Grid Research and Development
Grid Selection:
Smart Metering
Abstract:
In May 2011, the CER completed a smart meter trial involving approximately 9000 homes and businesses. The project assessed the performance of available smart metering systems and communication technologies and identified risks, issues, and information relevant to a cost-benefit analysis for a national smart metering rollout. The rollout saw single-phase and three-phase meters communicate over PLC, GPRS and 2.4GHz wireless mesh in various rural and urban locations. Smart-metering-enabled energy efficiency measures were tested for their impact on customer behaviour. Time-of-use tariffs and demand side information management tools such as in-home displays, detailed billing, and an online customer portal were introduced as part of the trial. The project team found that time spent ensuring a“plug-and-play” meter installation process was extremely beneficial, but still saw technical issues in 3% of installations.
Period: 2011
Organisations: Smart Grid Ireland, CER, SEAI, ESB Networks, EirGrid
DS3
Abstract:
The power system of Ireland and Northern Ireland is currently operating at high penetrations of wind never previously experienced on the island. There are already sufficient installed windfarms to meet over 18% of the annual electricity consumption. The current and expected 2020 level (37%) of wind penetration across the island is, and will continue to be, greater than any other synchronous region in Europe over this timeframe. To meet this situation the TSOs: Eirgrid and SONI have developed a comprehensive programme (DS3) including: management of system frequency response (to deal with a 25% reduction in synchronous inertia); increase in ramping capabilities to meet growing variability and uncertainty in energy sources; reactive power management to deal with system voltage control; and close management of grid code requirements (e.g. contracted level of primary operating reserve during low frequency disturbances). Currently the TSOs can securely manage the system provided that the System Non-Synchronous Penetration (SNSP) level in real-time operations remains below 50%. The Success of the DS3 programme, will lead to an unprecedented SNSP level of 75%. This, together with the planned grid infrastructure investment, will enable Ireland to meet its challenging target of 40% renewable electricity by 2020.
Period: 2009
Organisations: EirGrid
Smart Grid Innovation Hub
Abstract:
The Smart Grid Innovation Hub combines the Energy and ICT industries and is a collaborative initiative between EirGrid, SONI and the National Digital Research Centre (NDRC) to promote the development of innovative Smart Grid ideas on the island of Ireland. The Smart Grid Innovation Hub was established to create a facility to enable innovation in the Smart Grid arena in Ireland or Northern Ireland, with access to the people, systems and data necessary to test ideas and concepts and enable them to develop from ideas to reality.
Period: 2010
Organisations: EirGrid, ESB Networks
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