USE participates in INOVGRID project

The Power Systems Unit (USE) is currently participating in the INOVGRID project. This project’s aim is to develop advanced telemetry systems with the ability to support the technical and commercial management of the distribution networks, involving consumers and micro-producers.

This project is jointly promoted by EDP, EFACEC, Janz and Edinfor.

INESC Porto plays an important role in this project which also involves the Telecommunications and Multimedia Unit (UTM). The institution is responsible for the coordination of two modules – Global functional specification and Network Studies, although there is also an active participation in the project’s remaining modules and coordination structures.

The project started in 2007 and it will be extended until 2010, involving the development of hierarchy architecture for technical and commercial management that comprises several components, such as an Energy Box (that will be set up at the consumer’s household. This is also where the metering systems will be installed, as well as the demand side management modules, micro-generation technical and controllable load management, and user interface). At the same time, the project includes communication systems, information concentrators responsible for the networks and low voltage consumers, as well as the specific applications for the consumers and networks’ technical and commercial management.

This project also involves the development of a large prototype and its application pilot before certification and before the development of an industrial solution.

This is a large project that mobilises a considerable amount of resources from INESC Porto. The team currently working on the project has 10 collaborators coordinated by João Peças Lopes.