Digitalization is the key to fighting climate change and achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal, while contributing to the green energy transition, energy efficient buildings, sustainable transportation and industrial digital transformation. Digital technologies and AI solutions can deliver operational efficiencies and reduced costs in many industries, enable the development and implementation of smart energy/transport/building systems, increase the connectivity of people and systems. Digital transition and its successful implementation requires strengthening digital skills, at different levels, “from researchers taking a more analytical and empirical approach (looking at digital skills requirements and digital skills gaps), to policymakers and providers of training programmes and skills development initiatives taking a practical approach (launching new programmes)” . In this context, the mission of DiTArtIS project is to strengthen the research and innovation excellence of the beneficiaries, especially of UTC, as well as enhance the digital skills of their staff. This will be done through building teams of excellence to derive new ideas and tackle challenges, to ensure that UTC and twinning partners will sustainably increase scientific excellence and innovation capacity in the field of electromechanical and power systems applications, by integrating digital technologies and AI solutions and techniques.

Modern distribution grids are facing important challenges such that the need to integrate massive amounts of renewables and storage in the low and medium voltage distribution grid, enhance the usage of distribution networks to avoid construction of new lines, connect several loads at different voltage levels supplied with alternating or direct current (AC or DC). In order to address the challenges described, iPLUG proposes the development of novel power electronics solutions based on multiport converters in order to enhance the integration of multiple renewable sources, energy storage systems and loads. The proposed converters, installed in several optimal locations, can facilitate a massive integration of renewable avoiding grid congestion and allowing the provision of functionalities to both the end-users and the distribution grid. The project studies both system-level aspects and detailed power electronics innovative solutions for low and medium-voltage applications. iPLUG is organized in six work packages. The system design is addressed, including concept definition, specification, sizing and location optimization. Multiport power converters and their inner control are designed and validated experimentally in the laboratory. The overall system control is also proposed, considering the usage of multiple multiport converters in several use cases and validation the concepts in the lab. Technical, economic, social and environmental impact analysis is conducted. The project consortium is formed by a core of five research institutions, supported by relevant companies which provide key requirements and case studies and analyse the project results.

The core objective of InnoBMS is to develop and demonstrate (TRL6) a future-ready best-in-class BMS hard- and software solution that maximizes battery utilization and performance for the user without negatively affecting battery life, even in extreme conditions, whilst continuously maintaining safety. Concretely, the InnoBMS proposal will deliver a 12% higher effective battery pack volumetric density, a 33% longer battery lifetime and a demonstrated lifetime of 15 years. The results will be demonstrated using novel testing methods that give a 36% reduction in the testing time of a BMS. The results will be demonstrated in two use cases, one light commercial vehicle (Fiat Doblo Electric) and one medium-duty van (IVECO eDaily). The key outcomes will enable a cost reduction of 12% and 9.7% for passenger cars and light-duty vehicles, respectively. The core objective will be achieved through five technical objectives. 1) advanced hybrid physical and data-driven models and algorithms to enable a flexible and modular BMS suitable for a wide range of batteries. 2) Software for a fully connected and fully wireless BMS that acts as a communication server inside the vehicle E/E-architecture, the center of connection, on-board diagnostics and decision-taking for all battery-related information. 3) A scalable, fully wireless and self-tested BMS hardware that enables using different battery sizes at different operating voltage levels, and smart sensor integration. 4) Better battery utilization and exploitation using cloud-informed strategies and procedure. 5) A heterogeneous simulation toolchain and automated test methods. The consortium includes 2 vehicle manufacturers, 2 TIER1 supplier, 3 engineering companies, 2 universities (leading in e-power and electromobility), an RTO and 3 SMEs. The partners have worked together closely in previous and ongoing projects, and have extensive knowhow in taking the step from new technology to innovative vehicles for real-world applications.

The principal goal of the InnoCyPES ITN is to provide world-leading and transferable scientific training to a new generation of 15 high-achieving early stage researchers (ESRs). In the course of their training, they will study, investigate and improve various facets of digitalized and interconnected energy systems. Supervised by a consortium of prominent and experienced academic institutions, research institutes and industrial partners, they will collaboratively develop a cutting-edge system management platform that covers the entire lifecycle of data for energy system planning, operation and maintenance, based on an understanding of the energy system as a cyber-physical system. The increasing volume, velocity, and variety of data from a massive number of dispersed “Internet of things” sensors in the energy system offers opportunities for improved operational efficiency and reliability – but it also results in threats in the form of computational burden and cyber-attacks. The transformation towards a fully digitalized energy system requires substantial improvements in coordinated design of cyber and physical systems, end-to-end data processing tools, and enabling changes in policy, incentive and regulatory mechanisms. Their absence acts as a barrier for the energy industry in translating the fast-accumulating data into actionable knowledge. The ESR projects will target key bottlenecks for this digital transformation. The tools that will be developed will be released as an open source platform for maximum impact. In InnoCyPES, the ESRs will be enrolled in an intensive doctoral training program that is both intersectoral – involving key stakeholders – and interdisciplinary, including information science, energy systems engineering and social science. Moreover, each ESR has both academic and industrial advisors. It will thus provide ESRs with skills that are in high demand by industry and academia, preparing them for thriving careers in this burgeoning area.

Addressing call topic area 3 (DR Technologies), DRIvE links together cutting edge science in Multi-Agent Systems (MAS), forecasting and cyber security with emerging innovative SMEs making first market penetration in EU DR markets. In doing so, near market solutions are strengthened with lower TRL, higher risk functionalities that support a vision of an “internet of energy” and “collaborative energy network.” From the research side, MAS will move closer to real time operations and progress from a limited number of assets toward decentralized management of a larger number of assets providing DR services to prosumers, grid stakeholders and DSOs. The research will deliver a fully-integrated, interoperable and secure DR Management Platform for Aggregators with advanced hybrid forecasting, optimization, fast-response capabilities and enhanced user participation components in a standard-compliant (Open ADR) market-regulated (USEF) manner, empowering a true cost-effective mass-market (100's millions of heterogenous assets). The project features 5 pilots across 3 countries consisting of a stadium, wind farm, 7-floor office, tertiary & residential buildings within medium-large districts, resulting in over 25 MW of potential flexible capacity. Direct engagement of 100 households and 2 tertiary buildings (over 1,000 persons) is attained and replication to over 75,000 persons is possible. The pilots will be running in real DSO environment with real engagement of grid players. Overall, DRIvE will make available average 20% of load in residential and tertiary buildings for use in DR, resulting in up to 30% cost-saving (price-based DR) and also maximizing revenue for prosumers (incentive-based DR). DRIvE will also allow a minimum 25% increase of renewable hosting capacity (distribution grid) and up to 30% of overall reduction of CAPEX and OPEX costs for DSOs. The project is female led and three women serve in management structure positions of responsibility.