Claudio Facchin recently opened a new state-of-the-art digital substation demonstrator at Imperial College’s Energy Futures Lab in London.
As the focal point for energy research across Imperial College in London, the Energy Futures Lab coordinates multi-disciplinary research and has an extensive network of energy researchers – and is therefore the ideal permanent home for the installation that was first shown on our exhibition stand at the Cigré, Paris exhibition in 2018.
The digital energy demonstrator features examples of digitally-enabled substation switchgear, energy storage and automation systems based on ABB Ability. It is enabling students and researchers to model the behaviour of power networks, identify potential issues and solve them offline in safe and controlled conditions. They can test how different elements of energy systems interact with each other and how they are affected by external factors such as the impact of changes in weather on renewable energy production, unexpected equipment outages or shifting demand patterns.
It is a training ground to support the development of the next generation of engineers and let them know about the importance of ABB as both an employer and technology provider.
Claudio Facchin, President of ABB’s Power Grid Division said: “ABB has invested in the digital energy demonstrator that also shows elements of a digital substation at Imperial College because we recognise the need to develop a new generation of engineers who will use advanced digital skills and technologies to solve the challenges of the future.”
Showcasing the benefits of digital technology
The event was not only the official opening for the facility, but it also served as an opportunity for UK experts in Grid Automation to explain how the latest technologies are supporting the development of Grids of the Future, to guests that had joined the event from industry and academia.
Gail Beasley, Business Development Manager in our Grid Automation business, provided an overview of the future of electricity networks and compared digital substation technology to wearable fitness trackers that help customers to monitor critical assets and take action to control the flow of energy through the grid.
Mark Willson, Industry Solutions Consultant for our Enterprise Software business, explained the role of software solutions such as Connected Asset Lifecycle Management (CALM) and Network Manager to give network health indication at a regional and substation level. Also demonstrated the software in action on the demonstrator’s control desk.
In addition, Technology Manager Darren Jones demonstrated the equipment in the room and highlighted how digital technology will enable Distribution Network Operators transition to become Distribution System Operators.
Building on a long-term relationship
The digital energy demonstrator is the latest development in our long-term relationship with Imperial College and the Energy Futures Lab, which also saw the establishment of a carbon capture pilot plant in the Department of Chemical Engineering, fore that 5 years ago.
As a permanent facility, we will be able to use it as a venue to showcase technology in action.
Andy Myatt, Director of Marketing and Sales for Power Grids in the UK, who also joined the launch event said: “As well as being a resource for Imperial College, it will provide us with the opportunity to demonstrate our digital technologies and solutions to stakeholders such as customers, policymakers and journalists. Hence positioning the Power Grids Business as a trusted technology partner in a rapidly evolving UK energy landscape.”
