Distributed Energy Resources are defined as power generators, storage and controllable loads connected to the distribution network. Typically the power rating of DER is much smaller than 30MW per unit. Nevertheless, if controlled adequately, DER may provide energy services as seen in virtual power plants as well as ancillary services (e.g. frequency control, local voltage control, etc.). Different kind of aggregation approaches may be used to provide energy and ancillary services of significant scale. There are already test facilities for distributed generation which may be used to study the performance and effectiveness of different aggregation approaches. However, a lack of standardised interfaces, as well as the many types of DER, with only few of them available at a single test facility, leads to limitations for testing of aggregation methods.

The establishment of a virtually unique pan-European demonstration laboratory with testing equipments linked with a single communication protocol (both in terms of data structures and open communication means) serves as test bed for different combinations of technologies, aggregation mixes, etc operating under innovative control schemes. JaNDER aims to improve and better utilise the existing test facilities and enables a high performance platform for research on the next generation distribution networks.

Concept of JaNDER: It provides a common interface to control DER in the laboratories and measure relevant system data. It enables access to the European smart grid research infrastructure via a single access point.

 

Some of the advantages of JaNDER are:

 

• Remote access to each facility will be enabled by Internet capable communication.

• More units, but also a bigger variety of generator types, loads, storages devices as well as network equipment is available for research and testing. The already existing research facilities are complementing each other establishing a much more comprehensive research and testing environment for smart energy networks.

• Better utilisation factor of existing research infrastructures by improved access. Access and collaboration will be much faster and more efficient.

• Development and implementation of common, standardised interfaces for aggregators enables faster, more efficient research as well as faster access for both, academic and industrial users.

 

Objectives / Expected results:

 

• Common interfaces to generator control, independent of site, manufacturer and DG type

• Common interface to access measurements of the electrical network which will provide the basis for the performance evaluation of the aggregation.

• Creating of a virtual laboratory with one common access point for control and measurement.

• Internet technologies will be explored to establish the required communication.