Integration of Photovoltaic Systems into Smart Grids Demonstration of Solar-, Storage and E-Mobility Applications within a Secure Energy Information Network in Germany

Abstract

The integration of decentralized renewable energy systems into our distribution networks leads to a need of more detailed information about local network structure and state estimation down to the low voltage level [1]. This enforces the transformation of today’s distribution networks into smart grids. Smart Meters with Smart Meter Gateways (iMSys) and Controllable Local Systems (CLS) are the essential new bricks of the future smart grid. In Germany the new law Digitalization of the Energiewende [2] sets up the rules for network operators to establish this secure energy information system based on the smart meter infrastructure.During the last two years the authors developed and demonstrated on laboratory and field level such a secure energy information system. The main innovation of the project is the direct and secure communication with decentralized energy systems such as photovoltaic inverters, battery storage systems, E-mobility charging stations or power to heat applications within this new smart meter infrastructure, which has been defined by technical rules from the German regulator for data security (BSI) [3]. The two-way communication is able to read measurement values from the field as well as change set points or activate curtailment of decentralized energy systems (see figure 1).