Variations in the main path: knowledge diffusion trajectories

Along with the main path of knowledge development, which depicts a sequence of ideas in the field, some variations form around these ideas as the knowledge diffusion trajectories. In other words, these trajectories build upon the knowledge and resources developed in the main path, while they are different in terms of the focal technologies and applications. Below, these variations are explained briefly.

4.4.3.1 End-user aggregation in smart infrastructure

The first trajectory emerges around developing solutions for aggregation of demand side solutions and improving the underlying infrastructure. Starting from one of the main projects in the main path (Address), it aims to enhance actor participation in power system markets by providing technical and commercial frameworks, where two important DSOs (Iberdrola Distribucion Electrica S.A. and Enel Distribuzione S.p.A) collaborate with other utility companies, manufacturers and research institutes. The second advancement in this trajectory is focused on developing the Advanced Metering Infrastructure necessary for enabling demand side solutions. The same DSOs active in “Address” collaborate with other firms on developing public and open standards for AMI (Open Meter), and later on improving interoperability for smart meter operation, integration of automation devices and volatility monitoring (OpenNode).

Integration of electric vehicles (EVs) towards smart mobility is the other central activity in this trajectory. Starting with developing an analytical framework to evaluate the impact of large-scale introduction of electric vehicles to the grid infrastructure (G4V), analyzing challenges and opportunities are followed up by more practical research projects. Study of intelligent charging systems and real time data exchange for

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electric vehicles (e-Dash), opened the space for collaboration between universities and firms from automobile industry (e.g. Renault SAS and VOLKSWAGEN AG). As expected, the share of ICT firms and contributions of advancements in information technologies increased over time in this trajectory. For instance, ICT applications for optimal integration of electric vehicles through energy management systems (Open ECOSPhERE). Figure 4-4 summarizes the hubs in the aggregation trajectory.

Figure 4-4. Hubs in the aggregation trajectory

4.4.3.2 Smart network management by supply/demand optimization

Integration of distributed and large-scale renewable energy sources, as the primary focus of projects in the main path, naturally leads to control and optimization problems in the distribution grid. Advanced optimization models and ICT-enabled services are potential solutions to these issues; therefore, it is not surprising to see research institutes active in distributed generation and demand aggregation projects to collaborate on developing systemic and advanced solutions to distributed power generation grid (Address and SEESGEN-ICT). These two projects shape a new trajectory focused on advanced methods for network management and optimizing demand and supply during the aggregation process.

Applying virtual synchronous machines (GSV) for stabilization of frequency in the distribution networks high penetration of decentralized power generation (VSYNC) is the first major advancement in this trajectory. It was followed by several projects aimed to balance supply and demand and optimize network operations from different angles. Developing methods for efficient design and operation as well as coordination of different applications (Smart Power), platform for real time optimization and monitoring of demand in neighborhoods to increase efficiency (ENERsip) and developing a hierarchical system model for optimizing energy consumption in mobile consumers (GeoGreen) are the central activities of interest.

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Similar to the aggregation trajectory, in the last years of our analysis, ICT-enabled solutions become more practical for other purposes. Here, advanced and monitoring solutions for optimizing transmission and distribution systems through adding novel functions to power components (CIPOWER) and enabling and design of active distribution networks for facilitation of customer involvement through interoperable ICT systems (INSTINCT) are two major advancements. Figure 4-5 summarizes the hubs in the smart network management trajectory.

Figure 4-5. Hubs in the SNM trajectory

4.4.3.3 ICT for smart energy solutions

The role of ICTs in the development of smart grids is not negligible. Emergence of ICT-oriented research projects and ICT-enabled solutions can be considered as part of the natural path of smart grid development. Indeed, aggregating distributed renewable energy sources into large scale virtual power plants (LSVPP) to increase penetration (Fenix) and analyzing the potential contribution of ICTs to distributed generation systems (SEESGEN-ICT) are the first advancements in this trajectory. As expected, integration of distributed energy systems as the focal application in the early years of smart grid development, is the testbed for analyzing the applicability of ICT-enabled solutions and innovations.

These developments were followed by collaborations between actors from energy and ICT sectors on defining requirements of the smart energy system and preparing case trials for domain-specific enablers (FINSENY) and investigating interoperability issues along with needed business models for integrating new applications such as electric vehicles (IOE). Over time, the actors involved in these advancements shift their attention toward preparing the needed infrastructure to exploit the benefits provided by ICT firms. Platforms for integrating appliance-level services at consumer side by gathering consumption data for new business opportunities (BeAware) and data management infrastructure to boost prosumers’ responses and active participation in

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smart distribution grid (INERTIA) are two examples of developing infrastructures to integration information technologies.

At the end of this trajectory, tools for data management, developing information systems and related enabling technologies gain a larger share in the main activities. Grid sensing and metering technologies for gathering information are analyzed to improve control and management mechanisms as well as design and topology of the smart system (E2SG). Configurable information systems are another systemic solutions for reaching objectives such as power quality monitoring, remote sensing and developing the smart metering platform (IMPONET). Finally, other projects (e.g. I3RES and OiDG) focus on data mining techniques, data management tools and decision support systems in a bi-directional information system to assist different actors in analyzing the huge amount of data gathered from both consumption and distributed generation profiles.

Figure 4-6 summarizes the main hubs in the ICT trajectory. It starts from developing frameworks for integrating ICT-based applications and systemic solutions, followed by investigating the possibilities of collaboration between incumbent firms and ICT firms as the newcomers. Then, new platforms and interfaces are analyzed as the necessary components of the new infrastructure, complemented by tools and methods for data mining, managing information systems and dealing with big data.

Figure 4-6. Hubs in the ICT trajectory