Research Project UtiliSpaces

What is UtiliSpaces?

The UtiliSpaces research project develops solutions for efficiently controlling controllable consumption units such as heat pumps, charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, and other flexible consumers in critical grid situations. The aim is to ensure grid stability and promote the integration of renewable energies.

Why is this important?

With the expansion of renewable energies, there is a growing need to provide flexibility in the power grid. Controllable consumers can balance peak loads and avoid bottlenecks. Secure communication via smart meter gateways and the CLS (Controllable Local System) channel is crucial for this.

Technical focus

• Smart meter integration: Use of the CLS channel for secure control.
  
• Laboratory phase: Tests in a power hardware-in-the-loop system.
  
• Virtual laboratory: Simulation of grid situations and load profiles.
  
• Field tests: Validation under real conditions.
  

Advantages of UtiliSpaces

• Efficient grid control for greater stability
• Integration of renewable energies without additional grid load
• Practical solutions for energy suppliers and consumers

The UtiliSpaces project aims to research the reliable control and dimming of controllable consumption units such as heat pumps and charging stations via the smart meter infrastructure in critical grid situations. Particularly in times of high load or insufficient generation, grid operators are to be given the opportunity to control controllable systems such as heat pumps and wallboxes in a targeted manner in order to ensure a stable and efficient energy supply.

The laboratory tests will take place in Fraunhofer ISE's Digital Grid Lab, where a comprehensive test stand will be set up with smart meter gateways, control boxes and submeters from various manufacturers. Various hardware and software solutions are being tested in order to develop a reliable process chain for the regulation of controllable consumption devices in accordance with §14a EnWG. In addition, a virtual laboratory environment (Virtual Lab) based on a Kubernetes cluster will be created at Fraunhofer IEE, which will make it possible to analyze scaling issues and simulate processes with a large number of emulated smart meter gateways and flexible energy systems.

The project begins with extensive laboratory testing in which both real charging stations and digital twins are integrated into the power hardware-in-the-loop system. The project partners contribute their CLS management systems and act as active external market participants (aEMT). Following the laboratory phase, practical field tests are planned.