technical content

The technical content of CIRED is mainly based on the 6 sessions the main conferences address:

Session 1: Network Components

Session 1 deals with all aspects related to the components used in the electricity distribution networks: cables, overhead lines, primary and secondary substations, transformers, switchgear plus their control, protection and monitoring systems, new active power electronics devices. It covers topics related to the life cycle optimisation of assets from design through installation, operation and maintenance, monitoring and diagnosis, to end of life management, including new techniques such as Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. The session also covers environmental aspects including eco-design and life cycle analysis, standardisation, ergonomics and safety. It aims at providing an overview of the state-of-the-art in component design and proposals for future components: It includes the ones needed for smart grids, e-mobility, smart cities and microgrids, as well as components for more resilient networks in the context of climate change anticipation.

This session is an opportunity for DSOs and manufacturers to share their objectives.

Session 2: Power Quality and Electromagnetic Compatibility

Session 2 deals with any phenomena related to power quality (PQ). This includes e.g. flicker, unbalance, distortion in the frequency range from DC up to 500 kHz as well as events like sags or swells. The session covers also all aspects of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) including emission, immunity, its coordination and the related standardisation. Conducted and radiated electromagnetic interferences, electric and magnetic fields (EMF) as well as grounding issues are addressed.

Session 3: Operation

Session 3 deals with operational use of components (Session 1) and systems (Session 4) in public, industrial and private distribution networks in normal operation as well as in any case of disturbance.

Session 3 covers all aspects of grid operation including strategies and management topics, challenges and new application, the integration of DER and special applications. Focus is on the use of new technologies like artificial intelligence and the operational challenges to integrate and operate new types of load like electric vehicles and storages.

Session 4: Protection, Control and Automation

Session 4 deals with design and implementation of systems for protection, control and automation in distribution networks.

The consideration of historical grown concepts as well as the latest developments in the world of protection, control, communication, and automation are topics in this session. Emphasis is also placed on practical application and experience in operating the systems. But the latest developments, scientific findings and considerations as well as algorithms and simulations are also of great importance.

Session 5: Planning of Power Distribution Systems

Session 5 deals with all aspects related to the short- and long-term development of high, medium and low voltage distribution networks, concerning the changing requirements for electricity distribution including, but not limited to, smart grids and active distribution networks, electric vehicles, storage, active demand and distributed energy resources integration, present and future customer quality of supply requirements, and optimum asset utilisation techniques and strategies.

There is increasing interest in strategies designed to meet the rapidly changing demand in rural and urban areas, the extension of electrification in rural areas requiring a high quality of supply, and development strategies intended to increase resiliency against low probability high risks extreme events.

Session 6: Customers, Regulation, DSO Business and Risk Management

As the energy transition is evolving the industry more and more, it is an important part of most DSO’s business management. The vision is clear; however, the grid infrastructure is nothing that can be changed over-night. While traditional assets typically have long life-times, new tools, methods and processes need to be adapted and demonstrated to match new priorities and the necessary speed of transition, as well as the customers’ fast changing needs and effective regulation.

The perfect solution is not known – the focus of Session 6 is around the DSO business need to learn, adapt and improve as we go and still manage regulation compliance, cooperation with stakeholders including sector integration, reasonable risk management for flexibility and cyber-security, customer expectation and overall business digitalization.

Moreover, CIRED also organizes a Workshop each even year on specific topics. Click here to access the list of these events.