TIGON
Greener, more efficient and more resilient electricity grids
| Business | Period | Project Coordinator | Funding Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | September 2020 - August 2024 | CIRCE | H2020 |
Challenge
Most grid infrastructure is based on alternating current (AC), as this works out easier when it is necessary to raise the signal to reach high voltages in the transmission stage.
However, the energy sector is experiencing a rise of renewable energy and most popular renewable energy sources (RESs) generate direct current output (the electric charge (current) only flows in one direction), either directly or through a power converter.
As RES are intermittent, their power has to be stored in batteries – again in direct current (DC).
Furthermore, most modern electrical equipment such as laptops, mobile phones and LED lighting operate on DC.
TIGON has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement N°957769 to solve this problem and make a business case for advanced hybrid microgrids.
In particular, the project will develop a set of flexible software and hardware solutions and demonstrate them on two medium to low voltage microgrids in France and Spain. Two additional sites – in Bulgaria and Finland – will apply the findings of the demonstration cases, acting as niche markets to test replication potential.
Approach
In the framework of TIGON, RINA is mainly in charge of the business cases and exploitation strategies, which means ensuring the replication of the results, thus, the identification of the most convenient ways for its market deployment.
We also contribute to the Standardization and regulatory framework for TIGON enhancement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, TIGON will demonstrate how direct current microgrids (DC) can help make the EU's electricity grids greener, more efficient and more resilient as the world turns to renewable energy.
TIGON microgrids will integrate solar power, energy storage systems, electric vehicle charging points and other DC loads using highly efficient grid technologies such as solid-state transformers, DC/DC converters and energy management systems.
Their modular characteristics and replication analysis will offer a roadmap toward widespread and smooth deployment of DC architectures, allowing a greater share of renewable energy sources in power systems.
