Integrid - Bridging the Gap

11 These premises were implemented by building the three conceptual pillars: i) Proactive operational planning with DER , where the operational planning of the distribution grid is based on the dispatch of existing flexibility sources as well as on forecasting mechanisms for both unpredictable renewable generation and unpredictable consumption; ii) Innovative business models for flexible DER , where flexibility provided by distribution grid clients may be evaluated according to the value it brings to the improvement of grid operation efficiency as well with regard to its value based on the market/ competitive mechanisms; iii) The value based on information exchange between different power system actors as an opportunity to maximize the economic, societal and environmental gains from the combined integration of DRES and flexible DER. To ensure the stability of the grid, the DSOmust be able to view the aggregation actions connected to its network. As the data managing party, the DSO guarantees the information flow between the various parties of the energy market and provides a level playing field where transparent, independent and nondiscriminatory information is available to all parties in the energy market. GDPR requirements and obligations are fully covered by InteGrid. In order to cover the aforementioned needs, InteGrid explored the overall architecture shown in figure 2.2, which covers two important and evolving roles of the DSO – Market facilitator and Distribution System Optimizer – and the interplay with other stakeholders. The DSO will also operate as a system optimizer and market facilitator for flexibility products by exchanging technical and commercial information collected from the grid and performing technical validation (and coordination between TSO and DSO) of flexibility activation. Moreover, the market hub will be a marketplace for “regulated” flexibility and responsible for the interface between flexible grid users and DSO/ TSO. The three main pillars of the InteGrid concept offer an opportunity to maximize the economic, societal and environmental gains from the combined integration of DRES and flexible DER. The key idea is that bottom-up smart network management tools combined with suitable business models for DER are the ultimate layer to foster flexibility (and the respective use) resulting from the combination of smart grid technology and DER across the entire distribution network. Scalability will be increased by exploring recent computing techniques (such as parallel computing, convex optimization for large problems) and efficient programming frameworks. Replicability will be ensured by cross-demo demonstration of several functions (i.e. predictive grid management, LV control and VPP technology), implementation of CIM standards for network data and laboratory pre-qualification prior to field installation/demonstration. In terms of the InteGrid concept, in order to merge these three key pillars, as a means of achieving the two main premises, a core concept is crucial – The Grid and Market Hub. The gm-hub is a key element which is able to bridge the gap between the technical challenges of the HLUC10 - Aggregating and communicating multi-period behind-the-meter flexibility from LV and MV consumers HLUC11 - Engaging consumers in DSM programmes considering contextualized feedback mechanisms HLUC12 - Aggregating geographically distributed resources to offer ancillary services to TSOs and DSOs Grid Operations Grid & Market Hub Grid Users Energy Services HLUC04 - Planning repair of unplanned outages based on sensors and remote diagnostics and historical data HLUC03 - Performing asset health diagnostics for preventive maintenance HLUC02 - Monitoring and control of LV network using available flexibilities HLUC01 - Operational planning of MV network to pre-book available flexibility HLUC07 - Managing flexibilities from DER to optimize operation and costs HLUC06 - Data management and exchange between DSO and stakeholders HLUC05 - Managing the impact of flexibility activations connected to the distribution network HLUC09 - Home Energy Management HLUC08 - Managing the flexibility of internal processes to minimize energy costs and sell flexibility to system operators