The TIGON showcases

These showcases are where we're developing and testing the technical, digital and business solutions needed to make a solid case for the rollout of hybrid AC/DC grids as part of the energy transition. We have 4 showcases: 2 demo cases and 2 replication cases.

Demonstration Cases

The two demonstration cases were selected for the design of microgrid systems and business models. They both rely on integrating a high share of renewable energy sources in medium and low voltage DC applications while interacting with different AC and DC loads and sources such as electric vehicles, PV systems and energy storage systems. This not only reduces energy loss but it also offers cost-effective and seamless operation of the grid.

Case 1

This demo case is located at a large research facility belonging to the CEA INES, the French Institute for Solar Energy.

The CEA INES sites is home of the TIGON’s French demo site

Key interventions

The system being developed integrates photovoltaic, power electronics and a multi microgrid infrastructure for testing any system configuration including PV module, batteries, inverters and fuel generators.
The MVDC modules are connected to the microgrid via innovative SiC WBG MV DC/DC converters and dedicated DCMV protections. This provides a showcase for efficiently increasing PV generation and for interconnecting these assets within the MV DC network.
The MVDC microgrid is connected to the main grid via a solid state transformer (SST), making the whole system smarter and more digital.
In addition, a pioneering WAMPAC system has been set up to apply the new protection schemes required. An energy management system specifically designed for AC/DC hybrid grids along with a decision support sytem increases the efficiency and reliability of the whole grid. This allows for higher penetration of renewables. A cybersecurity framework protects the system and its interconnections for use in a real-life scenario.

Expected outputs

Proof of concept for the connection of MV PV generation to a MV DC bus
Demonstration of cost benefit of MVDC applied to solar plants, LCOE analysis (0,02Euros/kWh)
Power electronics solutions with SiC technology will be characterized and demonstrated, allowing a better efficiency and digitalization of the grid
A dedicated architecture for protections based on WAMPAC systems will be analysed and tested
Comparison of global losses with standard LV plants (reduction of 5-10%) with improvement of global efficiency (5-10%)

Case 2

The second demo case is located at the Centre for the Development of Renewable Energy Sources (CIEMAT), Spain.

CIEMAT facilities, Spain – one of TIGON’s demo cases

Key interventions

The system developed integrates photovoltaic, power electronics and a multi microgrid infrastructure for testing any system configuration including PV module, batteries, inverters and fuel generators.
The MVDC modules are connected to the microgrid via innovative SiC WBG MV DC/DC converters and dedicated DCMV protections. This provides a showcase for efficiently increasing PV generation and for interconnecting these assets within the MV DC network.

The MVDC microgrid is connected to the main grid via a solid state transformer (SST), making the whole system smarter and more digital.
In addition, a pioneering WAMPAC system has been set up to apply the new protection schemes required. An energy management system specifically designed for AC/DC hybrid grids along with a decision support sytem increases the efficiency and reliability of the whole grid. This allows for higher penetration of renewables. A cybersecurity framework will protect the system and its interconnections for use in a real-life scenario.

Expected outputs

Proof of concept for the connection of MV PV generation to a MV DC bus
Demonstration of cost benefit of MVDC applied to solar plants, LCOE analysis (0,02Euros/kWh)
Power electronics solutions with SiC technology will be characterized and demonstrated, allowing a better efficiency and digitalization of the grid
A dedicated architecture for protections based on WAMPAC systems will be analysed and tested
Comparison of global losses with standard LV plants (reduction of 5-10%) with improvement of global efficiency (5-10%)

Replication Cases

The ultimate purpose of TIGON is to make the case for viable rollout of hybrid AC/DC grids as a way forward in the energy transition. The replication cases are now putting TIGON’s technical and digital solutions to the test in real-life business and technical conditions and assessing the potential for rollout across the EU.

Case 1

The first replication involves sustainable local energy production and storage with a DC microgrid in a residential district in Naantali, Finland.

Key interventions

We will seek to help the district to improve how it manages renewable energy production and uses its power storage systems. In particular we will look carefully at bi-directional energy flows produced by the inclusion of RES in the grid system, and at new demand-response schemes based on the combination of solar energy production and storage systems.
In addition, the point of connection between the DC district grid and the main AC grid will be analysed with regard to potential ancillary services that the DC grid may provide to the main grid.

Case 2

This replication case involves the metro (underground) network in Sofia, Bulgaria. The aim is to increase MVAC distribution stability and resilience using the metro’s LVDC power network.

Sofia’s metro network will replicate TIGON’s solutions

Key interventions

To address this aim, we use the dispersed metro’s distribution network and draw on substations and equipment connected at various points along a metro line. Applying data mining techniques, we are studying operation patterns and load scheduling procedures. This enables us to analyse the specific TIGON developments aimed at making the DC grid smarter along with new ancillary services.

In addition, we are assessing software optimisation tools for enhancing DC and AC grid systems (e.g. peak shaving) for possible use in Sofia’s metro. This includes the use of load forecasting for flexible network operating.