Motivation

“Energiewende”, or the exit from nuclear and fossil fuels in Germany, implies that momentarily the peak generation power of the to-be-installed renewable energy resources is significantly higher than the required peak load. At least in times of peak generation by renewable resources, cost considerations dictate that renewables cannot simply inherit 100% of the energy supply responsibility, but must also inherit 100% of the grid control responsibilities of conventional power plants. This is the only feasible scenario where it is possible to effectively use all investments in renewable energy. 

This project forms a foundation for future developments by performing energy-economic analyses as well as developing prototypical solutions for renewable energy systems in the presence of conflicting constraints from regulation and market. The pilot installation in Wildpoldsried, located in the distribution grid of Allgäuer Überlandwerke, allows us to realize and evaluate such concepts. Since substantial micro-grid relevant installations are pre-existing, the grid section in Wildpoldsried is predestined for a further elementary analysis of the stable operation of island grids as well as topological power plants.

Within the grid-section in Wildpoldsried, the renewable generation today is already 5 times higher than the self-consumption. Due to the predecessor project IRENE, Wildpoldsried exhibits a grid with a substantial share of photovoltaic’s and storage as well as modern infrastructure, i.e. stationary battery storage, two controllable transformers, measurement system, communication infrastructure, interface to decentralized generation units such as PV and bio-gas.

Thereby, essential requirements are met that allow a further scientific analysis and practical verification of aspects that determine the optimal operation of micro-grids. Due to the well-established and well integrated project team, an efficient kick-off and efficient project work is guaranteed.