Grid ExpanDER
A turnkey software solution to implement non-firm LV grid connections for small-scale generators
Reduce grid connection costs and delays for power producers
Avoid unnecessary grid investments and save resources with a lean approach
Improve the DSO's customer satisfaction
Help DSOs comply with policies mandating flexibility
Extra room for low-voltage generators… CAPEX-free!
Our vision is simple.
Faster and cheaper connections to the LV grid for small-scale generators thanks to our unique smart-meter-based LV grid supervision and control technology: Grid ExpanDER.
Sure, Distributed Energy Resources Management Systems are everywhere nowadays. However, most solutions on the market require dedicated hardware and telecommunications, as well as almost-constant human supervision. Such costly solutions are thus suitable only for specific applications, and inadequate for mass deployment. Reusing the smart metering infrastructure makes a world of difference, turning non-firm LV grid connection into an economically viable solution, network-wide!
The roll-outs
Since 2020, Grid ExpanDER has been deployed on the Roseau Smart Lab, a complete laboratory test platform that reproduces the physics of a real low-voltage network.
In 2022 and 2023, the solution was successfully deployed on the experimental network of the Fraunhofer Institute in Kassel, as part of the EriGrid Project.
In early 2024, the first experimental site on a real network was equipped. The site is a solar shading unit on the SORÉA network in the Maurienne region.
Powerful
Thanks to the careful design of its control loop, Grid ExpanDER achieves an excellent protection against overvoltage and overcurrent constraints, while keeping the loss-of-gain for producers minimal.
Simple & practical
Unlike other approaches based on elaborate building blocks (e.g. complex market mechanisms), Grid ExpanDER relies on a simple local control loop with fully predictable behaviour.
Easy plug-and-play deployment
Grid ExpanDER leverages existing assets, greatly reducing the need to qualify new hardware and software components, and simply integrates with the existing smart metering IT system.
Cost-efficient
Grid ExpanDER 100% relies on the smart metering infrastructure, eliminating the need for costly additional sensors, communication channels, etc.
Respectful of the communication channel
Grid ExpanDER relies on minimal communication capabilities and thus has a nearly transparent effect on the smart metering communication channel. Grid ExpanDER also gracefully handles degraded communication conditions by falling back to a safe mode that preserves the grid from constraints.
Fully automated
Grid ExpanDER runs in fully automated mode and does not require any detailed human supervision.
Cruise control for small-scale generation: how it works
Smart meters monitor the grid
measurements and makes
curtailment decisions
are sent back to smart meters
their output accordingly and
relieve the grid
to flexible loads instead of
PV inverters
Want to know more about the project ?
The latest updates
Interested in getting involved?
We welcome collaboration with other R&D stakeholders, both from the industry and academia. If you would be interested in running a collaborative research project on the topic of non-firm connections of distributed energy resources, please get in touch with us!
This project was supported under the “Programme d’investissement d’avenir” (PIA) operated by ADEME
