Monitoring and control system for managing flexibility assets with limited data availability for the Mürzzuschlag grid

The digitization of distribution grids is currently struggling to keep pace with the expansion of renewable energy. In addition to voltage and capacity utilization problems, small distribution grid operators in particular are faced with the challenge of complying with feed-in limits at the grid transfer point to the higher-level grid. This is also the case for Stadtwerke Mürzzuschlag, which is not allowed to feed electricity into the higher-level grid. To meet this requirement, a simple monitoring and control system for regulating flexibility assets was implemented in 2024.

The GridControlMZ research project investigates the feasibility of an advanced monitoring and control solution that operates exclusively with grid transition data and enables optimal utilization of flexibility assets. This solution is to be implemented in a subsequent R&D project.

Given the wide range of new technologies and the growing importance of AI and ML approaches, a comprehensive analysis of current requirements and a perspective assessment of future systems are necessary. The upcoming legal changes in the Electricity Industry Act (ElWG) and the market-driven procurement of flexibility further increase complexity.

Project objectives:

• Analysis of the existing system and identification of potential for improvement.
• Evaluation of flexibility assets and development of future scenarios for the development of the distribution grid.
• Identification and validation of solutions (incl. AI-based approaches) for controlling the flexibility assets
• Preparations for a subsequent implementation project.

Additionally, the project provides recommendations for other network operators facing similar challenges

• Stadtwerke Mürzzuschlag Gesellschaft m.b.H.