Virtual Power Plant/Smart Grid Demonstrator

Interpretation of the SEMM model

Watch the video…

Objectives

The objectives of the pilot are: 1. Research and prototype a Council Virtual Power Plant (VPP) and study the impact on energy consumption and bills across the applicable council buildings. 2. Research and understand solar and wind generation within the NW region. 3. Understand energy storage options and their effect on energy efficiency within the VPP 4. Link data modelling with ISEM pricing framework.

Target Groups

Public authorities

Pilot Story

The DCSDC pilot action is a Virtual Power Plant/Smart Grid Demonstrator that integrates renewable energy, battery storage and smart energy management, in the form of sensors and smart meters, to monitor consumption and learn from user behaviour. The pilot project consists of an electricity and heating network that can power and heat a number of public buildings within a specific geographic boundary. Artificial Intelligence technology records consumption data in conjunction with external weather conditions, energy performance of equipment, and learned user profiles, to maximise energy efficiency and optimise the consumption of renewable energy produced. The main objective is to create the virtual power plant so that the impact of energy consumption and costs can be identified and analysed across the council buildings. Research into wind and solar energy generation in the northwest region is included, as are energy storage options and their effect on energy efficiency within the virtual power plant. Data modelling was conducted to strengthen the outcomes of the research. By using the data modelled from the solar power generated within Alley Theatre the potential to optimise renewable electricity generation with battery storage technology was identified. 12kW of PV panel generation is connected to 15kW of battery storage. The electricity demand profile of the theatre shows increased power demand during evenings when the stored power from the batteries could be released into the building. The system is further enhanced by a Smart data analytics system PARIS (Predictive Analytical Renewables Integration System) which continually analyses energy consumption. The smart system learns energy consumption patterns and automatically decides to either use or store the renewable energy. The existing council building management system was upgraded as part of this pilot also, to ensure a higher degree of visibility into building operational settings and controls that directly affect energy usage in these high-consuming buildings. Optimisation of the operational controls and settings identified where improvements could be made to reduce energy usage and energy costs. Training in the use of the upgraded system ensured that building managers and other relevant users could modify and make corrections to settings as needed.

Pilot Results

The successful implementation of the VPP dashboard identified the potential power optimisation of installing battery storage within solar PV sites. The Alley Theatre was selected for the installation of storage technology to complement the existing power generation within the building. The .csv files of data extracted from the dashboard identified the positive contribution of adding storage, in terms of optimisation of power generation and reduced electricity consumption, especially during the spring and summer months.