Cellular Smart Grid Platform

The rapid growth of renewable energy puts great pressure on global power grids due to its fluctuating generation. To make these networks more resilient to this, Alfen is launching a solution that allows local sections of the central grid to disconnect themselves and recover autonomously.

Cellular Smart Grid Platform

This new network solution, called the Cellular Smart Grid Platform (CSGriP), divides the network into several small cells that can operate autonomously. If central grid control is interrupted by a failure, these local cells take over. They automatically start restoring all local energy sources (e.g., solar and wind), to then supply local users with them. This is made possible by Alfen's energy storage system: a system capable of balancing the generation and consumption of energy. Once this balance is restored in an individual cell, it automatically connects with other cells to rebuild the central network. This significantly reduces the duration and magnitude of power outages.

CSGriP in practice

This Alfen solution is being tested in practice at ACRESS in Lelystad (Application Centre for Renewable Resources). Here, locally generated solar and wind energy and biogas are combined with local power users. The overall solution revolves around a 0.5MH energy storage system that, in combination with complex algorithms, fully manages local power storage. Both solutions were supplied by Alfen.

Evert Raaijen, Energy Storage Specialist at Alfen, says: "The uniqueness of this solution is that each cell creates its own stability through automated adjustment to supply and demand. This ensures self-healing during central grid failures. What distinguishes it from power grids managed with IT solutions is that this does not involve vulnerable data and data connections, but the load balance is completely frequency controlled."

The future of power grids

In any location with full-fledged infrastructure, the Cellular Smart Grid Platform enables these networks to handle decentralized, renewable power generation. In places where this infrastructure does not yet exist, the benefits are even greater precisely because this infrastructure does not yet exist. After all, there is no need to consider traditional fossil fuel-based power plants, and a decentralized grid structure can be deployed immediately.

Evert Raaijen adds, "We have extensive experience with local microgrids in developed areas, but are also increasingly being asked to bring our expertise in energy storage, power grids and energy management to other parts of the world. This helps them skip development steps on their way to the power grid of the future."

In addition to Alfen, several project partners are involved in the development of CSGriP, including Delft University of Technology, the Application Centre for Renewable Resources, the University of Arnhem and Nijmegen, Avans University, Bredenoord, DNVGL and grid operator Alliander. The project is supported by a grant from RVO-TKI Urban Energy.

Photos of this project