The Nice Grid project : Using Distributed Energy Resources to Reduce Power Demand through Advanced Network Management

Abstract : Increasing penetration of distributed generation on the distribution network demands for a more flexible and efficient utilization of distributed energy resources. The development and deployment of Smart Grids technologies and solutions may provide solutions for significant changes in distribution operation within the near future. The Nice Grid project aims at implementing and testing a distributed energy resource management system, supporting hierarchical operation and control for a microgrid with high concentration of photovoltaic generators. The paper focuses on one use case of Load Reduction for TSO, from dispersed resources such as controllable loads and electrical storage units, which can be scheduled and operated through intermediaries, i.e. commercial aggregators. The business process, the project geographical footprint, the various supported standards and the overall architecture of the system are detailed in the following sections, with a strong emphasis on the transaction mechanism that supports the coordination process. The issues and lessons from the first two years are also discussed.