Optimize electricity network load balancing to ensure availability and continuity of power supply.

Background

Our client manages the Belgian high voltage network and ensures the transportation of electricity. They own all Belgian network infrastructures between 150 and 380 kV and are a key link between France, Europe's largest electricity exporter, and the markets in Northern Europe.

Challenge

A major factor in the proper functioning of an electrical power network, especially at the scale of a national grid, is the balancing of the power in- and outflow (consumers, producers, prosumers, …). A power network that is not optimized or were loads are not balanced, results in an inefficient situation, both from a technical and economical point of view.

Approach

Understand, assess, structure and link relevant data sources. Use of historical data from a reference year to normalize load profiles for each network node. Build descriptive and predictive analytical models. Implement a normalization and forecasting solution to provide insight that can be used to predict possible network issues.

Key results

Understanding of the key load balancing drivers through intensive workshops with the business and subject matter experts.

The decomposition of the power load signal into identifiable factors such as time and weather conditions.

Provide a simple user interface for a relative complex solution.

Benefits

The solution allows a faster correction of the energy network load caused by unbalanced events. At the same time, it also provides a better load forecasting by the insights generated at sub-station level, which ensures a stable electricity supply for the entire population.