How to design an electricity network that can cope with intermittent, decentralised electricity generation
The existing national grid conveys energy from a central point to multiple consumers. Furthermore, supply is always tailored to demand and energy is automatically stored in fossil fuels. This system was not intended to cater for decentralised energy generation (e.g. from domestic solar panels).
A smart electricity grid is able to manage fluctuations in supply and demand for electricity in a flexible manner. This makes it suitable for electricity that is generated at many different locations and for intermittent energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines. Furthermore, a smart grid can ensure that the washing machine only switches on, or the electric car only charges up, at times when sufficient energy is available.
How is TU Delft contributing?
Smart grid components
Smart grids, which incorporate a two-way flow of data and electricity, require different components from those needed for the present electricity grid. Present-day safety switches, which prevent short circuits, are not suitable for smart grids, for example. Researchers at TU Delft are developing faster current limiters, new high-speed generators and high-capacity energy storage systems. Read more about the research into smart grids.
Read more about the Flex Power Grid Laboratory where Smart Grids are tested.
Autonomous energy laboratory
Technically speaking, it is possible to set up a small, renewable and self-sufficient energy system. Arjan van Voorden, who was awarded his PhD on Monday 24 November 2008, developed the Renewable Energy Laboratory, a self-sufficient system constructed on a scale equivalent to 10 households and featuring 120 m2 of solar panels, a 30 kW wind turbine and a 5.5 kW micro-CHP unit. In addition, the system incorporates batteries for storing energy. See also the press release: TU Delft sets up autonomous renewable energy laboratory.
Integrating wind energy into the present electricity gridBart Ummels, who received his doctorate at TU Delft in February 2009, investigated whether the present electricity grid in the Netherlands is capable of handling wind energy on a large scale. His results indicate that wind energy demands greater flexibility from existing power stations. In some cases, more reserves are needed, but far more often the plants will actually need to reduce their output in order to make room for wind power. It is therefore important to continually recalculate the performance of the power stations using the latest wind forecasts. Read the press release.
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The regulatory framework
New legislation and regulations will need to be drafted for smart grids, since individual households with solar panels that generate more electricity than they use actually become energy suppliers. The Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management is considering what type of legislation would be most appropriate. Read more.
Plus:
Intelligent networks
- Micro-CHP
Links and contact
- Contact the Delft Energy Initiative for further information about the research into smart grids.
