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MobilE
WHAT IS MERLON?
MERLON introduces an integrated modular local energy management framework for the holistic operational optimisation of local energy systems in presence of high shares of volatile distributed renewable energy sources. Optimisation in MERLON applies to multiple levels spanning optimal coordination of local generation as well as flexibility provision to facilitate maximum integration of renewable energy, avoidance of curtailment and satisfaction of balancing/ancillary grid needs.
In this sense MERLON will also enable the realisation of novel business models, allowing local energy communities to introduce themselves in local flexibility markets, while assigning to local Distribution System Operators the tools for the provision of added value services to the overlay distribution grid.
CHALLENGES & NEEDS
Renewable Energy Sources (RES) have and will continue
to spearhead the race for clean electricity generation.
The increasing share of RES in the energy system combines two major trends, firstly the decentralisation of electricity generation and secondly a progressive loss of generation control and accurate predictability. Despite their obvious benefits for the energy system, the grid integration of variable and intermittent RES presents major challenges in matching their non-deterministic output to electricity demand. Great challenges exist especially in connecting RES at low voltage levels where their importance is higher in increasing the efficiency of the energy system (load demand closer to the generation source) as well as involving the energy users in becoming more active players in energy markets.
In this context, the decentralisation of electricity generation requires equally decentralised and affordable solutions to integrate more RES, increase the security of supply and decarbonise the EU energy future.
OBJECTIVES
Safeguard local energy system reliability and the transition to a more decarbonized energy future through integrated flexibility optimisation and control strategies
Deliver open standards-based interoperable solutions that ensure a high replication potential around the EU and can be widely accepted by local consumers/citizens
Enable digitalization of local energy communities with the integration of ICT-enabled human-centric demand response optimisation
Validate the resulting solutions in real-life environments and ensure enhanced consumer engagement in Integrated Local Energy Systems optimisation
Establishing local energy communities and local flexibility markets for the transparent sharing of benefits achieved through flexibility-based Integrated Local Energy Systems optimisation to all involved stakeholders
Promote the adoption of the MERLON solution as a next-generation Integrated Local Energy Systems optimisation framework through intense dissemination and knowledge transfer of the project’s outcomes towards the targeted stakeholders, reaching out to international audiences within and beyond the EU
CONSORTIUM
13 Project Partners
6 Countries
10 Cities
AUSTRIA
Europäisches Zentrum für Erneuerbare Energie Güssing GmbH
The European Center for Renewable Energy is responsible for the dissemination/communication and user engagement activities planning and coordination. Furthermore, they contribute to the realisation of the Austrian pilot and experimentation by undertaking the role of the Aggregator.
Wirtschaftsagentur Burgenland Forschungs- und Innovations GmbH
BELGIUM
MERIT Consulting House sprl
MERIT Consulting House is playing a vital role in the energy behaviour modelling and profiling activities of the project. What’s more, they contribute to the design of flexibility analysis and clustering tools for aggregators and also focus on exploitation and business innovation planning for the project results.
CYPRUS
Suite5
Suite5 is focusing within MERLON on the development of the interoperability and data management framework along with the development of the MERLON blockchain-enabled marketplace to enable local flexibility trading.
GREECE
Hypertech Energy Labs
Hypertech is the project coordinator and technology provider focusing on demand response and flexibility control enabling tools and applications.
University of Peloponnese
The University of Peloponnese contributes to the development of the flexibility profiling tools, with the main focus on the design of wireless sensor network topologies for optimal data gathering and processing.
Xorotexniki S.A.
Xorotexniki is responsible for the definition of the evaluation framework of the project and the conduction of the impact assessment activities in the demo sites. They are also in charge of the development of an innovative P2H module for virtual thermal energy storage in buildings.
SPAIN
ATOS Spain SE
Atos is a multinational company focused on providing the newest solutions for digital transformation, innovation and value creation both for own company and clients. Our role in MERLON is the leading of technical work within the project.
Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios, S.A.
COBRA is responsible for the sizing of the battery energy storage systems and the appropriate management module. They are also in charge of the physical integration activities in the pilot regions.
Etra I+D
ETRA I+D is the technology provider for the management and integration of Enercoop's assets in the Spanish pilot site.
Enercoop
Enercoop is the local DSO, cooperative and retailer in the Spanish pilot site and is within MERLON responsible for the demonstration activities.
UNITED KINGDOM
Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
The Imperial College London is the business innovation manager of MERLON. They are setting the foundations for the technological solutions to be developed in MERLON and are leading the activities for the definition of new business models for local energy flexibility markets.
University of Newcastle Upon Tyne
The University of Newcastle upon Tyne is responsible for energy modelling and simulation activities for sizing the battery energy storage system. They oversee the development of forecasting and scheduling tools for network operators and are responsible for the pre-validation activities of the project and are in charge of the relevant standardisation activities.
PRODUCTS
EV-Flexibility Profiling Module
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Provision of individual electric vehicle flexibility profiles basedon mobility behaviour of the drivers
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Facilitation of participation in Grid-to-Vehicle and Vehicle-to-Grid programmes
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Enabling integration of electro-mobility in local energy systems through charging & de-chargin
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Allowing EVs to act both as demand and storage assets
LIBRARY
Dissemination Material
MERLON products and solutions Austria
MERLON products and solutions Spain
India Smart Utility Week Poster
Official MERLON Folder
Official MERLON Flyer
Handout DSO Edition
Handout Aggregators Edition
Handout Policy Makers Edition
Handout Standardisation Bodies Edition
Handout Regulators Edition
Newsletter
Issue 06 (12/2021)
Issue 05 (6/2021)
Issue 04 (12/2020)
BRIDGE Newsletter 09 (6/2020)
Issue 03 (6/2020)
Issue 02 (1/2020)
Issue 01 (6/2019)
Deliverables
See all
Media
MERLON Introductionvideo
Publications & Papers
See all
LINKS
BRIDGE is a European Commission initiative which unites Horizon 2020 Smart Grid and Energy Storage Projects to create a structured view of cross-cutting issues which are encountered in the demonstration projects and may constitute an obstacle to innovation. MERLON partners are engaged in various working groups and task forces exchanging experience and learnings from the project.
Some other projects may be highlighted here, which are operating in the same call, providing various approaches to address the challenges of integrated local energy systems with increasing shares of renewable energy sources:
