VINPOWER Vaasa innovation platform for future power systems : Final report (summary)

The main objective of the project was to develop smart grid related expertise within the University of Vaasa. While the parallel project (Smart Energy Systems Platform – SESP) focused on the development of the physical research facilities, VINPOWER contributed to the development of the RDI environment by increasing expertise in the selected research areas. Moreover, the project aimed at delivering new knowledge and concepts for the industries, improved cooperation between the project partners and promotion of new technology for enhanced reliability of electricity distribution networks. The research work was divided into four work packages, WP1 Cabled medium voltage networks, WP2 Microgrids, WP3 Big Data Applications, and WP4 Dissemination and networking. In WP1, technologies for fault location, earth fault compensation and reactive power compensation were developed, and concepts for future secondary substation were outlined. In WP2, selected functionalities of microgrids were analysed, and protection and control related functions were developed and demonstrated. The third WP examined how Big Data and FPGA technologies could be utilized for network operation and maintenance needs. A disturbance recording library, intended for national use, was also developed. WP4 complemented the project by dissemination and networking. The main result of the project is the development of the Smart Grid expertise and innovation environment at the University of Vaasa. This provides better basis for future research projects, both nationally and internationally. Examples of more tangible results are the solutions to the compensation of cabled MV networks, developments in protection and control functions of microgrids, the national disturbance recording library, and the comparisons produced in the real world case study of alternatives to improve the reliability of MV feeders. According to the self-evaluation, carried out by the steering group, workshops were the highlight of the project, enabling vivid discussions and promoting networking of all participants.