INTERPRETER develops an innovative platform for efficient management of the power grid
The rise of distributed generation has changed the operational paradigm of power grids. This shift has created new opportunities for grid planning, operation, and control, but it has also introduced new challenges. The INTERPRETER project aims to overcome these challenges by developing an open-source software platform for power grid management, with a particular focus on the distribution network. The platform includes a grid modeling tool, which opens new opportunities for grid operators to optimize the design, planning, operation, and maintenance of the grid.
This H2020 project is funded by the European Commission and comprises nine partners from Spain, Portugal, Greece, Denmark, Belgium, and France
INTERPRETER, funded by the European Commission through the H2020 program (GA No. 864360), comprises nine partners from Spain (CIRCE, CARTIF, Atos Spain, Cuerva), Portugal (R&D Nester), Greece (CERTH), Denmark (DTU), Belgium (Ores), and France (Euroquality). This consortium is developing a grid modeling tool whose utility will be demonstrated with ten applications at three pilot sites (two real distribution networks and one grid laboratory).
More specifically, the five operational tools include: detection of non-technical losses, ancillary services for voltage balancing and congestion management, coordination of grid services between DSOs and TSOs, predictive maintenance, and self-healing. The remaining five planning tools cover: optimized reactive power compensation, phase balancing, nodal capacity allocation, dispersed storage planning, and an environmental and economic assessment (LCA/LCC) applicable to any planning procedure. The main feature of this modular and interoperable platform lies in the tool for automated creation of distribution network models. This capability for creating distribution network models can be seen as an enabler for many grid planning and operation tools, with the ten INTERPRETER applications being just the tip of the iceberg of the possibilities offered.
While SCADA-based distribution management systems already exist, they are often proprietary solutions tailored to a specific need. The innovation introduced by INTERPRETER is the modular platform, based on open-source standards, that provides a software environment capable of managing multiple data sources (e.g., SCADA systems, databases, web services) and providing standardized data interfaces for grid management tools. With this, the INTERPRETER project, which has more than two years of work ahead, aims to reduce costs, overcome challenges related to distributed generation and energy storage, and address issues such as energy theft and self-repair.
