The contribution of energy transition: Researchers find a solution to stabilize power grids from Fabian Peters first appeared on Basic Thinking. You always stay up to date with our newsletter.
So far, coal and nuclear power plants in particular have ensured a stable alternating current in the European power grid. Researchers at ETH Zurich have now found a solution to stabilize the power grids without large power plants, so that wind and solar power plants can take over.
As a result of the energy transition, wind power and solar systems are replacing more and more classic power plants. With a view to climate change, this is positive, but the closure of power plants is also lost. So far, coal and nuclear power plants in particular have ensured a stable alternating current in the European power grid.
Researcher of the ETH Zurich However, have found a solution to this problem. You have developed a control for inverter that should protect the power grid and remain stable for network errors. The basis for this is a special algorithm that can stabilize frequencies in the event of errors and limit the current flow if necessary.
So far, water, coal and nuclear power plants have kept the power grids stable in Europe. In order to replace them as a clock, it is necessary to electronically controlled inverters. The problem: It is not easy to protect them from network errors such as short circuits and burglaries.
Energy transition: Researchers find a solution to stabilize power grids
The back round: AC flowers flow through the European power grid. This means that electricity flows into both directions at changing intervals – within hundredths of a second. So far, the generators of the large power plants stipulated this clock because they are synchronized via the network.
Solar systems and wind turbines in turn generate direct current. This must first be converted via inverters. The feed -in is synchronized by orienting themselves at the clock of the power grid. But this only works as long as there are enough large power plants on the network.
In order to stabilize the power grids as part of the energy transition, so -called network -forming inverter is required. Hot specifically: inverter that not only follow one clock, but also help to keep it stable. To protect network -forming inverters so that they also work in the event of short circuits or a break in a voltage, there has been no solution so far.
A protective mechanism is currently ensuring that inverters separate themselves from the mains for network errors. This is necessary in this respect, otherwise if you slump in a voltage, you would otherwise try to compensate for the lack of voltage by a high current tax. However, this would overload the inverters and irreparably damage.
Algorithms continue to operate in the case of network errors
The Zurich researchers have therefore developed an algorithm that continues to operate network -forming inverter even in the event of errors. Specifically: Solar systems and wind turbines could also remain on the net with short circuits or burglars without it collapsing.
With the help of the algorithms, the inverters should again be able to take on the role of large power plants as a clock. The control should continuously measure network parameters in order to be able to adapt the inverter in real time via a feedback loop. The ETH Zurich has registered its algorithms for a patent.
A student had the sparkling idea for solving the researchers. Doctorate Maitraya Desai is said to have recognized that it is best to treat the mains voltage and the frequency of the alternating current for network errors. Because in the event of errors, it is difficult to keep the mains voltage. The researchers’ algorithms therefore focus the clock frequency to keep them stable.
The electricity is limited to avoid overload. The tension, on the other hand, can fluctuate freely. The scientists were able to confirm that their solution works in a test facility in the laboratory. Since it is a software solution, industry can implement the algorithms directly into its control systems without having to build new systems.
The new algorithms stabilize the European power grids, reduce the risk of blackouts and replace large power plants as clocks to guarantee the energy transition via solar systems and wind turbines.
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The contribution of energy transition: Researchers find a solution to stabilize power grids from Fabian Peters first appeared on Basic Thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard.
As a tech industry expert, I am thrilled to hear about the advancements in stabilizing power grids through innovative research. The transition to renewable energy sources is crucial for a sustainable future, but the intermittent nature of these sources can pose challenges for grid stability. Finding solutions to effectively integrate renewable energy into the grid while maintaining stability is key to accelerating the energy transition.
I believe that the development of technologies such as energy storage systems, smart grids, and advanced control systems will play a critical role in stabilizing power grids. By leveraging these technologies, we can better manage the variability of renewable energy sources and ensure a reliable supply of electricity.
Furthermore, collaboration between researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers is essential to drive progress in this area. By working together, we can accelerate the deployment of innovative solutions and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
Overall, I am optimistic about the future of energy transition and excited to see the impact that these advancements will have on stabilizing power grids and advancing renewable energy integration.
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