Opportunities and challenges for the future digital electric power systems

Massimo BongiornoChalmers Area of Advance Energy

The real breakthrough in the electric power systems

AC transmission was first demonstrated at an exhibition in Frankfurt am Main 1891

170 kW transferred 175 km from Lauffen hydropower station to the exhibition area at 13000-14700 V

The way forward: how has the power system evolved?

Bulk dc import/export

Connecting ac system

Traditional power plant

Industrial plant

ac

dc

Distribution feeder

1879 1891 Today Tomorrow?

Is this too futuristic?

Beijing3000MW

Kangbao1500MW Fengning

1500MW

Yudaokou

Zhangbei1500MW

Tangshan

Current projects in China

Proposed dc-transmission between Trollhättan and Hamburg/Berlin (1909)

Target of Energy in Sweden• 100% fossil-free energy system by 2045

• 100% renewable-based power system by 2040

Fundamental changes in future electric power system• Renewable integration

• Energy storage

• Digitalization

Characteristics of the future system

Ambition to move towards a fully-renewable electric power production

The rapid growth of telecommunication technology has changed, and still it is changing vital functions in our society.

Swedish electric power production prognosis towards a 100% based renewable system in 2050

Speed comparison between the existing communication technology and 5G technology

What about Sweden?

Challenges & Opportunities More renewables on both transmission level and

distributed in the distribution grids;

Increased energy efficiency in the whole value-chain to save cost and improve the environment;

Higher demand of electric energy in emerging countries;

Increased reliability and availability of electricity;

Inter-connection of power systems in different countries and regions;

Fast and reliable communications for both wired and wireless communication;

Cloud computing;

Internet of Things will allow to connect devices with each other and with hubs by utilizing communication and internet.

……

Evolution of electrical power system and communication system in Sweden

Digital grids

Example of future power system

Present and future trends: Controllable devices for power system

support;

Wide area monitoring, control and protection;

Condition monitoring and maintenance;

Dynamic rating;

Microgrids;

E-mobility;

Digital twin;

Digital substations;

Green-field installations utilizing wireless communication;

Virtual power plants.

Information and communication

Bulk dc import/export

Connecting ac system

Regional dc grid

Offshore dc wind farm(meshed collection grid)

Traditional power plant

Industrial plant

ac

dc

Example of research opportunities foreseen within digital power systemsIllustration from today’s electrical system to the future through the integration of IT