Energy Storage & Grid Balancing
“Managing the wide-scale introduction of intermittent renewable energy sources into electricity transmission networks is essential for ensuring the stability and flexibility of the grid, especially in an HVDC context. Innovative, hybrid storage solutions will enable us to do this.”
Sylvain Grillet, Department Director – Energy Storage & Grid Balancing
To support the integration of renewable energies within the European electricity network, the Energy Storage & Grid Balancing department adapts and develops hydraulic storage solutions based on the use of pumped storage plant (PSP) technology.
Because wind and solar energy are highly variable, using them on a wide scale requires massive and reactive means of storage. Although hydraulic storage is a mature technology – today it represents 97% of electrical energy storage worldwide – it must be significantly adapted to meet the challenges of the energy transition.
We focus on adapting conventional or variable speed pump turbines and improving their hydraulic characteristics. We also study the hybridisation of PSPs with other means of storage, exploring the economics of ancillary services.
SuperGrid Institute’s hydraulic platform makes it possible for us to test every kind of reversible pump turbine in all four quadrants, gathering data on efficiency, cavitation and dynamic behaviour according to IEC 60193 standard requirements.
Another platform, HydroPHIL, simulates the performance of hydroelectric dams. It focuses on hydraulic transitions within the power grid and, more generally, on unsteady regimes associated with the operation of hydraulic turbines: power build-up, start-ups, shutdowns, etc.
Recent publications
Upgraded Control Strategies to Safeguard Resiliency in Hybrid AC-DC Networks: A Focused Overview of the State of the Art
An overview of advanced control strategies that improve stability and resilience in hybrid AC/DC networks with HVDC and multiterminal DC systems.
Al‐Acceptor Incomplete Ionization Effects on Static and Reverse Recovery Characteristics of 4H‐SiC PiN Power Diodes
This study investigates Al Acceptor Ionization in 4H-SiC PiN power diodes using calibrated TCAD simulations. The results show how Al Acceptor Ionization influences forward conduction, reverse recovery performance and temperature-dependent electrical characteristics.
Performance-limiting electron and hole traps in 4H-SiC PiN power diodes determined by combined DLTFS and TCAD studies
This paper investigates SiC PiN Power Diodes using DLTFS and TCAD simulations to identify performance-limiting electron and hole traps. The results highlight the impact of defect levels on conduction current, carrier trapping and diode performance.
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Camille Prud’Homme, Business Development Manager
