Synergy between energy networks

Title of the research project
PLANET - Planning and operational tools for optimising energy flows and synergies between energy networks
Scientific area Abstract
Energy transport and conversion, Renewable Energys, Environment & Climate Action.
Abstract
The projectPLANET aims to facilitate the full integration of intermittent renewable energy in the electricity grid by means of a global coordination of all energy networks (electricity, gas, district heating) and energy conversion and storage technologies. The project will develop a Decision Support System tool (PLANET DSS) for the optimal orchestration of the different energy networks.
Description of the research project
Renewable energy sources offer unpreceded opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the detrimental effects of climate change. But, some challenges remain to be solved before their full benefits can be reaped. The main one relate to the intermittency of their electricity supply which does not match energy demand and can lead to poor quality of electricity supply, grid stability problems and subsequently curtailment of their generation.
Energy conversion and storage has been touted as a very promising solution to all aforementioned issues. PLANET will develop a holistic Decision Support System for utilities (DSO), policy makers and network operators. It will aid them to leverage innovative energy conversion in alternative carriers & storage technologies in order explore, identify, evaluate and quantitatively assess optimal grid planning and management strategies for future energy scenarios that target full energy system de-carbonization.
Moreover, a robust analysis of the possible synergies between electricity, gas and heat networks will be carried out by creating simulation models for the integration between energy networks and conversion/storage technologies, e.g. power-to-gas, power-to-heat and virtual thermal energy storage. Application of the developed tools in two different test cases in Italy and France will showcase their benefits and also reveal potential grid stability issues and effective countermeasures.
Impact on society
The final result of PLANET will be a holistic Decision Support System able to offer to the utilities, policy makers and network operators the possibility to assess optimal strategies for the future energy scenarios.
Another important result of the project will be the detailed analysis of the possible economic impact determined by a new and more organized use of conversion/storage technologies.
Finally the new business opportunities on electricity, natural gas and district heating market will be studied along with an analysis of the existing and future regulatory aspects.
Working group @Polito
Marco Badami, Associate Professor (Project Coordinator)
Ettore Bompard, Full Professor
Carlo Cambini, Full Professor
Vittorio Verda, Full Professor
Andrea Mazza, Assistant Professor
Abouzar Estebsari, Assistant Professor
Armando Portoraro, Assistant Professor
Teresa Romano, Assistant Researcher
Mariapia Martino, Project Manager
Claudia Sibilla, Financial Manager
National and International partners
VTT, Finland
HYPERTECH , Greece
IREN, Italy
CERTH, Greece
ITM POWER, United Kingdom
VaasaETT , Finland
FGH , Germany
SOREA , France
ISMB , Italy
MERIT , Belgium
- Budget: 3.999.695 euro
- Start date: 1/11/2017
- End date: 30/10/2020