System services from small-scale distributed energy resources

This project will through experimental testing develop methods and procedures for the validation of the ability of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) to deliver system services to the electric power system satisfying the needs and requirements of the Transmission (TSO) and Distribution (DSO) System Operators. To achieve the overall energy policy targets an increased integration and coordination of distributed (mainly renewable) energy production facilities into the Danish energy systems is required. This integration shall comprise a large number of distributed, renewable energy sources. The energy policy target of 30% renewables in 2025 will imply 50% wind energy in the electric energy system. This requires a rapid transformation of the present energy systems into a new paradigm increasingly based on sustainable technologies and provided by DERs. Further an integration of the now separated energy systems (electric power, transport, district heating and natural gas) is needed. The operation of the electricity grid is based on systems services such as frequency and voltage control and various balancing services (reserves). These ancillary services are today mainly supplied by large power plants. The integration of a large number of DERs will require supply of system services from DER units. This again will require new technologies and new strategies for both grid operation and control, based on a shift from passive to active systems (smart grids). A major barrier for implementation of smart grids today is specification and documentation from the DERs. Assessment of the DER generation technologies and their ability to supply system services in relation the new control strategies will be a prerequisite for the achievement the most at technically/economically optimized performance of the energy systems. It is desirable, that such an assessment is based on appropriate performance standards - to be used in the grid codes - for production and storage units connected to the Danish electricity network. The project is aiming at the development of appropriate performance standards for end-user equipment, which can enable intelligent control device implementation at network as well as customer device levels. The integration of a large number of small DERs into power system control will also require an aggregation of the performance features (Virtual Power Plants and Microgrids). The outcome of the project, the concept, can be used by both DSOs, Energinet.dk (TSO) and by the energy industry. The implementation shall be carried out by the actors in the energy sector, for instance as new control strategies and grid codes