Real-time control of grid capacity in a rapidly filling electricity network

In more and more places in the Netherlands, a field of tension is emerging. Plenty of sustainable energy is being generated, but the electricity grid cannot always keep up with this growth. Large capacities are being fed back at times when there is actually no room for them. This causes long waiting times and increasing pressure on the infrastructure.

In order to continue using the grid safely and efficiently, real-time insight and control are necessary. This is exactly where the Realtime Interface (RTI) comes in.

What is RTI?

The Real-Time Interface (RTI) is atechnical solution that enables direct communication between grid operators and energy installations. Through this connection, energy data are continuously exchanged and real-time intervention is possible. This uses standards such as IEC 61850, which ensure reliable and secure communication.

When the power grid threatens to be overloaded, the grid operator sets a bandwidth within which an installation must operate. That instruction is transmitted directly via RTI. The installation then automatically adjusts the power output, after which the grid operator can monitor it again.

The result:

• Active control of grid load
• Prevention of congestion
• More efficient use of existing grid capacity

Since January 2024, RTI is also mandatory in the Netherlands for new installations such as solar parks, wind turbines and batteries above 1 MW.

Why RTI is essential just now

The need for RTI stems from the rapid growth of renewable energy and electrification. Whereas energy used to be mainly generated centrally, it is now increasingly being generated decentrally and at varying times.

Without real-time coordination, this can lead to:

• Overloading of the grid
• Imbalance between supply and demand
• Restrictions for new connections

RTI makes it possible to control this dynamically, instead of working with fixed limits that are often too conservative.

How Embion translates RTI into smart on-site control

For Embion, RTI is not a stand-alone functionality, but a direct input to the EMS. Where RTI provides the communication with the grid operator, the Embion EMS provides the smart translation to practice within the plant.

When a power limitation is transmitted via RTI:

• Does the EMS receive this instruction in real-time.
• Distributes the system's available power to connected assets
• Steers, for example, batteries, charging stations and inverters to stay within the bandwidth

This is not only driven by the result, but also by insight. The reasons for each constraint are clearly displayed so that users can always see when and why action is taken.

This happens fully automatically and in tune with:

• Contractual grid limits
• Current consumption and generation
• Priorities within the installation

In addition, the solution is designed to be easy to install and set up, allowing both installers and end users to work with it quickly.

Instead of simply regulating power back, the EMS ensures that available capacity is used as efficiently as possible.

From constraint to optimization

Whereas grid congestion is often seen as a constraint, RTI combined with a smart EMS shows that it also offers opportunities. Real-time control creates room to still maximize plant utilization without overloading the grid.

The combination of real-time communication via RTI and intelligent control via the Embion EMS makes it possible to actually utilize flexibility in the energy system.

RTI is a crucial building block in the energy system of the future. It enables grid operators and energy users to steer together for a stable and efficient grid.