Collaborative Concept for Enhanced Grid Management utilizing Smart Transformers

This paper presents developments undertaken through the ERA-NET Smart Energy Systems project STRATA (Smart Transformation for Resilience And community services Through digitAl grid layers). The project has been conducted as a joint effort by a Finnish, Scottish, and German consortium. STRATA has developed a novel digital-based grid service concept to be applied at the MV/LV distribution transformer level. This enables the replacement of traditional distribution transformers with the concept of Smart Digital Node (SDN), capable of providing new distribution grid services, improving supply resilience, acting as a service center for local energy communities as well as supporting different flexibility markets. The concept is powered by power electronics-based equipment and digital platforms for coordination and communication. The concept is also designed for the accommodation of hybrid grid technologies, enabling the integration of DC grids for improved coordination of fast-acting controllers associated with PV panels, batteries, EV charging units, and other technologies such as smart homes.