Smart Grids and Energy Storage
Smart grids and energy storage systems integrate energy production, consumption and flexibility into a well-functioning system. In the Vaasa region, their development is driven by collaboration between the electrical engineering industry, energy companies and research organisations.
Bringing Flexibility and Reliability to the Energy System
An increasingly electrified society needs reliable electricity distribution and the ability to balance production and consumption. Wind and solar power generation vary depending on weather conditions, while industrial electrification and electric vehicle charging, for example, are changing electricity consumption patterns.
In a smart grid, measurement data, communications and automation help monitor grid conditions and control its operation. Faults can be located and isolated more quickly, and distributed energy generation can be integrated into the system in a controlled manner.
Energy storage adds flexibility to the system. Battery storage systems can store electricity for later use and respond rapidly to the balancing needs of the power system. Thermal energy storage, in turn, makes it possible to produce and use heat at different times. Demand response complements energy storage: heating, charging and industrial electricity consumption, for example, can be adjusted according to system conditions and electricity prices.
The Vaasa Region's Strength Lies in Combining Expertise Across Different Fields.
From Pilots to Practical Solutions
Sundom Smart Grid – Collaboration in a Real Electricity Network
The Sundom Smart Grid project in Vaasa demonstrates what collaboration between businesses and research organisations can achieve. Merinova coordinated the project from 2014 to 2016, developing smart grid solutions in a real-world operating environment.
The project partners included ABB, Vaasan Sähkö, Vaasan Sähköverkko, Anvia and the University of Vaasa. Together, they developed solutions for grid automation, fault detection, and communication and cloud services for electricity networks. The University of Vaasa also created a simulation model of the local electricity network to study different grid conditions.
The pilot brought together technology development, research and the practical needs of electricity distribution. The collaboration established through the project has supported subsequent research and the development of new solutions.
Integrating Electricity and Heat into One System
Nordic Energy Capital
The Nordic Energy Capital project focuses on developing the integration of electricity and heat systems. A digital twin of the Vaskiluoto energy system is being developed to create a virtual model that can be used to analyse system operations and evaluate new solutions before implementation.
Flexibility in the electricity system can also be achieved through heat production. When heat generated using electricity is stored for later use, electricity consumption can be scheduled more flexibly. In this way, electric boilers, heat pumps and thermal energy storage connect electricity and heating systems into an integrated solution in which the systems support each other.
NEC also aims to develop solutions that can be applied in other European cities.