Energy distribution

PlatOne

The PlatOne (PLATform for Operation of distribution Networks) project is funded by the European Horizon 2020 project and involves ten public-private partnerships from Italy, Greece, Belgium and Germany, with coordination by the German Aachen University. Through the companies, Areti and Acea Energia, Acea heads the Italian pilot project on Rome, in three specific areas of the capital, working with ENEA, Siemens, RSE, ENG and Apio.

The project, successfully completed in 2023 and becoming the basis for developing the RomeFlex project, introduced an innovative approach to managing the distribution grid, whilst increasing its security and stability. The ecological transition exposes urban distribution grids to a significant increase in loads, linked, among other factors, to the diffusion of electrical vehicles and heat pumps as well as an increase in distributed generation connected via medium and low voltage. This generates critical consumption and generation peaks for the grid, which in order to be better managed, require the active involvement of end users in operating the grid, based on the creation of a “local flexibility market”. The PlatOne project has tested this solution, developing a multi-platform system that can involve all market participants, and which currently forms the basis for the local flexibility market in Rome, co-managed by Areti and GME.

For the end customer, the project implements and standardises a technological solution enabling the resource and certifying all energy transactions connected to flexibility using blockchain technology.
In addition, the user is provided with an App, for interaction with the aggregator, e.g. offering the possibility to modulate loads during certain time periods. The aggregator processes the flexibility supply of its customers and sends them to the market platform, where flexibility demand of the distributor is also received, connected to grid requirements.

To access the flexibility market, it is necessary to install a second-generation meter and a device, called a Light Node, needed to receive activation commands and certify energy transfers. Furthermore, it will be necessary for both individual and aggregate customers to install devices that can modulate their production, such as storage, modular heat pumps, generators and co-generators.

The platforms and technologies developed for the PlatOne project and currently forming the basis of RomeFlex, have been shared with other national distribution system operators (DSO), who would like to use them in their own projects, in accordance with ARERA Resolution 352/2021: Unareti¹⁹³ has already subscribed to RomeFlex¹⁹⁴ and other DSOs are also expected.

G.I.M.M.I. GRID INNOVATION PROJECT

The G.I.M.M.I. project (Massive and Targeted Infrastructure Inspection Management) is an innovative end-to-end solution combining satellite monitoring, artificial intelligence (AI) and drones in a single system. The satellite platform enables Areti to periodically acquire images of HV and MV overhead lines. These are processes and analysed by an algorithm using Artificial Intelligence technology that enables identification of human or plant interference. Once interference has been identified and classified on the basis of the level of severity, it is possible to launch targeted inspections using drones.

Implementation of these systems for HV and MV grids offers multiple benefits. The quick response and precision of information enable specific inspections, in place of mass cyclical inspections, thus reducing the number of inspections, increasing their efficacy and reducing working times, supporting prevention or quick resolution of outages, to the benefit of many customers and the operator. In addition, the reduced impact of motor vehicles and elimination of helicopter flights for cyclical inspections contributes to reducing CO& emissions.

The project, launched in 2021 and still in progress, involves GMatics, a start-up offering satellite monitoring and analysis services using AI algorithms, and the Milan Polytechnic, which has the task of analysing, mapping and providing indications on current and future trends for drone applications.

In 2023, the new inspection and monitoring process became standard practice and was improved with the release of the Media Data Storage platform, allowing for the filing and smart consultation of photos and videos obtained through inspections and the release of integrations between the satellite alerting system and SAP, making the intervention much more efficient.

Trasformatori a basso impatto ambientale

In 2023, Areti continued its experimentation with plant oil meters, an insulating liquid of plant origins (natural esters) which compared to the mineral origin oil in use, whilst having similar electrical and physical characteristics, has a higher flammability temperature, is totally biodegradable and reusable at the end of its life. To reduce the risks associated with the experimentation, the project involves three MV/LV transformers that have been custom designed and built (two at 400 kVA and the third at 630 kVA, which came into service in 2015); to date, no anomalies have been found in the transformers’ operations, with at least a 10-year term expected on an experimental basis, during which inspections and checks will be conducted on the quality of the dielectric oil. Once the results are in, an assessment will be made regarding wide-scale use.