Load peaks and volatility of renewable energy sources are challenges for the energy transition
Electric cars and heat pumps, among other things, are increasing the demand for electrical energy. In addition to a higher power load in the distribution grids, this also leads to new load profiles. These loads, along with volatile producers, pose a new challenge for stable grid operation.
A digitised grid paves the way for grid stability of the future
Most distribution grids have no information about when and where power is being fed into and out of the distribution grid. The solution is an intelligent power grid. The so-called smart grid will centrally monitor and control the distribution grid. It transports not only power, but also large amounts of data. This makes it possible to control decentralised generators and consumers and, in extreme cases, even turn them off or on. This digitalisation of the power grids ensures greater grid stability. Additionally, the necessary grid expansion can be limited to an optimal economic level.
NRW Distribution Grid Study shows savings potential
How much does it cost to connect the power, heating, industrial and transport sectors? And how much money can be saved by digitising and controlling distribution grids? Scientists investigated these questions in the NRW Distribution Grid Study. They found out that intelligently controlling the “new” consumers leads to considerable savings in grid expansion without any loss of convenience or quality. The study shows that most low-voltage grids need to be expanded. The reason for this is sector coupling. At the same time, however, the greatest savings potential also exists in the low-voltage range. This is because the charging processes of electric cars can be more precisely controlled.
