Distributed Energy Resources and Smart Energy Networks

Solutions that favor increased flexibility, resilience and robustness in the energy system, and that can help to avoid volatilities in the electricity market so that variable supply can be matched to a varying demand at competitive prices, are needed. A key potential solution is the installation of stationary energy storage systems (SESS). The installation of SESS can enhance the resiliency of the system by providing ancillary services in support of the transmission system operation (e.g. frequency regulation and black start services). SESS can also be used for investment deferral, such as for energy shifting, and for transmission and distribution congestion relief. Furthermore, when co-located with wind or solar power installations (both centralized or distributed), SESS can help in reducing curtailment, as well as for capacity firming. With Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) being the most commercially used technology, their environmental impact resulting from the usage of the LIB for SESS has not been widely studied via LCA. Furthermore, there are no standard methodologies or guidelines for performing LCA of LIB SESS, with most studies available excluding end-of-life considerations.

Cities stand out as responsible for a 70% share of global CO2 emissions. There is a high potential for carbon footprint reduction in improving the energy performances of the built environment. Since cities are very dynamic and dense ecosystems, they offer numerous options that can be developed to reach the climate targets. One promising option is the integration of solar PV coupled with energy storage systems (ESS).
The aim on this project is to study the implementation and optimal operation of turnkey solutions involving solar PV coupled to energy storage systems (PV-ESS). For this, a two-fold approach where the impact of policy modifications is investigated by means of techno-economic scenario analyses while also demonstrating key PV-ESS innovations at KTH Live-In Labs.

Sweden requires to accelerate the solar power capacity in order to fulfill the goals that 100% renewable in power sector by 2040. However, there are still many challenges for PV installation in Sweden. This project explores the potential and feasibility of decentralized PV system in a Swedish context, including consideration of space, climate, infrastructure, and economics. A new model is developed and simulated based on a real Swedish case. The main aim is to design and improve PV systems with better compatibility with grid and consumer behaviors.

The increasing dynamic electric demand of buildings, coupled with intermittent renewable sources, poses challenges for the power grid in maintaining balance between supply and demand. Digital Twins are a promising tool to improve the building energy performance and management, increase grid flexibility, maximize buildings’ storage capacity and renewable energy exploitation, but their full potential remains largely underexploited. In this project, we will develop a scalable and holistic Digital Twin that will be demonstrated on KTH Live-In Lab building testbeds. The project will be carried out within the framework of the Dig-It Lab competence center in tight collaboration with industrial partners and as part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers.

The project aims to develop a new standard for dimensioning and operating electrical grids specifically for electric vehicle charging. For this, load flow analysis will be conducted at different voltage levels of the network in order to quantify the effect that charging strategies and behaviors have on the aggregated power ratios of the network. The calculated ratios will help distribution system operators in swiftly identifying network bottlenecks and take the necessary measures such as load management and new investments to ensure that electric vehicle penetration can continue to grow at an accelerated rate without threatening the robustness of the network.

IntegrCiTy is an ERA-NET European project involving researchers and industrial partners from Sweden, Switzerland and Austria.

The coupling between the electricity and heating networks is increasing due to the integration of co- and poly-generation technologies at the distribution networks. This project aims at modelling, simulating and optimization of multi-energy systems (MES) in general, and coupled heating and electricity networks in particular, with the full consideration of networks' physical and operational parameters. The project lays down the ground for better management of smart electricity grids and smart thermal grids in an integrated way so that district/urban energy systems can be operated in a cost effective, secure and efficient way.

Europe is built. We have around 2% new construction per year compared to existing buildings. Decarbonisation of existing buildings and neighbourhoods is challenging for several reasons: different stakeholders, proper timing, existing space on site, etc.
PED StepWise develops a step-by-step process that reflects the “messy” reality of the situation in existing neighbourhoods and the need to step “wisely” to develop a PED. By “wisely” we mean a process that is knowledge-based, participatory, holistic and inclusive, that does not just address technical issues but engages with citizens and other stakeholders to create zero-carbon places. From a smart grid to a wise grid.

The project Smart and Robust Electricity Infrastructure for the Future aims to identify and address future capacity requirements in the Stockholm region as a result of increased electric vehicle use, computerization and heat pump installation. With the help of existing simulation tools at the Institute of Energy Technology, KTH, short and long term scenarios for electricity use are established and the impact on the distribution and production capacity in the region is analyzed. Load flow analysis will be conducted in low and medium voltage distribution networks to identify infrastructure deficiencies. Measures in the form of network upgrades, load balancing and installation of local production will be analyzed and optimized regarding cost and environmental impact. Validation is done with input from Fortum, Svenska Kraftnät and Elbil2020. The methodology should be generally applicable to urban regions in and outside Sweden, and form the basis for decisions on infrastructure investments.

Energy communities (Energigemenskaper) offer a promising solution to address today’s energy challenges. This project, in collaboration with RISE and other eight partners, comprehensively explores energy communities within technical, environmental, economic and social contexts. Two pilot districts are studied, showcasing new construction buildings in Örebro and existing buildings in Stockholm. The project aims to develop guidelines involving new technologies, services, business models, and policies, with the objective to reduce power peak demand and increase energy savings. This project locates Sweden as an innovative energy leader by promoting collaborative social transformation and leading local communities to pursue common goals such as reducing energy costs and achieving self-sufficiency.