The report relates to the development of software systems that can be used to progress the development of new decision support and operational technologies for the management of DER assets.
Report extract
The proliferation of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and the ongoing displacement of fossil fuel generation with renewables is a transformative change currently being experienced by the electricity system.
The software systems used to operate electricity distribution networks form part of a collection of systems known as operational technologies, which will become a key enabler of the transformation. This report shares insights, gathered through the implementation of the Evolve project across four Australian distribution network service providers (DNSPs), into the challenges and opportunities for DNSP operational technologies over the coming years.
DNSPs have historically designed and operated their networks assuming certain, non- controllable patterns of customer load and a one-way flow of power from the network to the consumer. With limited ability to actively change customer behaviour, the low voltage networks, which are the final leg in the distribution network’s “supply chain”, have been designed for set-and-forget operation.