Project Identification

  • Official Title: Web platform for distribution network analysis for the efficient integration of distributed energy resources (ID24I10476).
  • Project Type: FONDEF IDeA R&D Project.
  • Executing Institution: Adolfo Ibáñez University (UAI) / Energy Transition Center (CENTRA).
  • Execution Period: May 2024 – May 2026.
  • Partner Entity: Chilean Solar Energy Association AG (ACESOL).
  • Platform Link (Dev): https://app-dev.visionderred.cl/
  • Status: In execution.

Executive Summary

The VisiónDERRED project aims to solve the integration barriers of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in Chile through the development of an advanced web platform, conceived as a public service for the energy sector. This tool allows for automated technical evaluation of Hosting Capacity (HC) in medium and low voltage networks, using electrical models based on real infrastructure and operational data. The platform acts as a coordination “hub” between developers and utility companies, drastically reducing connection study times and costs. Through a participatory methodology involving Technical Working Groups, the project validates its models and explores mitigation measures to maximize renewable energy integration.

Key Findings and Results

  • Time Reduction: The platform enables the evaluation of specific projects in a maximum of 24 hours thanks to automated modeling, contrasting with the 1 to 3 months taken by traditional consultancies.
  • Model Validation: A robust methodology was established that contrasts OpenDSS simulations with real measurements at feeder heads, accepting error margins between 10% and 15% for variables such as active and reactive power.
  • Hosting Capacity (HC): Tools were implemented to generate heatmaps visualizing nodal and systemic capacity, facilitating the identification of robust connection points.
  • Effective Mitigation: It was determined that the use of smart inverters (with Volt-Watt and Volt-Var control), network reconfiguration, and voltage regulators are key measures to increase network capacity.
  • Data Quality: Algorithms were developed for the automatic correction of errors and inconsistencies in distributor databases, homogenizing sector information.

Governance and Collaboration

The project operates under a collaborative scheme linking academia, the private sector, and the public sector through a Steering Committee and Technical Working Groups:

  • Key Actors: Active participation from UAI (Executor), ACESOL (Partner), distribution companies (CGE, Chilquinta, ENEL, SAESA), developers (Colbún, Energía Colectiva), and public entities (Ministry of Energy, SEC).
  • Industrial Validation: A “Beta Testing” phase was agreed upon with developer companies associated with ACESOL to test the tool in real-world scenarios.
  • Sustainability Strategy: A future modular SaaS Freemium business model is proposed, seeking bridge funding to address gaps such as zonal transmission.

Milestones and Project Deliverables

  • Milestone 1 – MVP (March 2025): Functional web platform with infrastructure data loading, user registration, and automated modeling (Back-end in development).
  • Milestone 2 – Final Version (May 2026): Complete back-end capable of visualizing maps, calculating hosting capacity, evaluating projects, and performing technical-economic analysis of mitigation measures.
  • Operational Tools: “Nodal Capacity Tool” (heatmaps) and “DG Assessment Tool” (project evaluation).
  • Intellectual Property: Trademark Registration and Copyright (Software) of the technological result.

Working Team

  • Direction and Management (UAI): Luis Gutiérrez Lagos, Daniel Olivares, José María Cruz, Francisco Pizarro.
  • Research and Development (UAI): Bernardo Severino, Ignacio Pérez Ortiz, Nazmi Jarsun, Raúl Ugarte.
  • Association Counterpart (ACESOL): Darío Morales, Danilo Jara Aguilera.
  • Technical Collaborators: Engineering and planning representatives from ENEL, CGE, SAESA, and Chilquinta.

Categorization

  • Area: Smart Grids / Distributed Generation / Digitalization.
  • Tags: #HostingCapacity #VisionDERRED #OpenDSS #EnergyTransition #ModelValidation #PublicGood.