The NETfficient Handbook: Aggregated energy storage for smarter communities. Grid integration of distributed energy storage using an aggregation platform.

Abstract

Renewable energies are extensively available, but neither easy to predict nor to store. So how can we provide clean, renewable energy for tomorrow's energy demand? NETfficient is a project funded under the EU's Horizon 2020-Pro-gramme for Research and Innovation tackling this question. NETfficient's answer comprises local smart grid solutions and decentralised energy storage for low and medium voltage application in a real environment: the German Island of Borkum. In the endeavour to pilot a future-proofed energy system NETfficient brought together 13 partners from seven countries. Technologies range from lithium ion batteries, ultracapacitors and second-life vehicle batteries to hydrogen storage solutions and ther-mal storage, all in connection with photovoltaics. Applications cover single family dwellings, larger buildings, street lighting, an aquarium and medium voltage peak-shaving. To maximise their technical and economic potential all these distributed energy resources are connected to an energy management platform, turning them into a virtual power station. The NETfficient Handbook draws on a number of extensive studies on storage integration which have been undertaken alongside the real-life pilot. These cover regulatory aspects, revenue potentials and environmental impacts. These aspects are framed by detailed descriptions of the hardware and software solutions developed in the project.