Integration of distributed PV into smart grids: A comprehensive analysis for Germany

doi:10.1016/j.esr.2024.101525

Energy Strategy Reviews

Volume 55, September 2024, 101525

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2024.101525 Get rights and content

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open access

Highlights

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An interdisciplinary, comprehensive case study of Germany.
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Elaboration of the German legislative and technical regulation for PV integration.
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Extensive technical implementation of the German CLS and Smart Meter Infrastructure for PV monitoring and control.
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Visualization of the PV-grid integration utilizing the German role model and the SGAM method.

Abstract

Modern smart grids typically combine physical and communication networks for efficient information exchange and innovative applications. Aligned with digitalization and advancements in smart grids, the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems comprises a variety of regulatory and technological aspects. However, no previous study has conducted an extensive and systematic analysis of the PV-grid integration framework, particularly for one country. To fill this gap, this paper uses Germany as an example to present a comprehensive, state-of-the-art analysis of integrating distributed PV systems into smart grids, focusing on the regulation and technical implementation of the German Smart Meter Infrastructure and PV control interfaces. Starting from a standardization perspective, this analysis utilizes the Smart Grid Architecture Model to identify crucial roles, components and processes specifically in Germany. Furthermore, it outlines the current implementation of PV integration into distribution networks at a national level. The results of this study show the overall complexity of PV integration in the smart grid context, confirm the feasibility of the German integration approach, and highlight the necessity of deploying standardized information models and communication technologies. These key findings can help market participants with different roles to identify potential technical bottlenecks or other critical points in the regulation and technical implementation. For instance, the proposed in-depth analysis framework provides an orientation for characterizing the PV integration or, more generally, the grid integration scenario of renewables in other countries.

Keywords

Distributed PV

Grid integration

Regulation

Smart grid architecture model

Smart metering infrastructure

Data availability

Data will be made available on request.

Cited by (0)

Shuo Chen received the B. Eng. degree in wind energy and power engineering from North China Electric Power University, Beijing, China, in 2013, and the M.Sc. degree in electrical power systems – renewable energies from Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany, in 2016. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. degree with the Institute of Numerical Mathematics at Ulm University in Germany.

Since 2017, he has been a research associate in the Smart Grids Research Group at Technische Hochschule Ulm (Ulm University of Applied Sciences). His research interests include the modeling, simulation and optimization of electrical distribution networks, and the standardization, virtualization and automation of DER communication.

Gerd Heilscher received the Diploma degree in electrical engineering from Munich University of applied Science in 1986 and the Master degree on physical principles of renewable energy from the University of Oldenburg in 1987. He was appointed to the endowed professorship for "Energy Data Management of Decentralized Renewable Energy Systems" at Technische Hochschule Ulm (THU) in 2006.

He is Head of the Smart Grids Research Group at THU with the working areas of energy meteorology, energy informatics and planning and operation of energy distribution networks. From 1991 to 2006 he was Managing Director of meteocontrol GmbH - Energy and Weather Services, Augsburg. The focus of his research is on the operation of future energy systems based on 100 % renewable energy resources, storage, and flexible loads.

Prof. Gerd Heilscher is a member of VDI, VDE, IEEE, ISES, DGS, DMG and SmartGridsBW and leads Task14 (Photovoltaic in a 100 % RES based Power System) of the International Energy Agency. In the semester (2011/12), he carried out analyses in the USA on rapid irradiation changes and their effects on the power grid in Hawaii. In 2014, he was awarded the Science Prize of the City of Ulm.