we’re very fortunate to be working with a multi-skilled, hands-on team at the TSSG to test and validate as we go. Work like this requires a huge amount of coordination and cooperation as well as a deep knowledge of the electricity and software industry and the challenges ahead. We’ve already made significant progress in securing electricity supply for generations to come."
TSSG is also providing software services to allow energy suppliers to have real-time insights into the operation of their energy network.
