In this project, managed through ACC10 and with funds from the European Union, a consortium of businesses and research centres has been set up, in order to jointly experiment in the field of micro-networks, which will doubtlessly result in a revolution similar to that involved in its day by centralised, high-voltage, long-distance distribution. Microgrid Concept A micro-network is a system that unites diverse sources of energy and loads. They may operate independently or be connected to distribution lines. Use of the micro-network itself can be modified by many factors: • Environmental. The use of alternative energy may be prioritized in order to reduce CO2 emissions. • Market. Based on energy cost, the micro-network will focus on self-sufficient consumption, storage, or delivery to the distribution lines. • Backup. In case of contingencies or needs of the distribution lines, its default settings can be modified, whether it be to help correct the problem, or during disconnections for maintenance purposes, etc. All this carries with it an intelligence in the operation of the micro-network, immediate response, a totally proactive system in the general distribution lines, which is the general concept of SMARTGRID or intelligent network. Consortium Presentation This collaboration nucleus comprises the companies GTD (project leader), Circutor , Cinergia and Endesa Distribución Eléctrica with the participation of research agents Barcelona Digital Centre Tecnologic, Centro de Innovación Tecnológica CITCEA-UPC and the Institut de Recerca en Energia de Catalunya (IREC) The companies that are part of the group have wide-ranging experience with clusters and collaboration projects. • GTD Sistemas de Información, a R&D company, has participated in multiple collaboration projects, CENIT among them, and within the European framework program in FP5, FP6 and FP7, as well as participating in the aeronautics cluster. • Circutor is part of the ITEC-Btec Energy Efficiency cluster, as well as the MIT&C energy platform. • Endesa Distribución Eléctrica is part of the clusters, and has a long experience participating in collaboration projects, and participates in an array of Catalonian, State, and European platforms and associations of reference. • Cinergia is a technology-oriented company dedicated to the design and manufacture of medium power electronic equipment. The challenge faced with the project requires the confluence of two clusters (Energy and ITC), which count on their respective experiences. The ITC cluster is represented by Barcelona Digital, which is the centre of ITC technology within the Catalonia network of technological centres, and fulfils research in the areas of mobility, security, and health. IREC represents the Energy cluster, and has as its objective technological research and development in the field of energy and its production, transformation, distribution and use. Finally, CITCEA-UPC is a university research centre of reference characterised by its experience in the fields of mechatronics and enertronics.
