Work

Towards Digital Twin of Distribution Grids with High Share of Distributed Energy Systems Environment for State Estimation and Congestion Management

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Distributed energy systems (DES), such as photovoltaics (PV), heat pumps (HPs), and electric vehicles (EVs), are being rapidly integrated into low-voltage (LV) grids, while measurement coverage remains limited. This paper presents a concept for an LV grid digital twin designed to enable real-time state estimation (SE) and operation-oriented studies under constrained measurement availability. Based on this concept, an exemplary digital twin is developed and demonstrated for a test area with a high PV penetration. The proposed digital twin integrates a topology-aware grid model, realistic parameterization, standardized IEC 61850 data modeling, and a real-time estimation pipeline that processes heterogeneous measurement data, including PV inverter power and voltage as well as transformer and feeder measurements. The approach is demonstrated through software-in-the-loop (SIL) experiments using historical playback and accelerated simulations, as well as hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests for real-time operation. The SIL results show that the digital twin enables continuous grid monitoring, enhances transparency for distribution system operators (DSOs), and leverages existing infrastructure to increase the effective PV hosting capacity. Selective PV curtailment mitigates congestion and restores normal operation, indicating a potentially cost-effective alternative to grid reinforcement. The HIL experiments emphasize the importance of high-quality, standardized data. The achieved accuracy depends on data availability and synchronization, highlighting the need for improved data integration. Overall, the proposed approach provides a viable pathway toward data-driven planning and operation of LV grids with high DES penetration.

Source: Energies

DOI: 10.3390/en19030720

Authors: Basem Idlbi, Dietmar Graeber

Institution: Technische Hochschule Ulm

Language: English

Topic: Power System Optimization and Stability

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137