EDP Brasil, a company that operates in the electricity sector, has partnered with the University of S‹o Paulo (USP) to launch the first specialized lab for Smart Electrical Grids in Latin America. Located in the Center for Energy Regulation and Quality Studies (ENERQ), the space will provide a controlled environment for research on Smart Grids and Energy Supply Quality, thereby contributing to the technological evolution of the Brazilian distribution system.

One of the highlights is the presence of a Virtual Operation Center that simulates energy distributors systems, making it possible to assess new systems and technologies before they are put into operation. Furthermore, the lab is equipped to emulate the operation of smart meters and devices, which are the basic elements for the creation of Smart Grids.

"The Smart Grid Laboratory is of great relevance to EDP and the Brazilian electric power sector. The lab can conduct studies and tests in an exhaustive and systemic way, thus allowing for the implementation of smart grid functionalities in real distribution networks. With this initiative we hope to contribute to the deployment of Smart Grids in the country, which will directly benefit customers by optimizing the operation and providing service solutions that only smart grids can offer," says EDP Brasil CEO Miguel Setas.

While being implemented, the Smart Grid Laboratory was validated by a self-healing test. The test consists of remotely controlling devices that are scattered across the grid, and which can automatically reestablish electricity supply in the event of minor occurrences. The application, which is already being used by EDP distributors in S‹o Paulo and Esp’rito Santo, expedites reconnection processes and improves supply quality by minimizing the impact of supply interruptions on consumers.

The Virtual Operation Center also trains technicians to use and monitor Smart Grids. The idea is to bring the Brazilian electrical system closer to the future of energy distribution, and to train specialists to operate and manage these new technologies.

The Smart Grid Laboratory is an EDP Brasil initiative in partnership with the USP Center for Smart Electric Grid Research. The initiative was funded by the ANEEL Research & Development Program and had the partnership of major companies in the sector such as CGI, GE, Sinapsis Inova‹o em Energia, Power Solutions, Spin Engenharia de Automa‹o, National Instruments, S&C, Cisco, Logicalis, WEG, Indra, and Ecil Energia.