Data-driven asset management with the NGIN analytics platform: Assessing EV and PV impact on the Flemish LV grid

Abstract

In the next decades, Flemish distribution system operator Fluvius will have to accommodate ever-increasing volumes of distributed generation, electric vehicles and heat pumps on the electric grid. The main challenge will be to maintain optimal asset performance, while keeping investment costs at an acceptable level. Maximizing utilization of existing infrastructure and strategic planning of grid investments will be key, requiring a good view on the actual and future loading condition of assets in different scenarios. To achieve this, digitization and the increasing amount of available data for analytics are an important enabler. Given this context, this paper introduces the NGIN Insights analytics platform, supporting Fluvius’ business experts in making better and more informed data-driven investment decisions. To demonstrate the potential and added value of the NGIN solution, this paper includes a case study with an impact analysis for different growth scenarios for electric vehicles and photovoltaic systems on the Flemish low voltage grid.