Building Resilient Energy Hubs: Digital and Automation Solutions in Distribution Grids

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Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe | Exhibition Program | Language: English | Duration: 17:15 .

Exploring Energy Hubs and Grid Stability: Digital Tools for a Sustainable Future Explained by Pascal Häfeli

Pascal Häfeli, a senior technical consultant at Hitachi Energy Germany AG, elaborates on the integration of renewable energy into grids and the planning of energy hubs. With increasing distributed energy resources in distribution grids—complicated by factors like transport electrification and behind-the-meter photovoltaic systems—the need for effective management is critical due to challenges such as low controllability and congestion. Energy hubs provide solutions by integrating various assets into shared networks that enable smart management while reducing costs through direct power supply control. However, managing these structures involves complexity across multiple strategies with numerous stakeholders. To address this, Hitachi employs a three-phase approach: design (using consulting services), building (incorporating methodologies like BIM), and operational phases (utilizing digital tools). This structured method aims to optimize efficiency throughout project lifecycles while minimizing risks associated with grid integration challenges. The discussion highlights assessing grid stability via early-phase system studies using simplified load flow calculations to prevent overloading and maintain voltage limits under different scenarios. Dynamic evaluations are crucial when integrating significant amounts of power electronics; simulations help identify issues requiring mitigation strategies such as storage systems or STATCOMs deployment or considering NVDC connections where applicable.

Automated summarization by AI Conver

Pascal Häfeli
Senior Technical Consulant
Hitachi Energy Germany AG

Discover how next-gen distribution grid technologies are addressing the challenges of renewable integration and dynamic energy demands. This session offers insights into the latest developments in AI-driven data analytics and the transformative role of IoT in grid management. Explore how innovative digital solutions are used for efficient grid planning, expansion and modernization and provide more insights into the grid. Prepare for the future and learn how advanced grid automation is facilitating the seamless integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) while enhancing grid stability, efficiency, and resilience.

Further Talks of this session:

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Ben Gemsjäger
Director Business Development Europe
Siemens AG

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Paolo Catapane
Global Product Manager
ABB

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