Smart software for self-regulating smart grid
Siemens and the utility company Allgauer Uberlandwerk (AUW) in the city of Kempten, Germany, are testing the smart grids of the future. The tests focus on optimized power distribution and the use of a self-organizing energy automation system for efficient network operation. To test a smart grid in practice, Siemens, AÜW, the RWTH university in Aachen, and Kempten College have together agreed to conduct a two-year project called "Irene" (Integration of renewable energies and electric mobility), which receives funding from Germanys Ministry of Economics.AÜWs plans call for incorporating many photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, and biogas facilities into its distribution network northeast of Kempten, and for creating a charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. The electric vehicles will serve as energy storage systems that can offset peak loads by feeding electricity into the grid if necessary in order to stabilize the power network.