In order to actively cope with environment changes in the electric power industry such as climate change response and carbon neutrality, we are leading the advancement of the distribution system and the development of energy efficiency technology such as expanding capacity and distribution flexible resources.
In accordance with the government’s 2050 Carbon neurality policy and COP28, ‘AC/DC hybrid distribution network design and operation technology’, ‘LVDC commercialization’, ‘ADPS(Advanced distribution planning system)’ and ‘NDS(Networked distribution system)’ etc. are being developed to introduce future distribution networks that can respond to the expansion of distributed resources. As a new paradigm for the upcoming future power industry, AC/DC hybrid network and LVDC distribution technology can contribute to improving hosting capacity and reducing power loss. In addition, ADPS is expected to reduce investment costs, and NDS is expected to increase system reliability through both-way power supply.
We are developing reliable distribution equipment with high reliability to safely and stably supply electric energy to customers, along with monitoring and diagnostic technologies to prevent equipment failures. Particularly, in response to climate change, we are developing performance-enhanced and environmentally friendly equipment, as well as techniques for economically investing in equipment through optimal performance evaluations. Additionally, we are developing diagnostic technologies for structures to ensure customer safety and for underwater cable diagnostics.
In order to promote energy consumption efficiency, which is presented as the most effective and economical means for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and to develop new energy-related businesses in industries such as industrial and building sectors, it is imperative to establish an energy service platform between grid operators (Distribution System Operators, DSO) and end consumers. This necessitates the construction of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system and energy integration platform related to Behind The Meter (BTM), which are essential for implementing power service platforms between DSO and end consumers. Research is underway on the primary technologies required for energy consumption efficiency promotion, including the realization of demand response through AMI-based systems, artificial intelligence analysis of power data, integration of various types of distributed power systems from the Front The Meter (FTM) perspective, linkage of information with distribution intelligence systems, establishment of real-time management systems for device integration from BTM and DSO perspectives, development of standardized operating systems, and further construction of energy service platforms for xEMS and smart city services.
We are developing cost-effective electric quality management technologies (such as voltage, reliability, losses, etc.) for the distributed energy resources and effective distribution system operation. With the increasing issue of voltage quality degradation due to the expansion of distributed energy supply in recent years, we are focusing on research such as automatic voltage quality diagnosis technology based on AMI, distribution system stabilization technology utilizing Line Voltage Regulator (SVR), and development of voltage quality improvement solutions using smart inverters.
In accordance with the expansion of renewable energy and the need for optimal utilization of distribution resources, we are discovering grid flexible resources and developing services based on flexible control of demand/supply resources and optimal operation platform technology. In addition, we are studying power grid demand resource utilization (V1G, V2G) and resource prediction technology using electric vehicle charging infrastructure, x-EMS-based smart building integrated operation technology, DSO-based flexible resource-linked integrated distribution network operation technology, and NWAs technology. Through these technologies, we are contributing to the creation of a new electric power service industry ecosystem that improves customer value by developing solutions for stable power supply and cost optimization.
The Next-Generation Distribution Network Management System (ADMS), developed in response to changes in the distribution network environment due to the expansion of renewable energy, aims to secure an intelligent distribution system control system that supports energy transition and digital transformation. In the ADMS project, we are focusing on enhancing the performance of the ADMS platform for optimal operation of the distribution network and distributed energy, as well as developing various applications.