TECNALIA is working on hybrid generation and storage systems and integrating solutions for storage, digitalisation, power electronics, solar energy, grid operation, and heating networks
The developments of the ENERISLA initiative fall within the field of hybrid energy generation and storage systems with exclusive use of renewable technologies. They apply to products, infrastructures or buildings and include energy systems that can be incorporated at various scales, from small products (EoT) to large infrastructures, through exclusively renewable generation, storage and energy efficiency solutions. ENERRISLA is focused on implementing isolated microgrids based 100% on renewable energies.
Major advances have been made in the development and integration of renewable generation technologies in terms of error detection techniques at a string, array and inverter level and results have been obtained regarding new cell materials, and cell and module manufacturing processes.
With regard to the development of new generations of converters for DC and hybrid AC/DC networks active power control algorithms have been developed for a medium voltage stationary storage system, specifically using MMC converter technology.
With regard to the control and operation of microgrids, a technique is available that provides optimal connectivity in low-voltage grids for supply points. Work is also progressing on the design of a validation platform for experimenting with results from small-signal stability studies on hybrid AC/DC networks with high penetration of power converters. In this sense, the case study has been defined as a converter connected to a grid by means of configurable impedance. Along these lines, significant progress has been made in developing and simulating SST (Solid State Transformer) device control techniques for use as a connection point in stand-alone DC and/or hybrid grids.
In the field of energy storage, cell models have been characterised, advanced estimators have been developed, and the storage sizing tool has been specified and designed.
Launch of the ENERISLA Demonstrator
The ENERISLA Demonstrator hybridises the knowledge provided by the consortium and will make it possible to transfer results more effectively: it will be made up of two fully autonomous microgrids owned by TECNALIA and CIRCE. These will be able to connect to each other via advanced communication protocols.
During the first year, a power hardware-in-the loop platform has been integrated into TECNALIA's microgrid, which makes it possible to reproduce and analyse complex grid scenarios with a high penetration of renewable sources and power electronics equipment.
Further information
This initiative is the result of participation in the 2019 call for the procedure for accrediting and awarding grants for “Cervera” Technology Centres of Excellence. It is part of the State Programme for Knowledge Generation and Scientific and Technological Strengthening of the R&D and Innovation System in the State Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation 2017-2020.
