THE CURRENT SITUATION

The Distributed power Generation (“DG”) model is an approach that uses small-scale technologies and renewable energy sources to produce electricity where it is most useful – close to the end user.

DG can cause voltage fluctuations and overvoltage conditions on low-voltage lines, especially during off-peak periods. DG can change the voltage profile along the distribution line and cause reverse power flow, complicating voltage regulation and protection schemes. In parallel, the current imbalance between the 3 phases will also lead to differences in the voltage of the 3 phases and an increase in technical losses. Careful regulation through the use of innovative automation equipment is essential to maintain acceptable voltage levels in existing infrastructures and thus maintain the quality of service to our customers according with the European standard EN 50160.

THE CHALLENGE SOLUTION REQUIRED FEATURES AND DETAILS

Enel Grids is looking for innovative solutions to improve the management of voltage deviations and current imbalances in Low Voltage (LV) networks, which are increasingly experienced, aggravated by growing penetration of distributed renewable generation.

The benefits will be:

·        Dynamic voltage regulation capabilities, not fixed, hence adaptable to hourly, daily seasonal, changing conditions of the LV networks;

·        Reducing technical losses by balancing the phases and correcting the reactive power;

·        Contribute to compliance with voltage limits along the LV line and increase of hosting capacity for new consumers, producers or prosumers;

·        To be integrated within Enel solutions’ catalogue for voltage management solutions.

Advanced stand-alone equipment, based upon Power electronic components to control voltage and current in LV lines with a high proliferation of distributed generation dynamically and automatically, will be installed along LV lines. These will manage voltage per phase individually and be in accordance with the European standard EN 50160.  

Main technical requirements:

·        Rated voltage :400V

·        Frequency 50/60 Hz

·        Operational temperature: -10°C÷ +70°C

·        Medium stage of development (TRL>5)

The solution must have the following qualities:

·        Voltage control. Regulate line voltage independently per phase;

·        LV current phase balancer. Redistribute currents between the 3 phases of a LV line, inherently balancing phase voltages;

·        Harmonic Filtering. To reduce the harmonic contents of voltage and currents and improve service quality;

·        Grid parameters monitoring: Be able to monitor current, Voltage, power factor, THD, active and reactive power.

·        Autonomous operation: Be able to operate autonomously in respect of the grid status

·        Vandal-resistant: in order to avoid the risk of damage in outdoor installation, the solution must be suitable for the outdoor installation, ground mounted with minimum need of civil works to be set.

·        Fault protection: Embedded overvoltage and short-circuit protection

·        Standard compliance: The proposed solution must be compliant with the main safety requirements of the European Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/UE

Nice to have:

·        Equipped with single-phase disconnectors

·        Equipped with supercapacitors or batteries to absorb transient fluctuations of active power

·        Integrable in Enel’s street box ( https://www.e-distribuzione.it/archivio-news/2023/11/le-cassette-stradali-hanno-un-nuovo-look.html ): maximum dimensions 500 (Width)x500 (Height)x200 (Depth) mm

DELIVERABLES

 Proposals shall be submitted to the platform openinnovability.com in a single stage including the following information in English:

·        Solution name/title and overview 

·        Solution detailed description

·        Development Roadmap to market, indicating the estimated time for design, certification and prototypes

·        Budget Estimation for Proposal development

• A detailed and clear estimation of the final price of the solution
• Supporting Documentation: Any additional supporting materials, diagrams, simulations, or research that help in understanding and evaluating the proposed solution.

Applicants must be living in or have a registered company in Europe.