Simulation-based planning and design of hybrid AC/DC energy grids for production systems: a holistic approach

This paper proposes a simulation-based planning concept and a simulation architecture for the design of hybrid AC/DC grids, which have the potential to significantly contribute to the energy transition. The paper discusses the lack of knowledge in the market for the design of these grids, and presents a simulation approach to efficiently assemble hybrid networks and analyse them based on an electrical simulation. The authors also address the need to include process-specific characteristics in the planning and analysis of the electrical network, which is why common simulation tools for production processes are included in the approach. This allows economic, ecological, safety-relevant and technical aspects to be integrated into the planning process. The proposed concept is further discussed and planned for validation on the basis of a demonstrator currently under construction.