Efficiency and reliability of electrical networks
In a world moving towards a sustainable energy transition, the search for tools that guarantee the efficiency and reliability of electricity networks has become a strategic priority for the energy sector . In addition, the increase in renewable energies in the electricity system poses unprecedented challenges for the management of these electricity networks. In the context of the project analyzed in this report, one of the main challenges to facilitate the integration of renewable energies into electricity networks is to increase their observability and improve agility in data analysis . To achieve this, the team of this Digital Twins project works to provide medium and small distributors with a complete vision of their electricity network , combining iGrid T&D equipment, electrical algorithms and artificial intelligence to obtain advanced and accessible knowledge of the current and future state of the network.
The team behind this industrial doctorate combines academic expertise and business knowledge, with the aim of developing innovative solutions for electricity networks . The doctoral student Ignacio Glenny Crende , in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) and the company iGrid T&D, is working to develop advanced tools that contribute to the digitalization and monitoring of electricity networks. His research is directed under the supervision of Eduardo Prieto Araujo , a recognized researcher in the field of electrical engineering with an outstanding career in energy systems and renewable technologies, and Vinícius Albernaz Lacerda , an expert in energy systems, with relevant publications that reflect his academic and applied contribution. Yolanda Castellon , owner of iGrid T&D , brings the strategic and practical vision of a company with more than 15 years of experience in control and monitoring solutions for the energy sector.
iGrid T&D, based in Catalonia, stands out for its capacity for innovation in the field of remote control of electrical networks, as demonstrated by its track record in the implementation of pioneering digital technologies. This experience positions the company as a key player in this project, offering the tools and knowledge necessary to transform research results into practical solutions that can be integrated into the sector. With this multidisciplinary collaboration, the team combines the advantages of academic research with industrial applicability, ensuring a tangible impact on the efficiency and sustainability of the electrical system.
In this context, the project works on the development of new tools based on Digital Twins to optimize the planning and control of electrical networks . That is, a low-cost digital twin of the electrical network in medium and small distributors, so that they can obtain a complete vision of the current and future state of their network. The company iGrid T&D, driving the project, provides consolidated experience in the development of technologies for the energy sector. In short, the project addresses one of the most significant challenges in the current energy sector: “ increase the real-time monitoring capacity of the electrical networks where it is applied, with the aim of achieving this without deploying sensors on a massive scale, but with an intelligent strategy ”, points out Prieto, underlining the efficiency of the system.
Thanks to the integration of academic and business knowledge, this project exemplifies the potential of Digital Twins to virtually replicate the behavior of networks, anticipate incidents and offer adapted solutions in real time . With this technology, the aim is not only to maximize operational efficiency, but also to contribute to global sustainability, in line with the objectives of the energy transition.
This is a clear example of how Industrial Doctorates promote applied innovation in strategic sectors, combining advanced research and real market needs. The project not only responds to the current demands of the energy sector, but also aligns with the major technological and environmental challenges that define the future of energy management in Catalonia.
Solving problems in the energy sector
The importance of this project lies in its direct application to the resolution of real problems in the energy sector . Current electricity networks must adapt to a dynamic context where the integration of renewable energies, such as wind or solar, generates fluctuations that challenge the balance and reliability of the system.
Its application not only improves the efficiency of energy distribution, but also contributes to increasing the reliability and security of the electrical system , which requires advanced analytical capacity to predict scenarios, identify risks and make informed decisions that improve the efficiency and sustainability of the system. The main application of the technology developed by the project is the estimation of electrical network states . This consists of combining parametric information on the different elements that make up the network with real-time measurements. In this way, approximate values can be obtained for the “dark spots” of the distribution network , that is, those areas that usually have a very low level of monitoring. With the system developed by the project, Prieto highlights that “ operators will have a high level of knowledge of the state of the network in real time, and this allows the networks to operate closer to their technical limits, relaxing conservative limits ”.
Furthermore, the project not only responds to a technical need but also to a strategic demand. At a time when digitalization is transforming all industrial sectors, Digital Twins are emerging as a technology of great value for generating virtual models that allow the simulation, analysis and improvement of the performance of complex systems . In this sense, the project team is developing a consumption estimation system that combines prediction values with real-time measurements: “ our system takes the available parametric and historical information and combines it with real-time data to be able to provide an estimate of the state of the entire system ”, explains Glenny, emphasizing the integrative nature of the solution.
From the measured voltage and current data in the vicinity of each load, much more precise consumption values are obtained, which also allow the losses in the different sections of the system to be estimated. This simulation or digital replica of the system allows access to information that cannot be obtained directly from the available data. “ Making the most of the data we have, deploying a number of equipment in a sustainable way in the network that allow obtaining a high-fidelity representation of the network ”, is, according to the team, one of the central pillars of the project.
Another essential aspect is the reduction of costs and risks associated with the management of electrical networks . Thanks to the ability to identify anomalies and predict possible failures, this technology can anticipate interruptions and avoid operational problems. This not only increases the reliability of the network, but also optimizes the resources required for its maintenance and operation .
Regarding the development of the project, the methodology applied includes advanced artificial intelligence techniques, such as machine learning and statistical analysis, to create models capable of adapting to changing grid conditions . This is especially important in the context of the integration of renewable energies, which introduce significant variability in energy production and consumption. The use of these techniques allows this variability to be better managed and the stability of the system to be ensured.
On the other hand, the project incorporates dynamic simulations as a key tool to test different scenarios and solutions, which could allow analyzing the impact of operational changes or new energy policies before their actual implementation. We could say that, in a way, the Digital Twins project becomes a virtual laboratory to experiment with strategies that maximize the efficiency and sustainability of the electricity system.
The project also highlights the importance of collaboration between academia and private business . In this sense, iGrid T&D, a company specializing in solutions for monitoring and controlling electrical networks, contributes its practical knowledge and the technological resources necessary to implement the research results. According to Castellón, this collaboration has been key to developing a product that responds to the specific needs of the market: “ we found the opportunity to develop and implement this project and obtain an innovative product adapted to the needs of small and medium-sized electricity distributors ”.
For its part, the academic direction of the project ensures that the scientific work has a solid foundation and is integrated into the general advancement of knowledge in this field. This multidisciplinary approach not only addresses the challenges of the sector but also contributes to training highly qualified talent , preparing professionals like Ignacio to lead innovation in a critical sector for the energy sector. The relevance of the project is evident not only by its possible technical and economic impacts, but also by its contribution to sustainable development and the digitalization of the electrical infrastructure.
Challenges in project development
During the execution of this innovative project, the team has had to face several challenges that have tested its capacity for adaptation and resolution. One of the main challenges has been managing the intrinsic complexity of electrical networks . These networks are highly dynamic systems, with multiple interdependent factors that require accurate modeling in order to create reliable and effective Digital Twins. The team has highlighted that one of the main challenges has been ensuring that the virtual model is accurate and detailed enough to faithfully represent the behavior of the real network, without compromising computational efficiency.
Another notable challenge has been the integration of a wide variety of data from diverse sources , such as network sensors, weather data and energy demand forecasts. Glenny acknowledges that “ the availability of measurements has been one of the clearest and most interesting challenges. The low level of monitoring in electrical distribution has forced us to develop estimation and analysis systems that we had not originally considered ,” exemplifying the innovation needed to overcome these obstacles.
Furthermore, the rapidly evolving technological context has presented an additional challenge. Keeping up to date with the latest trends in digital technologies, artificial intelligence algorithms and smart grid management solutions has been essential to ensure that the project remains at the forefront.
Finally, the collaboration between the different actors involved in the project – company, university and doctoral student – has also implied the need to manage diverse perspectives and coordinate efforts in order to achieve a common goal . This interaction has required fluid communication and a shared vision to overcome barriers and take advantage of synergies: “ being an industrial doctorate, we have always tried to work keeping in mind that the final application should work in a real system. This has increased the complexity compared to other works where perhaps this application is not so immediate ”, argues Prieto, highlighting the added value of the practical collaboration between the different actors.
Despite these challenges, the project team has demonstrated a great capacity for innovation and perseverance, turning these difficulties into opportunities to generate knowledge and advance applied research . Their experience highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to overcome the complexities inherent in advanced research projects and to achieve solutions with a real impact on the energy sector. According to Castellón, “ incorporating the nature and foundations of university research and study into the company allows us to align ourselves with the reality that is to come”, a vision that exemplifies the synergy between academic innovation and business practice.
Impact of project results
In terms of the expected impact, the project offers benefits in several areas. On an industrial scale, the solutions developed have the potential to substantially improve the efficiency of electrical networks, reducing losses and increasing the reliability of the system . This could translate into a decrease in energy costs, with a positive impact for companies and consumers: " We hope that iGrid T&D will continue to commercialize new projects based on this technology, and that from the UPC we can collaborate with them to improve it, developing new tools that expand the functionalities of Digital Twins ," says the team.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the project is the rapid translation of the research into the business world. According to Eduardo Prieto, the result has become an iGrid T&D product and has already been deployed in a Catalan distribution company, an unusual fact that demonstrates the success of an industrial and applied approach, typical of industrial doctorates. Likewise, Castellon highlights the challenge of ensuring that the product is integrated and effectively used in the day-to-day operations of a distributor in such a short time.
From a business point of view, the project offers a key competitive advantage for the collaborating company , iGrid T&D, in the development of advanced solutions adapted to the needs of the energy market. This not only strengthens its position as a leader in technology for electrical networks, but also opens up new market opportunities both nationally and internationally . For Castellon, “ seeing how little by little, ideas are becoming functionalities of iGrid products has been quite a challenge. A challenge that has allowed us all to learn together and that has left us wanting to repeat the experience ”, a statement that highlights the success of the collaboration.
In the environmental field, the project contributes to sustainability thanks to its ability to promote the use of renewable energies , as well as optimizing their integration into networks means making better use of natural resources and reducing carbon emissions associated with energy production.
Even from a social point of view, the project provides technological solutions that can guarantee more secure and stable access to energy, an essential factor for socio-economic development . Furthermore, it reinforces the role of research and innovation as drivers of progress in a strategic sector such as energy.
