Requirements for large-scaled battery storages in low voltage grids - lessons learned from a smart grid project

Presently, with the increasing share of renewable generators a wide variety of smart grid projects are investigating grid-friendly control schemes for DER allocated in distribution grids. The German Demonstrator of the Smart Grid Project Platone developed an energy management solution that enables grid beneficial interaction with a large-scaled battery storage system (LBS). Battery storages are a valuable source of flexibility since they provide bi-directional power for the application of various algorithms and use cases for DER control. Since many initiators of smart grid projects are unexperienced with the integration of battery storages in the LV grid, this paper focuses on lessons learned from a DSO perspective gathered during the project phase, highlighting the core aspects that need to be considered, such as regulatory framework, dimensioning of the LBS, technical requirements and certification/permissions that need to be obtained in Germany. An economical evaluation is not regarded in this paper. The experiences and lessons gathered during the project contribute to an efficient operation of a grid that faces the growing PV expansion.