The test was implemented in the Holsted area near the city of Esbjerg. On Thursday, 11 November 2010, the entire distribution network with 13 substations between the 60 kV and 10 kV networks, four CHP plants and 47 wind turbines were disconnected from the existing control system and instead connected in an independent virtual power station by means of advanced computer systems.
- Several years' work is now coming together, and we are very happy with the way the test progressed, says Per Lund, chief engineer and project architect at Energinet.dk.
- The new technology will make the power system more flexible and ensure that resources are utilised in the best possible manner in that all the units are utilised in the best possible manner. And this increases security of supply, says Per Lund.
A number of researchers from all over the world follow the cell project in Holsted which essentially involves a complete prototype of a SCADA system capable of automatically operating an entire distribution network because wind turbines, CHP plants and substations communicate with each other.
The test area measures around 50 kilometres from north to south and has approximately 28,000 electricity meters.
The full-scale test in Holsted has also attracted the attention of climate and energy minister Lykke Friis, who is pleased with Denmark's leading position when it comes to Smart Grids.
- Due to the Cell Project in Holsted, the future prospects of the intelligent grid are incredibly exciting, not only for Denmark but for the entire world. We are in the lead, and we want to stay there because there is no doubt that tomorrow's power system will be intelligent. It is therefore important that we continue developing the Smart Grid, says Lykke Friis.
The test results will now be assessed after which the cell controller will be fine-adjusted and refined to the extent required before a new full-scale test is conducted in early summer 2011.
From 2011, the cell controller is expected to be placed in permanent trial operation, and a copy of it will be installed in the island of Bornholm, where the future Danish intelligent grid will be developed and tested in the coming four years under the Smart Grid project, EcoGrid EU.
The cell project is implemented in close collaboration between Syd Energi Net, CHP power plant owners, the wind turbines in the test area and selected engineering and service companies.
Cell Project collaboration partners
Energinet.dk
Syd Energi Net
Billund Fjernvarme
Brørup Fjernvarme
Hejnsvig Fjernvarme
Holsted Fjernvarme
Spirae (USA)
Energynautics (Germany)
Pon Power
Tjæreborg Industri
Rolls-Royce Marine
47 private wind turbine owners