Project partners of SMA are eoda GmbH, TESVOLT GmbH, KEO GmbH, the University of Kassel and Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg).
Inverters as key components
Inverters are key components of PV systems. They deliver optimal energy yields and reliable system monitoring, supply solar power to the utility grid, and help ensure the stability and safety of the utility grids thanks to grid management services. “The devices provide valuable data that is already being used today to improve the integration of solar energy into the utility grid,” said project manager André Gensler, Senior Data Scientist at SMA.
“Connecting the inverters with other system components allows even more extensive data recording and thus the model-driven generation of a ‘digital twin’ for entire PV systems. This means that it will also be possible going forward to optimize more extensive system facilities using machine learning.
Also developing pioneering data-based services
Together with our partners for the Digital Twin Solar project, we are exploring the options for developing pioneering data-based services from this. For example, these services could include solutions for the predictive maintenance of PV systems. This will allow solar and battery storage systems to be planned and operated even more efficiently and reliably and make an even greater contribution to ensuring a sustainable, secure and cost-effective global energy supply.”
The Digital Twin Solar project
The Digital Twin Solar joint research project, which has just been launched, is scheduled to run for three years and focuses on digital twin solutions that are tailored specifically to solar energy use and energy storage systems. The project is backed by a grant of around €3.5 million from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. All available data will be analyzed and evaluated – from data acquisition in development and production right through to operation of the PV and battery systems at the respective location.
Planned pilot systems
The required conceptual, system-specific, technological and scientific bases will be formulated. Deployment-ready pilot systems will be developed and tested for the first selected and promising application scenarios. Manufacturers of inverters and battery systems, system solution providers and companies from the information and communication technology and data technology sectors are working closely together with the relevant research institutions in the project. (hcn)
