The SGLive project deals with the digitalisation of distribution grids and combines the expertise of three partners. It builds on the predecessor project "Smart Grid LAB Hessen". The existing laboratory is being expanded by Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences to include active and secure control processes and resilient operating concepts. A particular focus is on the development of a cyber security architecture. The concepts and methods will then be implemented and evaluated in the laboratory.

The energy, mobility and heating transition requires a change in the way existing electrical distribution grids are operated. Increasing fluctuations in decentralised generation and consumption can quickly lead to grid overload. Distribution grid operators must therefore digitalise their low-voltage grids in order to ensure the necessary flexibility for the energy transition. Grid expansion can be reduced by implementing smart grids, but large amounts of data are generated that need to be processed, forwarded and utilised securely.

This is where the SGLive project comes in: The existing laboratory is being specifically retrofitted with smart meter gateways, among other things. The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology is developing a control platform that allows it to react flexibly to the flexsumer data. In addition, an operating concept is being developed to upgrade the local network station to an "outpost of the control centre". It independently and automatically prevents and recognises bottlenecks, intervenes when necessary and keeps the grid stable without restricting the flexsumer. Both are implemented and evaluated in the realistic environment of the Smart Grid LAB.

The Computer Science faculty examines and identifies the need for retrofitting from a cyber security perspective. Questions of authentication and authorisation are answered and security concepts are implemented that can be upgraded for future standards. Computer scientists develop cyber security solutions for a resilient distribution network and use them to design a comprehensive security architecture that is implemented and evaluated.

Ingenieurbüro Pfeffer is responsible for the practical implementation of the developed concepts for retrofitting, operation and security. On this basis, it is expanding the existing business model for the holistic digitalisation of local grid stations, which also enables smaller grid operators to operate an intelligent distribution grid flexibly and securely. Outside of the project volume, Ingenieurbüro Pfeffer is making its premises and infrastructure available for this project. The infrastructure includes its own local grid station, PV system, battery storage and e-charging stations.

Objectives

The overarching goal is a comprehensive concept for transforming the passive low-voltage grid into an actively controllable and resilient smart grid. Both operational management and smart metering are part of the investigations.

The project pursues four objectives:

• New approaches to the resilient, optimised, data-driven operation of electricity grids with the integration of renewable energies and sector coupling
• Cyber security solutions for a resilient distribution grid with the integration of measurement and metering
• Implementation, integration and evaluation of the operating concept and cyber security in the laboratory under realistic operating conditions
• Derivation of business models for offering a holistic solution for smaller distribution grid operators