Grid Operations

Forecasts and online projections are important tools for smart markets and grids and a reliable energy system.

The online projections and forecasts of the next minutes to days by the experts at Fraunhofer Energy Research are at the heart of innovative solutions for reliable grid operation and forward planning with weather-dependent energy sources.

Our offer in the field of state estimation and forecast includes, among others, the following services: 

• Forecasts of renewable energy (RE) generation expected in the next minutes to days.
  
• Projections of energy production from spatially distributed RE systems.
• Forecasts of expected consumption of electricity, heating/cooling and water by households, small and medium-sized enterprises, industrial companies and utility networks.
• Dynamic methods for determining and predicting the optimal loading of overhead power lines, taking into account external weather conditions.
• Forecasts of expected power flows within (horizontal) and between (vertical) the different voltage levels.
• Consulting and project planning based on state-of-the-art methods from science and research for characterizing and mapping energy-meteorological relationships.

Tailor-made tools and simulation models are required to develop, test and implement innovative functions in operation. 

Fraunhofer Energy Research's offering ranges from basic load flow calculation modules to complex simulation environments with detailed and proven models, to integration systems for linking the developed solutions to the respective application environment. The modular design of our tools and models enables individual, efficient and optimized solutions.

Our offer in the field of modular, distributed, automated control systems includes, among others, the following services: 

• Pilot systems for grid operation
• Modules for grid calculation
• Algorithms for grid optimization
• GIS and weather data-based energy scenarios
•  Plant and grid models
• Automated grid planning
• Test and simulation environment from controller concepts to operational control systems
• Forecasting and projection modules

In our powerful and flexible test environments and laboratories and with the know-how of the independent and highly qualified experts of Fraunhofer Energy Research, we create realistic real-time simulations of complex energy grids. By coupling with real control systems, via industry standards such as CIM, these simulations are continuously fed with measurement data and updated in real time. A "digital image" of the real energy grid is created.

Digital images enable real-time testing of new types of operations without disrupting the real energy grid. Users can see in real time how a control or optimization affects the grid condition, try out extreme scenarios or simulate new types of equipment. 

Our offer in the field of "Digital Twins" includes, among others, the following services: 

• Realistic replication of your grid as a simulation, parallel to the grid condition in your control room.
• Live updating of the grid replica with control system data (e.g. via CIM or IEC interfaces).
• Development of novel operational management concepts and testing of these concepts using real-time replication (what-if simulations).
• Customized development of interfaces for your control software, for coupling with digital grid replication.
• Advice on planning and use for your application