Research Project VITAL

Distributed Infrastructures for Technology-based Innovations in the Distribution Network

Credit:

MWK Niedersachsen

The transformation of our energy system towards more sector-integrating solutions holds a lot of potential, but at the same time poses a great technological challenge. Innovations such as the control of customer flexibilities and the use of grid-forming converters in distribution networks are essential for this restructuring and require extensive testing. Network operators, however, face the problem of providing a suitable test infrastructure that includes all necessary subsystems and is also cost-efficient. The VITAL research project, funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry for Science and Culture, accepts this challenge and aims to develop a test platform consisting of interconnected laboratories that allows a realistic network operation in a secure laboratory environment and enables the investigation and evaluation of control applications.

Research project VITAL

 

Duration

September 2025 to November 2026

Funded by

Lower Saxony Ministry for Science and Culture

Project participants

  • Institute of Networked Energy Systems
  • OFFIS e.V. – Institute for Informatics
  • EWE Netz GmbH

The overall VITAL project builds on the work of the 'Zukunftslabor Energie' (Future Lab Energy; a research institution of the Centre for Digital Innovations Lower Saxony – ZDIN), which has developed solutions for the automation of flexibilities at the low voltage level in recent years. By linking the OFFIS Smart Grid Simulation and Automation (SESA) and DLR_NESTEC (Networked Energy Systems Emulation Centre) labs at the Institute of Networked Energy Systems, a test platform is expected to emerge that meets both the requirements of real grid operation and digital control, communication and automation. The aim is to support the development of applications for distribution network operations. As a first focus of the platform, the investigation of a network regulator developed by EWE NETZ is targeted.

In this project, the Institute of Networked Energy Systems takes on several work packages: On the one hand, the DLR researchers provide support in the development of control systems using simulations and emulations for everyday operation, but also for extreme scenarios. The focus here is on analysing the behaviour of innovative control and regulation devices outside of normal grid states. Unlike typical field tests of network operators, the planned platform can simulate realistic operating conditions and fault states without jeopardising the security of supply. On the other hand, the institute analyses a multitude of simulated scenarios to capture unexpected grid states and behaviour patterns and to incorporate them into the planning of network operation and plant design. In this respect, the platform also supports the reproducibility of the tested scenarios and the results.

More information

Research infrastructure

DLR_NESTEC – Networked Energy Systems Emulation Centre

With the ability to emulate energy systems in a safe environment, DLR_NESTEC closes the gap between computer simulations and field tests in the real world.

Departments, research groups and challenges related to the VITAL project:

Department

Energy Systems Technology

The Energy Systems Technology department focuses on the interaction between system-relevant technologies within decentralised networked structures, particularly at the low-voltage and medium-voltage level.

Research Group

Flexibilities and Ancillary Services

The Flexibilities and System Ancillary Services research group is investigating which tools, operational management strategies and additional infrastructure are required in order to operate the electricity grids in a stable, reliable and robust manner.

Challenge

Grid management: Electricity, gas, and heating grids

To ensure that energy is not only available on the balance sheet, but also in the right place at the right time, electricity, gas, and heating grids must be analysed in anticipation of future challenges, adapted in their operational management and modernised and expanded in terms of infrastructure.

Contact

Flexibilities and Ancillary Services

Research Group
Institute of Networked Energy Systems