TeleSmEg

Focused Project proposed in collaboration with WindTre, Athonet, and the University of Florence, focused on integrating Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) of small and medium size, including energy storage systems, which operate as part of a Renewable Energy Community (REC) together with many other consumers. The term DER is used to represent small-scale energy generators, such as household photovoltaic and wind systems, medium-sized renewable generators connected to medium-voltage (MV) electrical grids, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in all configurations, including those in electric vehicles. DERs that belong to the same REC operate locally and are interconnected within the same electricity distribution network.

Integrating DERs requires communication with both the transmission and distribution sectors. The former is responsible for transporting high-voltage energy over long distances, while the latter manages electricity distribution to and from customers. Customers themselves can store, generate, and manage energy usage, thus becoming DERs.

The objective of the TeleSmEg project is also to define an architectural layer that guarantees real-time data transmission requirements, reliability, resilience, security, and scalability. The architecture must ensure continuous data transmission.

The project’s main outcome will be the design and validation of next-generation Smart Grid management, where edge computing and artificial intelligence will enhance energy management by optimizing distribution and storage in large battery configurations. Edge computing will determine the best distribution and storage options integrated with energy communities.

TeleSmEg will also provide the best model for the energy market, defining when customers should increase or decrease their energy consumption based on Smart Grid conditions. As a result, energy usage will significantly decrease, reducing energy imports and related consumption.

The first part of the project focused mainly on defining use cases and designing the architecture, particularly how to introduce energy communities and storage into a sophisticated scenario. Simultaneously, initial discussions were held with potential utility partners to support the project. These activities intensified during the second half of the first year. Specific efforts were also made to identify the different architectural layers and data integration points within the smart grid.

In the first quarter of 2024, Open Fiber supported the project team during a new dissemination event, inviting several companies to participate in a second cascade funding call, as the first had closed without candidates. During April–June 2024 (M16–M18), the results of the call closed on April 15 were shared. Three companies (CERESS, Spindox, and CRS4) expressed interest and joined the project team. Meetings are currently underway to define the trial implementation.

The next project meetings to finalize the trial implementation are scheduled for late July and September 2024.