President of ABB’s Power Grids division, Claudio Facchin, opened a digital substation demonstrator at Imperial College’s Energy Futures Lab in January 2019.
Representing an investment of around £1 million, the demonstrator features examples of digitally enabled substation switchgear, energy storage and automation systems based on ABB Ability. Its objective is to mimic as closely as possible the operation of real-life power networks from transmission, through distribution to ‘behind the meter’ equipment such as domestic energy storage and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
Energy Futures Lab is the focal point for energy research across Imperial College London. It coordinates multi-disciplinary research and has an extensive network of energy researchers.
Supporting research and teaching
Researchers are able to use the demonstrator to model the behaviour of power networks, identify potential issues and solve them offline in safe and controlled conditions.
The demonstrator made its first appearance on ABB’s stand at the Cigre exhibition and conference in August 2018 in Paris. Since then, Imperial College has created its permanent home and worked with ABB’s engineers to install and test the facility.
“This is a really exciting step for Energy Futures Lab, Imperial College and our work on integrated energy systems. This demonstrator will really help our understanding of the latest technologies across the total electrical system from generation, transmission, distribution, storage and consumption,” said Professor Tim Green, Director of Energy Futures Lab and research lead for the demonstrator.
“We are able to test operational systems to see how the elements of the energy system interact and can be controlled and also see what effect real-life events have on the system. For example, changing weather conditions, shifting demand patterns, unexpected equipment outages etc.”
Digital substations
Substations are essential for controlling and protecting the flow of power in the grid. However, operators are under pressure to adopt digital communication in reaction to the challenges presented by renewable energy, distributed generation and electric vehicles.
Digital technology will enable remote monitoring and management of substation assets. It makes use of digital communication over a single fibre optic line that connects all substation equipment, rather than many individual point-to-point copper wires. As a result, it will enhance the efficiency and safety of substations while reducing the cost and complexity of cabling.
The demonstrator will help engineers of the future develop confidence with digital substation technology and give them insight into possible future careers in power grids.
Building on success
The demonstrator builds on ABB’s past collaboration with Imperial College. In May 2018, ABB’s CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer was guest speaker at the annual Energy Futures Lab lecture and spoke about the challenges of building a smarter, greener and stronger grid.
In addition, ABB has collaborated with Imperial for a Carbon Capture Pilot Plant and ABB Control Room in the Department of Chemical Engineering.
