Master thesis - Techno-economic analysis of the potential of VRDT (m/f/n)

Master thesis - Techno-economic analysis of the potential of VRDT

Department : Customers, Innovation & Digital | Location : Merl | Contract : Master thesis/Internship

Techno-economic analysis of the potential of Voltage Regulating Distribution Transformers (VRDT)

Context

In some locations on the low-voltage (LV) grid, voltage deviations beyond the acceptable range defined by DIN EN 50160 can limit the installation of more energy transition assets, such as wallboxes for electric vehicles (EV) and photovoltaic installations (PV). Voltage sags or swells may be caused by high electricity injection or consumption or by manoeuvres on the medium voltage grid, with effects directly translating to the lower voltage level.

To address this issue, Creos has conducted a pilot project to test the impact and efficiency of Voltage Regulating Distribution Transformers (VRDT) in its MV/LV transformer stations. These VRDTs with dynamic setpoint allow decoupling of the voltage on the LV grid from the MV grid and dynamically correct voltage deviations, thereby better supporting the integration of new energy transition assets into the grid. In addition to the VRDTs, voltage measuring devices have been installed on the LV-feeders in the transformer stations and selected distribution cabinets to measure the impact on the voltage at the grid edge.

Your missions

Your mission is to analyse the data which has been collected during the pilot project to evaluate the potential of the VRDT. Your study will include the following steps:

• Evaluate the impact and efficiency of the VRDTs which have been in operation over the past year by defining different key performance indicators.
• Analyse the parameters which can be adapted to optimize the operation of the LV grid using VRDT.
• Present and discuss results with grid experts from Creos.
• Compare the technical and economic advantages and disadvantages of the VRDT compared to the standard transformers for the LV grid.
• Based on one or two specific use cases, estimate by how many years grid optimizations (such as cable replacements) and grid reinforcements (such as new cable and transformer additions) could be delayed by replacing a standard transformer with VRDT technology. Express this delay in monetary value for Creos. 

Your profile

• You have completed a bachelor's degree in engineering, specialized in electrical engineering, energy systems or any related field.
• You are currently obtaining your master’s degree in engineering, specialized in electrical engineering, energy systems or any related field.
• You have skills in data analysis and basics in programming languages, such as Python.
• You have effective verbal and written communication skills in English. German, French and/or Luxembourgish are a plus.