- The PASTORA project, led by Endesa's network subsidiary, e-distribución, has deployed a new generation of intelligent devices in Málaga to monitor the network
- Artificial intelligence has become an ally to prevent and predict incidents, as well as improving network reliability and quality of service
The PASTORA Project, led by Endesa's infrastructure and networks subsidiary, e-Distribución, has enabled new steps to be taken in the design of the distribution networks of the future, essential for the decarbonisation of the energy sector and the electrification of the economy. The deployment of a new generation of sensors and smart devices, the development of artificial intelligence tools based on Deep Learning and the analysis of millions of data have combined to make progress in the design of more reliable networks that will prevent incidents and improve the quality of service.
Over the last three years, PASTORA, an acronym for Preventive Analysis of Smart Grids with Real Time Operation and Renewable Assets Integration, has implemented a number of solutions in Málaga that will improve the capacity and resilience of distribution networks in the future. The Smart City Living Lab in Málaga has established itself as a centre for experimentation and the development of electricity distribution technologies. It is the actual laboratory where new solutions have been tested with 20,000 domestic customers, 300 industrial customers and 900 services.
The conclusions reached for the project were presented on in Málaga on Tuesday in an event attended by Susana Carillo, delegate for Innovation and Urban Digitalisation in the Málaga City Council; Rafael Sánchez Durán, Endesa's General Manager for Andalusia, Extremadura, Ceuta and Melilla, and Antonio Gómez, Manager of the Endesa Network Faculty at the University of Seville.
The project applied instruments and tools that enable progress towards a greater digitalisation of the distribution network and they are grouped around three pillars: New sensors and smart devices, AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools for the supervision and preventive control of the network in real time, tools for processing information in real time (Big Data) and analysis of series of historical data to help prevent incidents and breakdowns.
Specifically, PASTORA has incorporated a new generation of smart devices into the network for the monitoring and control of medium and low voltage transformation centres, from smart transformers to control the voltage level, to low voltage panels capable of providing more measurements and with more precision than the equipment used so far.
Thermal cameras were also used to help predict breakdowns using the temperature of the installations through the analysis of images and small sensors were installed to measure the temperature of the installed elements with great precision and in real time.
The development of advanced Artificial Intelligence tools based on Deep Learning enabled progress to be made with regard to the predictive maintenance of the network by correlating electrical variables with thermal images to detect possible breakdowns.
The project was developed by a consortium led by Endesa, through e-Distribución, with the participation of Ayesa, Ormazabal, Ingelectus, Aicia, (a research organisation linked to the University of Seville) and the SiPBA group (a research group linked to the University of Granada). PASTORA used the positive results from the MONICA project (Advanced Monitoring and Control of MV and LV distribution networks) as the basis for developing and testing smart and innovative solutions to develop more flexible, reliable and efficient networks and to respond to the needs of the new electricity model with mass integration of renewable energies, new models for self-consumption and the progressive incorporation of electric cars, in order to be in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11).
The PASTORA project was partially subsidised by the Centre for Industrial
Technological Development (CDTI in Spanish), supported by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and co-financed by the European Union with ERDF funds through the "2014-2020 Multi-regional Operational Programme for Spain".
About Endesa
Endesa is the largest electricity company in Spain and the second largest in Portugal. The company is also the second largest gas operator in the Spanish market. Endesa operates an end-to-end generation, distribution and marketing business. Through Endesa X it also offers value-added services aimed at the electrification of energy usage in homes, companies, industries and Public Administrations. Endesa is firmly committed to the United Nations SDGs and strongly supports the development of renewable energies through Enel Green Power España, the digitalisation of grids through e-distribución and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The Endesa Foundation is also active in CSR. Our workforce numbers around 9,260 employees. Endesa is a division of Enel, Europe’s largest electricity group.