What will be the secret to a greater efficiency in the transmission and distribution of energy, with the increasing integration of renewable energy sources in the power system? According to the HYNET project, the answer lies in the adoption of hybrid AC/DC networks, which combine alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). INESC TEC is one of the partners of the project; the institution will carry out studies in operation stability, reliability, expansion planning and operation of sections of the network in isolated mode.
Until 2027, 16 partners will join efforts within the scope of this European initiative, focusing on the development of innovative solutions for hybrid AC/DC networks. But what are hybrid AC/DC networks after all? And what is the main benefit of using them? Justino Rodrigues, INESC TEC researcher, clarified: “an AC/DC hybrid network combines transmission and/or distribution of electricity in alternating current and direct current. They feature sections that operate in alternating current (like today’s networks, who reach our homes) and other parts that operate in direct current. The AC and DC sections are interconnected via electronic power converters. The adoption of direct current is more attractive for the integration of distributed energy resources that, due to their nature, already operate with this type of current, e.g., some renewable energy generation technologies like solar photovoltaic, battery-based energy storage, and electric vehicle charging. This allows to reduce the size and complexity of the respective electronic interface systems with the power grid, which can translate into significant gains in terms of reliability and reduction of energy losses in the power transmission and distribution networks. Thus, hybrid AC/DC networks are at the forefront of building a modern energy infrastructure.”
This potential solution requires further development in several technical and economic aspects related to hybrid AC/DC networks. For this reason, HYNET aims to develop and explore technologies for the planning and design of hybrid AC/DC power systems, create methodologies and standards for multi-terminal and multi-manufacturer DC networks, evaluate the techno-economic benefits of adopting DC systems compared to traditional AC systems, and demonstrate the design innovations in already existing and planned hybrid AC/DC networks in four countries in Europe.
“INESC TEC will be responsible for the development of five tools that address: the analysis of network behaviour in dynamic and stationary regimes; network reliability; network expansion planning; the operation of networks or sections in isolated mode (island formation, restart after blackout or passive and active protection management); and the development of tools for computer simulation of hybrid AC/DC networks, compatible with widely used commercial software,” added the researcher.
The HYNET project, benefiting from approximately €6M, will be crucial to advance the scientific knowledge base in hybrid AC/DC power networks, and will place INESC TEC at the scientific forefront of hybrid AC/DC power networks, a disruptive area with great potential for the smart power grids of the future.
The HYNET project aims to support Europe’s energy transition, focusing on the REPowerEU plan, which seeks to reduce energy dependence to Russia and increase renewable energy generation.
The researcher mentioned in this news piece is associated with INESC TEC.
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