The recently concluded research project KogniGrid resulted in Kongsberg Digital’s newly commercialised digital twin for power grids, Kognitwin Grid. Now, Norway’s second largest power grid company – Tensio – has signed up for a six-month trial of the new SaaS product.

With the increasing use of green energy sources, the rising prevalence of electric transportation and continued electrification of our energy systems, society is advancing, yet the world’s current infrastructure is under increasing pressure. Conventional grids are not built to handle the complexity thrown up by this new energy mix – and in the event of a black-out, electric ferries would not run, nor would the electric buses or vehicles we will come to rely on, said Hege Skryseth, President of Kongsberg Digital and EVP KONGSBERG.

Precise, data-driven, always-on insight

It follows that there is a pressing need for new tools that enable precise, data-driven and always-on insight into how much energy is needed and when, as well as tools that alert operators when there are threats to the grid. Digital twins allow operators to forecast grid condition, as well as to balance grids and prevent black-outs, advised Mr Skryseth, who said his firm was happy that Tensio has decided to continue their close relationship with Kongsberg Digital through its Kognitwin Grid service.

 

Green transition of energy systems worldwide

As the energy system of the world faces an influx of intermittent, distributed and renewable energy, and a sharp increase in electrification, power grid infrastructures are under pressure. The lack of foresight into specific energy needs and loads will result in one of two scenarios. Without insight, the solution is to keep building out grids for maximum capacity, resulting in more costly infrastructures and hence power to consumers. With insight, however, operators can foresee specific needs, and introduce measures to balance grids without building out with bricks and mortar. In this scenario, grid operators are key in accelerating the energy transition.

Digital twins for grids

A digital twin of a grid can provide insight and forecasts to identify grid bottleneck, simulate grid scenarios and optimise grid investments. Based on the company’s proprietary digital platform Kognifai, Kongsberg Digital has developed a SaaS product, Kognitwin Grid, in close collaboration with the industry and research partners. The focus has been to give operators the ability to foresee challenges to grid infrastructures, automate alerts and complex processes, to ensure complete control and pave the way towards the digitalised energy system of the future.

 

Kognitwin Grid is a direct result of the KogniGrid project launched in 2018 as a collaboration with BKK Nett, Tensio (NTE Nett), Statnett, Microsoft, and SINTEF. Now, Tensio has signed up for a six-month trial period of the newly commercialised product Kognitwin Grid.

The six-month trial will be important for Tensio, using the last part of 2021 to utilize the full potential of Kognitwin Grid. Like all Norwegian DSOs, Tensio faces expectations to become more efficient, simultaneously as demand for grid capacity is increasing. “Kognitwin Grid is a new and exciting product on the market that we believe will be a useful tool towards a smarter, greener and more efficient energy system,” said Trygve Kvernland, CEO of Tensio, in closing. “With better insight, we can get better decision support, a more foresighted grid operation and better customer management.”