IMPRESSUM
FORSCHUNGSFORUM provides information about selected projects within the BMVIT program “Nachhaltig Wirtschaften”. Owner, publisher and responsible for content: Austrian Federal Ministry forTransport, Innovation and Technology; Department for Energy and Environmental Technologies; head ofdepartment: Dipl.Ing. M. Paula; Renngasse 5, 1010 Wien. Photographs and diagrams: illwerke VKW, VLOTTEEdited by: Mag. Stefanie Waldhör, Projektfabrik Waldhör KG, Am Hof 13/7, 1010 Wien; Dr. Kurt Schauer, Wallner & Schauer GmbH, Elisabethstraße 50, 8010 Graz.Printed by: AV+Astoria Druckzentrum GmbH, Faradaygasse 6, 1030 Wien.
P.b.b. Erscheinungsort Wien, Verlagspostamt A-1010 Wien.
http://wwwFORSCHUNGSFORUM online:www.NachhaltigWirtschaften.at
in German and English
FI
GU
RE
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/
DA
TA
/
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AC
TS
FORSCHUNGSFORUM is published at least four times a yearand is available for free on this website.
VEHICLE TO GRID – ELECTRO MOBILITY MODELTRIAL IN THE VORARLBERG RHINE VALLEY
FORSCHUNGSFORUM1/2012
■ A further keystone of Vorarlberg'slong-term energy strategy is electromo-bility. Energy self-sufficiency scenariosinvolve a complete transition to electricpower trains by 2050, at least as far asprivate transport is concerned. Themass-market introduction of electro-mobility will have a great impact onthe operation of the distribution grid;bidirectional load and energy manage-ment will play an important role in thisarea, too, in future.
Since 2008 the province of Vorarlberghas been conducting one of Europe'sbiggest electromobility tests, the pro-ject VLOTTE, in which 357 electric carsrunning on electricity from renewableenergy sources have already travelled2.5 million kilometres.
As part of the project Continental's“AutoLinQ™ for Electric Vehicles” system is being tested as a strategy forintelligent energy management on the
road. The focus is on data transmissionbetween vehicles and the grid (Vehicle-toGrid).
Currently smart approaches to recharg-ing vehicle accumulators are beingtested, in order to avoid uncoordinatedsimultaneous recharging of a largenumber of vehicles (e.g. in the evening)in future. The focus of interest is onhow the grid operator can influencerecharging.
The “AutoLinQ™ for Electric Vehicles”system consists of a communicationsbox built into the vehicle, maintaininga constant mobile data connection withthe “Gateway and Service DeliveryPlatform”, which provides a connectionto the electricity provider's energymanagement systems. The new systemallows “Smart Charging” via ordinarypower plugs. This means that the gridoperator receives information aboutplugged-in vehicles' state of chargeand energy requirements, and cancontrol recharging depending on thecurrent availability of electricity fromwind power or solar energy.
In the summer of 2011 VLOTTE's first 20 electric vehicles were equipped withthe new system in Bregenz. During a 2-year test phase the system's function-ality in load management is to betested on the road and experience withdelaying recharging is to be gathered.
S M A R T G R I D S O L U T I O N S I N V O R A R L B E R G
CONTACTS
Vorarlberg NetzProk. DI Werner [email protected] (FH) Frank [email protected]. Reinhard [email protected]
VLOTTE ElectromobilityDI (FH) Christian [email protected] Herbert HalamekHerbert.Halamek@continental-corporation.comwww.continental-corporation.com
Office of the Provincial Government of [email protected]
INFORMATION / PUBLICATIONS
DG DemoNet – ConceptH. Brunner, A. Lugmaier, B. Bletterie, H. Fechner,R. Bründlinger; arsenal research, Vienna 2008; as part of “Energiesysteme der Zukunft”, BMVIT
Active Demand-Side Management via feed-inforecasting (aDSM)Vienna University of Technology, Institute ofEnergy Systems and Electrical Drives; partners:ZAMG, Vlotte, APG; as part of “Neue Energien2020”, Klima- und Energiefonds
Optimized cross-system local hybrid energystorage facility “Symbiose”Vienna University of Technology, Institute ofEnergy Systems and Electrical Drives; partners:ENRAG GmbH, Vorarlberger Kraftwerke AG; as part of “Neue Energien 2020”, Klima- undEnergiefonds
VLOTTEVorarlberger Elektroautomobil Planungs- undBeratungs GmbH, project manager: DI (FH) Christian Eugster; as part of “Modellregionender E-Mobilität”, Klima- und Energiefonds
Final reports on individual research projects are
published by BMVIT in the series “Berichte aus
Energie- und Umweltforschung“ (“Reports from
Energy and Environment Research”).
(DG DemoNet – Report 12/2010, in german)
A full list of these reports, and facilities for
downloading them, are to be found on the website:
www.NachhaltigWirtschaften.at
Further information on smart grids in Austria at:
www.ENERGIESYSTEMEderZukunft.at/
highlights/smartgrids
ENERGY SELF-SUFFICIENCY BASED ONRENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES ANDSMART GRIDS
V O R A R L B E R G ' S E N E R G Y F U T U R E
■ As early as 2009 Austria's western-most province, Vorarlberg, had setitself an ambitious target: achievingenergy self-sufficiency based on renewable energy sources by 2050 andso becoming independent of price risesand supply shortfalls affecting oil andnatural gas.
The process “Vorarlberg's Energy Future” is intended to implement asustainable energy supply system stepby step and make a valuable contribu-tion to climate protection. This long-term strategy relies upon energy savingand energy efficiency, increased employment of renewable energy, newmobility strategies and investment inresearch, development and education.
In the near future, by 2020, Vorarlbergwants to achieve at least the energypolicy goals set by the EU (20-20-20).An extensive portfolio of measures farmore ambitious than that was adoptedin 2011, the so-called “101 measuresfor our grandchildren”.www.energiezukunft-vorarlberg.at
Electricity has a special role in the energy system of the future. A keyelement in supplying energy in thefuture involves a drastic expansion oftapping renewable energy from sun-light, water and biomass.
Even today over 30 % of Vorarlberg'senergy consumption is covered by renewable energy sources, via 18 largehydro power stations, about 240 smallhydro power stations, around 13,000solar thermal installations, 1,500 photo -voltaic installations, 5,000 heat pumpsand around 35 biogas facilities.
The province of Vorarlberg plans toincrease the number of photovoltaicinstallations fivefold by 2020. Hydropower will be expanded considerablythrough a range of large and smallpower stations and the number ofbiogas facilities is to almost double.
It is to be expected that the futureenergy supply of households and industry will increasingly be based onelectricity. We are moving towards an“electricity society”, i. e. other sourcesof energy will progressively be supplanted by electricity (e. g. by usingheat pumps or moving into electro -mobility). The demand for electricitywill therefore rise in these areas. To still be able to meet the set goals by2050 it is necessary to realize the fullpotential available for saving energyand increasing energy efficiency systematically.
Within the framework of researchprojects the province of Vorarlberg hasinvestigated the potential of variouspossible energy scenarios in depth, in order to find out whether energyself-sufficiency by 2050 is feasible inprinciple. The diagram below showsthe path toward energy self-sufficiencyin 2050 resulting from the scenariosinvestigated. Firm commitments andmeasures are already in place for thefirst stage. By 2020 the province ofVorarlberg aims to achieve a reductionof electricity demand from small consumers by 17%.
Due to geographical factors someregions of Vorarlberg face particularproblems which have to be taken intoaccount for an expansion of renew-able energy. In order to integrate alarge number of local energy supplierswithout costly grid upgrading, innova-tive, intelligent strategies are neededfor the distribution grids and networkmanagement.
Together with numerous partners, andwith support from BMVIT and theClimate and Energy Fund, the provinceof Vorarlberg is developing (within the framework of various researchprojects) new approaches to smartnetwork management, and testing thetechnical and economic feasibility ofthese ideas in a regional context.
Path toward energy self-sufficiency by 2050
■ Total energy consumption■ Renewable energy sources
9.546
7.631
2.219
3.733
5.849
4.1393.587
4.762
GWh
2.000
4.000
6.000
8.000
10.000
2005 2020 2030 2050
For a sustainable economy a secure,
efficient energy supply chain able to
deliver essential and convenience-
increasing services and products is a
central issue. The aim of the subprogram
“Energy Systems of Tomorrow” initiated
by the Austrian Federal Ministry for
Transport, Innovation and Technology
(BMVIT) is to develop technologies
and strategies for an efficient, flexible
energy supply system based on exploiting
renewable sources of energy and capable
of meeting our energy needs indefinitely.
Deploying a wide range of technology-
related modules and concomitant
activities is intended to provide impetus
to this sector, and thus open up new
opportunities for Austrian business.
SMART GRID TEST RUN IN VORARLBERG -BYTES NOT EXCAVATORS INSIDE THE
BIOSPHERE PARK GROSSES WALSERTAL
APPROACHES TO A RESOURCE-CONSERVING AND SMART INTEGRATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN RURAL AREAS
Sou
rce:
ww
w.e
ner
gie
zuku
nft
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rarl
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Austrian Federal Ministry for Transport,Innovation and Technology
IMPRESSUM
FORSCHUNGSFORUM provides information about selected projects within the BMVIT program “Nachhaltig Wirtschaften”. Owner, publisher and responsible for content: Austrian Federal Ministry forTransport, Innovation and Technology; Department for Energy and Environmental Technologies; head ofdepartment: Dipl.Ing. M. Paula; Renngasse 5, 1010 Wien. Photographs and diagrams: illwerke VKW, VLOTTEEdited by: Mag. Stefanie Waldhör, Projektfabrik Waldhör KG, Am Hof 13/7, 1010 Wien; Dr. Kurt Schauer, Wallner & Schauer GmbH, Elisabethstraße 50, 8010 Graz.Printed by: AV+Astoria Druckzentrum GmbH, Faradaygasse 6, 1030 Wien.
P.b.b. Erscheinungsort Wien, Verlagspostamt A-1010 Wien.
http://wwwFORSCHUNGSFORUM online:www.NachhaltigWirtschaften.at
in German and English
FI
GU
RE
S
/
DA
TA
/
F
AC
TS
FORSCHUNGSFORUM is published at least four times a yearand is available for free on this website.
VEHICLE TO GRID – ELECTRO MOBILITY MODELTRIAL IN THE VORARLBERG RHINE VALLEY
FORSCHUNGSFORUM1/2012
■ A further keystone of Vorarlberg'slong-term energy strategy is electromo-bility. Energy self-sufficiency scenariosinvolve a complete transition to electricpower trains by 2050, at least as far asprivate transport is concerned. Themass-market introduction of electro-mobility will have a great impact onthe operation of the distribution grid;bidirectional load and energy manage-ment will play an important role in thisarea, too, in future.
Since 2008 the province of Vorarlberghas been conducting one of Europe'sbiggest electromobility tests, the pro-ject VLOTTE, in which 357 electric carsrunning on electricity from renewableenergy sources have already travelled2.5 million kilometres.
As part of the project Continental's“AutoLinQ™ for Electric Vehicles” system is being tested as a strategy forintelligent energy management on the
road. The focus is on data transmissionbetween vehicles and the grid (Vehicle-toGrid).
Currently smart approaches to recharg-ing vehicle accumulators are beingtested, in order to avoid uncoordinatedsimultaneous recharging of a largenumber of vehicles (e.g. in the evening)in future. The focus of interest is onhow the grid operator can influencerecharging.
The “AutoLinQ™ for Electric Vehicles”system consists of a communicationsbox built into the vehicle, maintaininga constant mobile data connection withthe “Gateway and Service DeliveryPlatform”, which provides a connectionto the electricity provider's energymanagement systems. The new systemallows “Smart Charging” via ordinarypower plugs. This means that the gridoperator receives information aboutplugged-in vehicles' state of chargeand energy requirements, and cancontrol recharging depending on thecurrent availability of electricity fromwind power or solar energy.
In the summer of 2011 VLOTTE's first 20 electric vehicles were equipped withthe new system in Bregenz. During a 2-year test phase the system's function-ality in load management is to betested on the road and experience withdelaying recharging is to be gathered.
S M A R T G R I D S O L U T I O N S I N V O R A R L B E R G
CONTACTS
Vorarlberg NetzProk. DI Werner [email protected] (FH) Frank [email protected]. Reinhard [email protected]
VLOTTE ElectromobilityDI (FH) Christian [email protected] Herbert HalamekHerbert.Halamek@continental-corporation.comwww.continental-corporation.com
Office of the Provincial Government of [email protected]
INFORMATION / PUBLICATIONS
DG DemoNet – ConceptH. Brunner, A. Lugmaier, B. Bletterie, H. Fechner,R. Bründlinger; arsenal research, Vienna 2008; as part of “Energiesysteme der Zukunft”, BMVIT
Active Demand-Side Management via feed-inforecasting (aDSM)Vienna University of Technology, Institute ofEnergy Systems and Electrical Drives; partners:ZAMG, Vlotte, APG; as part of “Neue Energien2020”, Klima- und Energiefonds
Optimized cross-system local hybrid energystorage facility “Symbiose”Vienna University of Technology, Institute ofEnergy Systems and Electrical Drives; partners:ENRAG GmbH, Vorarlberger Kraftwerke AG; as part of “Neue Energien 2020”, Klima- undEnergiefonds
VLOTTEVorarlberger Elektroautomobil Planungs- undBeratungs GmbH, project manager: DI (FH) Christian Eugster; as part of “Modellregionender E-Mobilität”, Klima- und Energiefonds
Final reports on individual research projects are
published by BMVIT in the series “Berichte aus
Energie- und Umweltforschung“ (“Reports from
Energy and Environment Research”).
(DG DemoNet – Report 12/2010, in german)
A full list of these reports, and facilities for
downloading them, are to be found on the website:
www.NachhaltigWirtschaften.at
Further information on smart grids in Austria at:
www.ENERGIESYSTEMEderZukunft.at/
highlights/smartgrids
ENERGY SELF-SUFFICIENCY BASED ONRENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES ANDSMART GRIDS
V O R A R L B E R G ' S E N E R G Y F U T U R E
■ As early as 2009 Austria's western-most province, Vorarlberg, had setitself an ambitious target: achievingenergy self-sufficiency based on renewable energy sources by 2050 andso becoming independent of price risesand supply shortfalls affecting oil andnatural gas.
The process “Vorarlberg's Energy Future” is intended to implement asustainable energy supply system stepby step and make a valuable contribu-tion to climate protection. This long-term strategy relies upon energy savingand energy efficiency, increased employment of renewable energy, newmobility strategies and investment inresearch, development and education.
In the near future, by 2020, Vorarlbergwants to achieve at least the energypolicy goals set by the EU (20-20-20).An extensive portfolio of measures farmore ambitious than that was adoptedin 2011, the so-called “101 measuresfor our grandchildren”.www.energiezukunft-vorarlberg.at
Electricity has a special role in the energy system of the future. A keyelement in supplying energy in thefuture involves a drastic expansion oftapping renewable energy from sun-light, water and biomass.
Even today over 30 % of Vorarlberg'senergy consumption is covered by renewable energy sources, via 18 largehydro power stations, about 240 smallhydro power stations, around 13,000solar thermal installations, 1,500 photo -voltaic installations, 5,000 heat pumpsand around 35 biogas facilities.
The province of Vorarlberg plans toincrease the number of photovoltaicinstallations fivefold by 2020. Hydropower will be expanded considerablythrough a range of large and smallpower stations and the number ofbiogas facilities is to almost double.
It is to be expected that the futureenergy supply of households and industry will increasingly be based onelectricity. We are moving towards an“electricity society”, i. e. other sourcesof energy will progressively be supplanted by electricity (e. g. by usingheat pumps or moving into electro -mobility). The demand for electricitywill therefore rise in these areas. To still be able to meet the set goals by2050 it is necessary to realize the fullpotential available for saving energyand increasing energy efficiency systematically.
Within the framework of researchprojects the province of Vorarlberg hasinvestigated the potential of variouspossible energy scenarios in depth, in order to find out whether energyself-sufficiency by 2050 is feasible inprinciple. The diagram below showsthe path toward energy self-sufficiencyin 2050 resulting from the scenariosinvestigated. Firm commitments andmeasures are already in place for thefirst stage. By 2020 the province ofVorarlberg aims to achieve a reductionof electricity demand from small consumers by 17%.
Due to geographical factors someregions of Vorarlberg face particularproblems which have to be taken intoaccount for an expansion of renew-able energy. In order to integrate alarge number of local energy supplierswithout costly grid upgrading, innova-tive, intelligent strategies are neededfor the distribution grids and networkmanagement.
Together with numerous partners, andwith support from BMVIT and theClimate and Energy Fund, the provinceof Vorarlberg is developing (within the framework of various researchprojects) new approaches to smartnetwork management, and testing thetechnical and economic feasibility ofthese ideas in a regional context.
Path toward energy self-sufficiency by 2050
■ Total energy consumption■ Renewable energy sources
9.546
7.631
2.219
3.733
5.849
4.1393.587
4.762
GWh
2.000
4.000
6.000
8.000
10.000
2005 2020 2030 2050
For a sustainable economy a secure,
efficient energy supply chain able to
deliver essential and convenience-
increasing services and products is a
central issue. The aim of the subprogram
“Energy Systems of Tomorrow” initiated
by the Austrian Federal Ministry for
Transport, Innovation and Technology
(BMVIT) is to develop technologies
and strategies for an efficient, flexible
energy supply system based on exploiting
renewable sources of energy and capable
of meeting our energy needs indefinitely.
Deploying a wide range of technology-
related modules and concomitant
activities is intended to provide impetus
to this sector, and thus open up new
opportunities for Austrian business.
SMART GRID TEST RUN IN VORARLBERG -BYTES NOT EXCAVATORS INSIDE THE
BIOSPHERE PARK GROSSES WALSERTAL
APPROACHES TO A RESOURCE-CONSERVING AND SMART INTEGRATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN RURAL AREAS
Sou
rce:
ww
w.e
ner
gie
zuku
nft
-vo
rarl
ber
g.a
t
Austrian Federal Ministry for Transport,Innovation and Technology
The scenarios described above wereanalysed with respect to both technicaland economic aspects, so as to assess the profitability of intelligent voltagecontrol. It turned out that the cost ofupgrading the grid in the conventionalway is significantly higher in all scenarios.By means of coordinated voltage controlit is possible to incorporate the samevolume of additional local capacity atmuch lower cost.
Strategies for intelligent voltage control
> Remote Control Measuring the voltage levels in the grids and processing the data in a local intelligence unit tocalculate a changeable, moving controller setpointfor the substation. With voltage values at the critical grid nodes known, the setpoint to makeoptimal use of the voltage range is continuallyoptimized by the CVCU (Central Voltage ControlUnit, housed in the central control station) andadjusted in the substation.
> Local Q-ControlInfluencing voltages by modifying the reactive powerQ of power stations, i. e. the voltage levels in powerstations larger than 100 kW are monitored locally, so as to be able to modulate the voltage in the gridsegment to be regulated. Thus each power stationcan contribute locally by adjusting the voltage level inthe desired direction within the thermal limitations ofthe generators even if communications with thecontrol centre break down.
> Coordinated Voltage ControlCombination of Remote Control and Q-Control,controlling via the intelligent CVCU (Central VoltageControl Unit), increased efficiency as the CVCU alsomodulates power stations' reactive power, whichstill lies within the permissible limits but could helpto reduce stress in critical areas. Should the optionsdetailed above be combined with a view to theentire grid, this makes it possible to take fulleradvantage of the voltage range, which results indefinite cost savings (see diagram above right:power input increased by about a third at lowercosts than Remote Control, or fourfold power inputat almost the same cost compared with the LocalQ-Control).
phase, additional feeders-in take uppart of the slack in the voltage range -and thus “occupy” grid reserves thatwould otherwise be available to additional consumers. As a result, the system reaches the range limitsearlier.
Active distribution grids take a newapproach. With the aid of control mechanisms which actively regulatevoltages while the grid is running, sparecapacities in grid infrastructure can bebetter exploited. This involves includegrid participants and grid componentsin the control mechanism (by recording,linking and analysing data from the grid in real time). In the course of the multi-phase research project “DG DemoNet – Concept”, togetherwith numerous partners, different approaches for active distribution grids have been investigated and theircapability evaluated.
VORARLBERG'S FIRST SMART GRID INTHE GROSSES WALSERTAL BIOSPHERERESERVE
Building on the results of the project“DG DemoNet – Concept” the conceptof “coordinated voltage control“ is nowbeing implemented and tested inGroßes Walsertal. Should this strategyprove its worth, the new technology isto be deployed in other regions, too.
At the heart of the system is the“brain”, the CVCU (Central VoltageControl Unit), which is housed in thecentral control station in Bregenz. Distributed across the test network 16 measuring points are installed at“critical nodes“, forwarding their datacontinuously to the central control station. The critical nodes include (inparticular) major consumers and powerstations on the fringes of the grid.Those are the points which provide arepresentative picture of the entire gridwith the most extreme voltage values(outliers). The 16 critical nodes will beidentified in a so-called input matrix.
Here the effect of every single feed-inor load on the entire system is calcu-lated. The 16 measuring points transmitthe current voltage levels continuouslyto the CVCU via various modes of communication (MS power line carrier,radio data transmission, optical fibre,copper wire). The CVCU processes thedata from the network and fits theoperating voltage into the permissiblerange so that the upper and lowerlimits are not infringed.
The CVCU supplies the control trans-formers in the Nenzing substation (atthe valley outlet) with optimized set-points for voltage control. This way theoperating voltage throughout the gridsystem is maintained within the permis-sible range. In addition, the CVCUsends control commands to the powerstations in order to reduce the feed-inof reactive power; this helps to relievepressure on the grid in the case of localfeed-in.
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Voltage increase caused by local producers
photovoltaics
consumers
consumers
spare capacity for load
without local feed-in
including local feed-in
flow of electricity
flow of electricity
Peak load, no local feed-in
Off-peak load, maximum local feed-in
Limits to permissible voltage range
spare capacity exhausted
wind
400 V
400 V
110 kV 30 kV
INTELLIGENT VOLTAGE CONTROL WITHIN THE DISTRIBUTED-GENERATION TEST GRID OF THEGROSSES WALSERTAL BIOSPHERE RESERVE
S M A R T G R I D S O L U T I O N S I N V O R A R L B E R G
ENERGY PRODUCTION AND CONSUMP-TION IN THE REGION OF THE GROSSESWALSERTAL BIOSPHERE RESERVE
A typical situation involving seasonalcycles is to be found in the GroßesWalsertal Biosphere Reserve, which is20 km long. During the winter powerconsumption in the valley is compara-tively high, due to the winter tourismindustry with its ski lifts and hotels. Atthe same time the yields from hydro-electric plants are low, because there isnot much run-off. In spring, however,during the thawing period and in sum-mer after rain the small hydropowerstations with a total current nameplatecapacity of around 3 MW deliver a lotmore energy than is needed in thevalley. This surplus electricity has to betransmitted out of the long valley.
Every additional power station and theincreasing contrast between summerand winter add to the problem. Underthe present conditions connecting anadditional small hydroelectric plant tothe Großes Walsertal grid is not possi-ble. The generating potential worthexploiting and currently untappedamounts to about 10 MW.
STRATEGIES FOR INTELLIGENT VOLTAGE CONTROL
In future the distribution grid shouldbe able to transmit electricity in bothdirections, with the control systemensuring that the grid voltage stayswithin the target range at all locations(so that electrical equipment/devicesfunction reliably). If power consump-tion and generation are not entirely in
■ As their facilities are usuallymedium-sized, local suppliers feed intothe medium and low-voltage grid.Decentralized feed-in can lead to impermissible local rises in mains volt-age. To avoid these rises the conductorsin the affected parts of the grid havebeen reinforced. However, the resultinghigh grid access costs make it uneco-nomical to erect some of the generat-ing facilities projected.
In rural areas with low populationdensity and little demand for electricityconnecting a large number of localpower stations to the conventionaldistribution grid soon runs into difficul-ties. Electricity from renewable sourcesis mostly generated right at the source.The feed-in points are distributed allover the grid region, including remote
areas on the fringes of the grids, wheretheir performance is more limited.
In some regions of Vorarlberg no morepower stations can be hooked up tothe grid without costly enhancementmeasures. A new approach here is abidirectional, so-called “active” distribution grid. In future the lowestgrid levels connected to consumers areincreasingly to accept and distributeelectricity fed in from local generatorsand to transmit surplus power on tohigher grid levels.
-4000
-2000
0
2000
4000
6000
kW
-4000
-2000
0
2000
4000
6000
kW
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
■ net load flow■ feed-in■ load
Electricity surplus/deficit over the year
SKIINGRAIN
The valley exports electricity
The valley imports electricity
The valley exports electricity
The valley imports electricity
THAWING PERIODSKIING
TODAY
FORECAST FOR 2015
Cost per kWh of installable local generating capacity (Cash values including running costs) €/kWh
MW > installable local generating capacity
Local Q-Control
Remote Control
Coordinated Voltage Control
Grid upgrading (reference model)
16,8 MW16,8 MW
16,8 MW16,8 MW
11,6 MW14,8 MW
4,0 MW10,8 MW
Cost-effectiveness of smart solutions in comparison with grid upgrading
■ Steep Scenario■ Gentle Scenario
0 100 200 300 400 500
Intelligent voltage range management
Reserve
plot of minimum voltage
plot of maximum voltage
January December
voltage climbs above upper limit
voltage falls below lower limit
(A) What can be expected without intervention
Reserve
January December
(B) Solutions with an active distribution grid
……………………
Umax
Umin
……………………
Umax
Umin
VORARLBERG'S PUMPED-STORAGE POWER STATIONS EMPLOYED TOINTEGRATE FLUCTUATING LEVELS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
■ To push generating electricity fromrenewable sources of energy does not just require new solutions for operating the distribution grid. Thisdevelopment is also leading to massiveupheavals in the European electricitymarkets. The storage of electricity playsa central role in this context. The pointis to tide over periods with little windor sun, and to avoid shutting downfeed-in facilities in times of surplussupply. Inevitable forecasting errorshave to be corrected quickly and occasional violent swings in feed-insupply smoothed over.
Vorarlberg makes use of the favourabletopography of the region in terms ofthe energy economy within the inter-national network. The pumped-storagepower stations in Vorarlberg help toiron out fluctuations in the supply ofelectricity from wind and solar energy.
In Germany the share of renewableenergy in electricity production rose toabout 20 % in 2011 and is intended toreach 80 % by 2050.
When the Vorarlberger Illwerke werefounded, more than 80 years ago, coo-peration with partners from Germanywas the basis for starting interconnec-ted operation, with important trans-mission links to Germany. This coopera-tion continues today with the EnBWEnergie Baden-Württemberg.
The Illwerke provide high-grade balancing energy and can make use ofthe flexibility of their equipment forshort-term intraday trading and thecapacity of their all-year storage totackle seasonal fluctuations. With thecommissioning of Kopswerk II in 2008,the refitting of Rodundwerk II in 2011 and the planned construction of
Obervermuntwerk II further stepsare to be taken to sustainably ad-vance the integration and continued expansion of renewableenergy in Europe.
I N T E R N A T I O N A L L I N K S
A shows that without intervention the actual voltage strays outside the permissible limits.B shows how the voltage range is adjusted as the need arises – made possible through active intervention influencing the actual
voltage in real time.
Power station addition scenarios were examined with varying sequences of action. The “steep”scenarios involve additions in an unsuitable order, such as building further powerful electricity plantson the fringes of the grid first. The “gentle” scenarios involve a more suitable order (i.e. powerfulelectricity plants are added on the fringes of the grid last).
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Co
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The scenarios described above wereanalysed with respect to both technicaland economic aspects, so as to assess the profitability of intelligent voltagecontrol. It turned out that the cost ofupgrading the grid in the conventionalway is significantly higher in all scenarios.By means of coordinated voltage controlit is possible to incorporate the samevolume of additional local capacity atmuch lower cost.
Strategies for intelligent voltage control
> Remote Control Measuring the voltage levels in the grids and processing the data in a local intelligence unit tocalculate a changeable, moving controller setpointfor the substation. With voltage values at the critical grid nodes known, the setpoint to makeoptimal use of the voltage range is continuallyoptimized by the CVCU (Central Voltage ControlUnit, housed in the central control station) andadjusted in the substation.
> Local Q-ControlInfluencing voltages by modifying the reactive powerQ of power stations, i. e. the voltage levels in powerstations larger than 100 kW are monitored locally, so as to be able to modulate the voltage in the gridsegment to be regulated. Thus each power stationcan contribute locally by adjusting the voltage level inthe desired direction within the thermal limitations ofthe generators even if communications with thecontrol centre break down.
> Coordinated Voltage ControlCombination of Remote Control and Q-Control,controlling via the intelligent CVCU (Central VoltageControl Unit), increased efficiency as the CVCU alsomodulates power stations' reactive power, whichstill lies within the permissible limits but could helpto reduce stress in critical areas. Should the optionsdetailed above be combined with a view to theentire grid, this makes it possible to take fulleradvantage of the voltage range, which results indefinite cost savings (see diagram above right:power input increased by about a third at lowercosts than Remote Control, or fourfold power inputat almost the same cost compared with the LocalQ-Control).
phase, additional feeders-in take uppart of the slack in the voltage range -and thus “occupy” grid reserves thatwould otherwise be available to additional consumers. As a result, the system reaches the range limitsearlier.
Active distribution grids take a newapproach. With the aid of control mechanisms which actively regulatevoltages while the grid is running, sparecapacities in grid infrastructure can bebetter exploited. This involves includegrid participants and grid componentsin the control mechanism (by recording,linking and analysing data from the grid in real time). In the course of the multi-phase research project “DG DemoNet – Concept”, togetherwith numerous partners, different approaches for active distribution grids have been investigated and theircapability evaluated.
VORARLBERG'S FIRST SMART GRID INTHE GROSSES WALSERTAL BIOSPHERERESERVE
Building on the results of the project“DG DemoNet – Concept” the conceptof “coordinated voltage control“ is nowbeing implemented and tested inGroßes Walsertal. Should this strategyprove its worth, the new technology isto be deployed in other regions, too.
At the heart of the system is the“brain”, the CVCU (Central VoltageControl Unit), which is housed in thecentral control station in Bregenz. Distributed across the test network 16 measuring points are installed at“critical nodes“, forwarding their datacontinuously to the central control station. The critical nodes include (inparticular) major consumers and powerstations on the fringes of the grid.Those are the points which provide arepresentative picture of the entire gridwith the most extreme voltage values(outliers). The 16 critical nodes will beidentified in a so-called input matrix.
Here the effect of every single feed-inor load on the entire system is calcu-lated. The 16 measuring points transmitthe current voltage levels continuouslyto the CVCU via various modes of communication (MS power line carrier,radio data transmission, optical fibre,copper wire). The CVCU processes thedata from the network and fits theoperating voltage into the permissiblerange so that the upper and lowerlimits are not infringed.
The CVCU supplies the control trans-formers in the Nenzing substation (atthe valley outlet) with optimized set-points for voltage control. This way theoperating voltage throughout the gridsystem is maintained within the permis-sible range. In addition, the CVCUsends control commands to the powerstations in order to reduce the feed-inof reactive power; this helps to relievepressure on the grid in the case of localfeed-in.
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Voltage increase caused by local producers
photovoltaics
consumers
consumers
spare capacity for load
without local feed-in
including local feed-in
flow of electricity
flow of electricity
Peak load, no local feed-in
Off-peak load, maximum local feed-in
Limits to permissible voltage range
spare capacity exhausted
wind
400 V
400 V
110 kV 30 kV
INTELLIGENT VOLTAGE CONTROL WITHIN THE DISTRIBUTED-GENERATION TEST GRID OF THEGROSSES WALSERTAL BIOSPHERE RESERVE
S M A R T G R I D S O L U T I O N S I N V O R A R L B E R G
ENERGY PRODUCTION AND CONSUMP-TION IN THE REGION OF THE GROSSESWALSERTAL BIOSPHERE RESERVE
A typical situation involving seasonalcycles is to be found in the GroßesWalsertal Biosphere Reserve, which is20 km long. During the winter powerconsumption in the valley is compara-tively high, due to the winter tourismindustry with its ski lifts and hotels. Atthe same time the yields from hydro-electric plants are low, because there isnot much run-off. In spring, however,during the thawing period and in sum-mer after rain the small hydropowerstations with a total current nameplatecapacity of around 3 MW deliver a lotmore energy than is needed in thevalley. This surplus electricity has to betransmitted out of the long valley.
Every additional power station and theincreasing contrast between summerand winter add to the problem. Underthe present conditions connecting anadditional small hydroelectric plant tothe Großes Walsertal grid is not possi-ble. The generating potential worthexploiting and currently untappedamounts to about 10 MW.
STRATEGIES FOR INTELLIGENT VOLTAGE CONTROL
In future the distribution grid shouldbe able to transmit electricity in bothdirections, with the control systemensuring that the grid voltage stayswithin the target range at all locations(so that electrical equipment/devicesfunction reliably). If power consump-tion and generation are not entirely in
■ As their facilities are usuallymedium-sized, local suppliers feed intothe medium and low-voltage grid.Decentralized feed-in can lead to impermissible local rises in mains volt-age. To avoid these rises the conductorsin the affected parts of the grid havebeen reinforced. However, the resultinghigh grid access costs make it uneco-nomical to erect some of the generat-ing facilities projected.
In rural areas with low populationdensity and little demand for electricityconnecting a large number of localpower stations to the conventionaldistribution grid soon runs into difficul-ties. Electricity from renewable sourcesis mostly generated right at the source.The feed-in points are distributed allover the grid region, including remote
areas on the fringes of the grids, wheretheir performance is more limited.
In some regions of Vorarlberg no morepower stations can be hooked up tothe grid without costly enhancementmeasures. A new approach here is abidirectional, so-called “active” distribution grid. In future the lowestgrid levels connected to consumers areincreasingly to accept and distributeelectricity fed in from local generatorsand to transmit surplus power on tohigher grid levels.
-4000
-2000
0
2000
4000
6000
kW
-4000
-2000
0
2000
4000
6000
kW
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
■ net load flow■ feed-in■ load
Electricity surplus/deficit over the year
SKIINGRAIN
The valley exports electricity
The valley imports electricity
The valley exports electricity
The valley imports electricity
THAWING PERIODSKIING
TODAY
FORECAST FOR 2015
Cost per kWh of installable local generating capacity (Cash values including running costs) €/kWh
MW > installable local generating capacity
Local Q-Control
Remote Control
Coordinated Voltage Control
Grid upgrading (reference model)
16,8 MW16,8 MW
16,8 MW16,8 MW
11,6 MW14,8 MW
4,0 MW10,8 MW
Cost-effectiveness of smart solutions in comparison with grid upgrading
■ Steep Scenario■ Gentle Scenario
0 100 200 300 400 500
Intelligent voltage range management
Reserve
plot of minimum voltage
plot of maximum voltage
January December
voltage climbs above upper limit
voltage falls below lower limit
(A) What can be expected without intervention
Reserve
January December
(B) Solutions with an active distribution grid
……………………
Umax
Umin
……………………
Umax
Umin
VORARLBERG'S PUMPED-STORAGE POWER STATIONS EMPLOYED TOINTEGRATE FLUCTUATING LEVELS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
■ To push generating electricity fromrenewable sources of energy does not just require new solutions for operating the distribution grid. Thisdevelopment is also leading to massiveupheavals in the European electricitymarkets. The storage of electricity playsa central role in this context. The pointis to tide over periods with little windor sun, and to avoid shutting downfeed-in facilities in times of surplussupply. Inevitable forecasting errorshave to be corrected quickly and occasional violent swings in feed-insupply smoothed over.
Vorarlberg makes use of the favourabletopography of the region in terms ofthe energy economy within the inter-national network. The pumped-storagepower stations in Vorarlberg help toiron out fluctuations in the supply ofelectricity from wind and solar energy.
In Germany the share of renewableenergy in electricity production rose toabout 20 % in 2011 and is intended toreach 80 % by 2050.
When the Vorarlberger Illwerke werefounded, more than 80 years ago, coo-peration with partners from Germanywas the basis for starting interconnec-ted operation, with important trans-mission links to Germany. This coopera-tion continues today with the EnBWEnergie Baden-Württemberg.
The Illwerke provide high-grade balancing energy and can make use ofthe flexibility of their equipment forshort-term intraday trading and thecapacity of their all-year storage totackle seasonal fluctuations. With thecommissioning of Kopswerk II in 2008,the refitting of Rodundwerk II in 2011 and the planned construction of
Obervermuntwerk II further stepsare to be taken to sustainably ad-vance the integration and continued expansion of renewableenergy in Europe.
I N T E R N A T I O N A L L I N K S
A shows that without intervention the actual voltage strays outside the permissible limits.B shows how the voltage range is adjusted as the need arises – made possible through active intervention influencing the actual
voltage in real time.
Power station addition scenarios were examined with varying sequences of action. The “steep”scenarios involve additions in an unsuitable order, such as building further powerful electricity plantson the fringes of the grid first. The “gentle” scenarios involve a more suitable order (i.e. powerfulelectricity plants are added on the fringes of the grid last).
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The scenarios described above wereanalysed with respect to both technicaland economic aspects, so as to assess the profitability of intelligent voltagecontrol. It turned out that the cost ofupgrading the grid in the conventionalway is significantly higher in all scenarios.By means of coordinated voltage controlit is possible to incorporate the samevolume of additional local capacity atmuch lower cost.
Strategies for intelligent voltage control
> Remote Control Measuring the voltage levels in the grids and processing the data in a local intelligence unit tocalculate a changeable, moving controller setpointfor the substation. With voltage values at the critical grid nodes known, the setpoint to makeoptimal use of the voltage range is continuallyoptimized by the CVCU (Central Voltage ControlUnit, housed in the central control station) andadjusted in the substation.
> Local Q-ControlInfluencing voltages by modifying the reactive powerQ of power stations, i. e. the voltage levels in powerstations larger than 100 kW are monitored locally, so as to be able to modulate the voltage in the gridsegment to be regulated. Thus each power stationcan contribute locally by adjusting the voltage level inthe desired direction within the thermal limitations ofthe generators even if communications with thecontrol centre break down.
> Coordinated Voltage ControlCombination of Remote Control and Q-Control,controlling via the intelligent CVCU (Central VoltageControl Unit), increased efficiency as the CVCU alsomodulates power stations' reactive power, whichstill lies within the permissible limits but could helpto reduce stress in critical areas. Should the optionsdetailed above be combined with a view to theentire grid, this makes it possible to take fulleradvantage of the voltage range, which results indefinite cost savings (see diagram above right:power input increased by about a third at lowercosts than Remote Control, or fourfold power inputat almost the same cost compared with the LocalQ-Control).
phase, additional feeders-in take uppart of the slack in the voltage range -and thus “occupy” grid reserves thatwould otherwise be available to additional consumers. As a result, the system reaches the range limitsearlier.
Active distribution grids take a newapproach. With the aid of control mechanisms which actively regulatevoltages while the grid is running, sparecapacities in grid infrastructure can bebetter exploited. This involves includegrid participants and grid componentsin the control mechanism (by recording,linking and analysing data from the grid in real time). In the course of the multi-phase research project “DG DemoNet – Concept”, togetherwith numerous partners, different approaches for active distribution grids have been investigated and theircapability evaluated.
VORARLBERG'S FIRST SMART GRID INTHE GROSSES WALSERTAL BIOSPHERERESERVE
Building on the results of the project“DG DemoNet – Concept” the conceptof “coordinated voltage control“ is nowbeing implemented and tested inGroßes Walsertal. Should this strategyprove its worth, the new technology isto be deployed in other regions, too.
At the heart of the system is the“brain”, the CVCU (Central VoltageControl Unit), which is housed in thecentral control station in Bregenz. Distributed across the test network 16 measuring points are installed at“critical nodes“, forwarding their datacontinuously to the central control station. The critical nodes include (inparticular) major consumers and powerstations on the fringes of the grid.Those are the points which provide arepresentative picture of the entire gridwith the most extreme voltage values(outliers). The 16 critical nodes will beidentified in a so-called input matrix.
Here the effect of every single feed-inor load on the entire system is calcu-lated. The 16 measuring points transmitthe current voltage levels continuouslyto the CVCU via various modes of communication (MS power line carrier,radio data transmission, optical fibre,copper wire). The CVCU processes thedata from the network and fits theoperating voltage into the permissiblerange so that the upper and lowerlimits are not infringed.
The CVCU supplies the control trans-formers in the Nenzing substation (atthe valley outlet) with optimized set-points for voltage control. This way theoperating voltage throughout the gridsystem is maintained within the permis-sible range. In addition, the CVCUsends control commands to the powerstations in order to reduce the feed-inof reactive power; this helps to relievepressure on the grid in the case of localfeed-in.
Sou
rce:
Vo
rarl
ber
g N
etz
VV
V
gen
load
load
VALL
EY O
UTL
ET
VALL
EY H
EAD
Voltage increase caused by local producers
photovoltaics
consumers
consumers
spare capacity for load
without local feed-in
including local feed-in
flow of electricity
flow of electricity
Peak load, no local feed-in
Off-peak load, maximum local feed-in
Limits to permissible voltage range
spare capacity exhausted
wind
400 V
400 V
110 kV 30 kV
INTELLIGENT VOLTAGE CONTROL WITHIN THE DISTRIBUTED-GENERATION TEST GRID OF THEGROSSES WALSERTAL BIOSPHERE RESERVE
S M A R T G R I D S O L U T I O N S I N V O R A R L B E R G
ENERGY PRODUCTION AND CONSUMP-TION IN THE REGION OF THE GROSSESWALSERTAL BIOSPHERE RESERVE
A typical situation involving seasonalcycles is to be found in the GroßesWalsertal Biosphere Reserve, which is20 km long. During the winter powerconsumption in the valley is compara-tively high, due to the winter tourismindustry with its ski lifts and hotels. Atthe same time the yields from hydro-electric plants are low, because there isnot much run-off. In spring, however,during the thawing period and in sum-mer after rain the small hydropowerstations with a total current nameplatecapacity of around 3 MW deliver a lotmore energy than is needed in thevalley. This surplus electricity has to betransmitted out of the long valley.
Every additional power station and theincreasing contrast between summerand winter add to the problem. Underthe present conditions connecting anadditional small hydroelectric plant tothe Großes Walsertal grid is not possi-ble. The generating potential worthexploiting and currently untappedamounts to about 10 MW.
STRATEGIES FOR INTELLIGENT VOLTAGE CONTROL
In future the distribution grid shouldbe able to transmit electricity in bothdirections, with the control systemensuring that the grid voltage stayswithin the target range at all locations(so that electrical equipment/devicesfunction reliably). If power consump-tion and generation are not entirely in
■ As their facilities are usuallymedium-sized, local suppliers feed intothe medium and low-voltage grid.Decentralized feed-in can lead to impermissible local rises in mains volt-age. To avoid these rises the conductorsin the affected parts of the grid havebeen reinforced. However, the resultinghigh grid access costs make it uneco-nomical to erect some of the generat-ing facilities projected.
In rural areas with low populationdensity and little demand for electricityconnecting a large number of localpower stations to the conventionaldistribution grid soon runs into difficul-ties. Electricity from renewable sourcesis mostly generated right at the source.The feed-in points are distributed allover the grid region, including remote
areas on the fringes of the grids, wheretheir performance is more limited.
In some regions of Vorarlberg no morepower stations can be hooked up tothe grid without costly enhancementmeasures. A new approach here is abidirectional, so-called “active” distribution grid. In future the lowestgrid levels connected to consumers areincreasingly to accept and distributeelectricity fed in from local generatorsand to transmit surplus power on tohigher grid levels.
-4000
-2000
0
2000
4000
6000
kW
-4000
-2000
0
2000
4000
6000
kW
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
■ net load flow■ feed-in■ load
Electricity surplus/deficit over the year
SKIINGRAIN
The valley exports electricity
The valley imports electricity
The valley exports electricity
The valley imports electricity
THAWING PERIODSKIING
TODAY
FORECAST FOR 2015
Cost per kWh of installable local generating capacity (Cash values including running costs) €/kWh
MW > installable local generating capacity
Local Q-Control
Remote Control
Coordinated Voltage Control
Grid upgrading (reference model)
16,8 MW16,8 MW
16,8 MW16,8 MW
11,6 MW14,8 MW
4,0 MW10,8 MW
Cost-effectiveness of smart solutions in comparison with grid upgrading
■ Steep Scenario■ Gentle Scenario
0 100 200 300 400 500
Intelligent voltage range management
Reserve
plot of minimum voltage
plot of maximum voltage
January December
voltage climbs above upper limit
voltage falls below lower limit
(A) What can be expected without intervention
Reserve
January December
(B) Solutions with an active distribution grid
……………………
Umax
Umin
……………………
Umax
Umin
VORARLBERG'S PUMPED-STORAGE POWER STATIONS EMPLOYED TOINTEGRATE FLUCTUATING LEVELS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
■ To push generating electricity fromrenewable sources of energy does not just require new solutions for operating the distribution grid. Thisdevelopment is also leading to massiveupheavals in the European electricitymarkets. The storage of electricity playsa central role in this context. The pointis to tide over periods with little windor sun, and to avoid shutting downfeed-in facilities in times of surplussupply. Inevitable forecasting errorshave to be corrected quickly and occasional violent swings in feed-insupply smoothed over.
Vorarlberg makes use of the favourabletopography of the region in terms ofthe energy economy within the inter-national network. The pumped-storagepower stations in Vorarlberg help toiron out fluctuations in the supply ofelectricity from wind and solar energy.
In Germany the share of renewableenergy in electricity production rose toabout 20 % in 2011 and is intended toreach 80 % by 2050.
When the Vorarlberger Illwerke werefounded, more than 80 years ago, coo-peration with partners from Germanywas the basis for starting interconnec-ted operation, with important trans-mission links to Germany. This coopera-tion continues today with the EnBWEnergie Baden-Württemberg.
The Illwerke provide high-grade balancing energy and can make use ofthe flexibility of their equipment forshort-term intraday trading and thecapacity of their all-year storage totackle seasonal fluctuations. With thecommissioning of Kopswerk II in 2008,the refitting of Rodundwerk II in 2011 and the planned construction of
Obervermuntwerk II further stepsare to be taken to sustainably ad-vance the integration and continued expansion of renewableenergy in Europe.
I N T E R N A T I O N A L L I N K S
A shows that without intervention the actual voltage strays outside the permissible limits.B shows how the voltage range is adjusted as the need arises – made possible through active intervention influencing the actual
voltage in real time.
Power station addition scenarios were examined with varying sequences of action. The “steep”scenarios involve additions in an unsuitable order, such as building further powerful electricity plantson the fringes of the grid first. The “gentle” scenarios involve a more suitable order (i.e. powerfulelectricity plants are added on the fringes of the grid last).
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DG
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nce
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IMPRESSUM
FORSCHUNGSFORUM provides information about selected projects within the BMVIT program “Nachhaltig Wirtschaften”. Owner, publisher and responsible for content: Austrian Federal Ministry forTransport, Innovation and Technology; Department for Energy and Environmental Technologies; head ofdepartment: Dipl.Ing. M. Paula; Renngasse 5, 1010 Wien. Photographs and diagrams: illwerke VKW, VLOTTEEdited by: Mag. Stefanie Waldhör, Projektfabrik Waldhör KG, Am Hof 13/7, 1010 Wien; Dr. Kurt Schauer, Wallner & Schauer GmbH, Elisabethstraße 50, 8010 Graz.Printed by: AV+Astoria Druckzentrum GmbH, Faradaygasse 6, 1030 Wien.
P.b.b. Erscheinungsort Wien, Verlagspostamt A-1010 Wien.
http://wwwFORSCHUNGSFORUM online:www.NachhaltigWirtschaften.at
in German and English
FI
GU
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/
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/
F
AC
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FORSCHUNGSFORUM is published at least four times a yearand is available for free on this website.
VEHICLE TO GRID – ELECTRO MOBILITY MODELTRIAL IN THE VORARLBERG RHINE VALLEY
FORSCHUNGSFORUM1/2012
■ A further keystone of Vorarlberg'slong-term energy strategy is electromo-bility. Energy self-sufficiency scenariosinvolve a complete transition to electricpower trains by 2050, at least as far asprivate transport is concerned. Themass-market introduction of electro-mobility will have a great impact onthe operation of the distribution grid;bidirectional load and energy manage-ment will play an important role in thisarea, too, in future.
Since 2008 the province of Vorarlberghas been conducting one of Europe'sbiggest electromobility tests, the pro-ject VLOTTE, in which 357 electric carsrunning on electricity from renewableenergy sources have already travelled2.5 million kilometres.
As part of the project Continental's“AutoLinQ™ for Electric Vehicles” system is being tested as a strategy forintelligent energy management on the
road. The focus is on data transmissionbetween vehicles and the grid (Vehicle-toGrid).
Currently smart approaches to recharg-ing vehicle accumulators are beingtested, in order to avoid uncoordinatedsimultaneous recharging of a largenumber of vehicles (e.g. in the evening)in future. The focus of interest is onhow the grid operator can influencerecharging.
The “AutoLinQ™ for Electric Vehicles”system consists of a communicationsbox built into the vehicle, maintaininga constant mobile data connection withthe “Gateway and Service DeliveryPlatform”, which provides a connectionto the electricity provider's energymanagement systems. The new systemallows “Smart Charging” via ordinarypower plugs. This means that the gridoperator receives information aboutplugged-in vehicles' state of chargeand energy requirements, and cancontrol recharging depending on thecurrent availability of electricity fromwind power or solar energy.
In the summer of 2011 VLOTTE's first 20 electric vehicles were equipped withthe new system in Bregenz. During a 2-year test phase the system's function-ality in load management is to betested on the road and experience withdelaying recharging is to be gathered.
S M A R T G R I D S O L U T I O N S I N V O R A R L B E R G
CONTACTS
Vorarlberg NetzProk. DI Werner [email protected] (FH) Frank [email protected]. Reinhard [email protected]
VLOTTE ElectromobilityDI (FH) Christian [email protected] Herbert HalamekHerbert.Halamek@continental-corporation.comwww.continental-corporation.com
Office of the Provincial Government of [email protected]
INFORMATION / PUBLICATIONS
DG DemoNet – ConceptH. Brunner, A. Lugmaier, B. Bletterie, H. Fechner,R. Bründlinger; arsenal research, Vienna 2008; as part of “Energiesysteme der Zukunft”, BMVIT
Active Demand-Side Management via feed-inforecasting (aDSM)Vienna University of Technology, Institute ofEnergy Systems and Electrical Drives; partners:ZAMG, Vlotte, APG; as part of “Neue Energien2020”, Klima- und Energiefonds
Optimized cross-system local hybrid energystorage facility “Symbiose”Vienna University of Technology, Institute ofEnergy Systems and Electrical Drives; partners:ENRAG GmbH, Vorarlberger Kraftwerke AG; as part of “Neue Energien 2020”, Klima- undEnergiefonds
VLOTTEVorarlberger Elektroautomobil Planungs- undBeratungs GmbH, project manager: DI (FH) Christian Eugster; as part of “Modellregionender E-Mobilität”, Klima- und Energiefonds
Final reports on individual research projects are
published by BMVIT in the series “Berichte aus
Energie- und Umweltforschung“ (“Reports from
Energy and Environment Research”).
(DG DemoNet – Report 12/2010, in german)
A full list of these reports, and facilities for
downloading them, are to be found on the website:
www.NachhaltigWirtschaften.at
Further information on smart grids in Austria at:
www.ENERGIESYSTEMEderZukunft.at/
highlights/smartgrids
ENERGY SELF-SUFFICIENCY BASED ONRENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES ANDSMART GRIDS
V O R A R L B E R G ' S E N E R G Y F U T U R E
■ As early as 2009 Austria's western-most province, Vorarlberg, had setitself an ambitious target: achievingenergy self-sufficiency based on renewable energy sources by 2050 andso becoming independent of price risesand supply shortfalls affecting oil andnatural gas.
The process “Vorarlberg's Energy Future” is intended to implement asustainable energy supply system stepby step and make a valuable contribu-tion to climate protection. This long-term strategy relies upon energy savingand energy efficiency, increased employment of renewable energy, newmobility strategies and investment inresearch, development and education.
In the near future, by 2020, Vorarlbergwants to achieve at least the energypolicy goals set by the EU (20-20-20).An extensive portfolio of measures farmore ambitious than that was adoptedin 2011, the so-called “101 measuresfor our grandchildren”.www.energiezukunft-vorarlberg.at
Electricity has a special role in the energy system of the future. A keyelement in supplying energy in thefuture involves a drastic expansion oftapping renewable energy from sun-light, water and biomass.
Even today over 30 % of Vorarlberg'senergy consumption is covered by renewable energy sources, via 18 largehydro power stations, about 240 smallhydro power stations, around 13,000solar thermal installations, 1,500 photo -voltaic installations, 5,000 heat pumpsand around 35 biogas facilities.
The province of Vorarlberg plans toincrease the number of photovoltaicinstallations fivefold by 2020. Hydropower will be expanded considerablythrough a range of large and smallpower stations and the number ofbiogas facilities is to almost double.
It is to be expected that the futureenergy supply of households and industry will increasingly be based onelectricity. We are moving towards an“electricity society”, i. e. other sourcesof energy will progressively be supplanted by electricity (e. g. by usingheat pumps or moving into electro -mobility). The demand for electricitywill therefore rise in these areas. To still be able to meet the set goals by2050 it is necessary to realize the fullpotential available for saving energyand increasing energy efficiency systematically.
Within the framework of researchprojects the province of Vorarlberg hasinvestigated the potential of variouspossible energy scenarios in depth, in order to find out whether energyself-sufficiency by 2050 is feasible inprinciple. The diagram below showsthe path toward energy self-sufficiencyin 2050 resulting from the scenariosinvestigated. Firm commitments andmeasures are already in place for thefirst stage. By 2020 the province ofVorarlberg aims to achieve a reductionof electricity demand from small consumers by 17%.
Due to geographical factors someregions of Vorarlberg face particularproblems which have to be taken intoaccount for an expansion of renew-able energy. In order to integrate alarge number of local energy supplierswithout costly grid upgrading, innova-tive, intelligent strategies are neededfor the distribution grids and networkmanagement.
Together with numerous partners, andwith support from BMVIT and theClimate and Energy Fund, the provinceof Vorarlberg is developing (within the framework of various researchprojects) new approaches to smartnetwork management, and testing thetechnical and economic feasibility ofthese ideas in a regional context.
Path toward energy self-sufficiency by 2050
■ Total energy consumption■ Renewable energy sources
9.546
7.631
2.219
3.733
5.849
4.1393.587
4.762
GWh
2.000
4.000
6.000
8.000
10.000
2005 2020 2030 2050
For a sustainable economy a secure,
efficient energy supply chain able to
deliver essential and convenience-
increasing services and products is a
central issue. The aim of the subprogram
“Energy Systems of Tomorrow” initiated
by the Austrian Federal Ministry for
Transport, Innovation and Technology
(BMVIT) is to develop technologies
and strategies for an efficient, flexible
energy supply system based on exploiting
renewable sources of energy and capable
of meeting our energy needs indefinitely.
Deploying a wide range of technology-
related modules and concomitant
activities is intended to provide impetus
to this sector, and thus open up new
opportunities for Austrian business.
SMART GRID TEST RUN IN VORARLBERG -BYTES NOT EXCAVATORS INSIDE THE
BIOSPHERE PARK GROSSES WALSERTAL
APPROACHES TO A RESOURCE-CONSERVING AND SMART INTEGRATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN RURAL AREAS
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Austrian Federal Ministry for Transport,Innovation and Technology
