WG 5: Smart Grid International Research Facility Network
Overview
Working Group 5, also known as the Smart Grid International Research Facility Network (SIRFN), is a network of top-tier smart grid researchers, testbed facilities, and relevant projects that fosters collaboration among countries involved in ISGAN.
The international community can leverage ISGAN-SIRFN’s collaborative testing and evaluation capabilities to improve the design, implementation, and testing of smart grids and their functionalities, including the reliable integration of clean energy technologies.
The ISGAN-SIRFN Network
SIRFN enables participating countries to evaluate pre-competitive technologies and system approaches across various smart grid implementation scenarios and locations using standardized testing procedures. The research conducted in each member country leverages its unique capabilities and environments. Test data is made public to accelerate the development of smart grid technologies, systems, and policies.
SIRFN develops and validates technologies, protocols, standards, and systems that can effectively operate in diverse geographies and grid environments. It takes a structured approach to proposing, selecting, and executing projects that align evaluation needs with testing capabilities. SIRFN shares non-proprietary results to enhance smart grid technologies, protocols, and standards. The network enables participating countries to collectively evaluate pre-competitive technologies, protocols, and systems across various smart grid use cases and geographies using common testing procedures. SIRFN’s efforts also involve assessing and validating the test procedures themselves.
Researchers and testbed facilities engage in SIRFN based on their complementary capabilities, conducting specialized simulations and evaluations in areas such as distributed and renewable energy integration, energy storage systems, advanced distribution management, advanced metering infrastructure, cybersecurity, and related applications. This collaborative approach ensures that the research of each participating organization benefits from the unique capabilities and environments of the other partners. Test data generated is shared among SIRFN participants to accelerate the development of smart grid technologies, protocols, standards, systems, and enabling policies.
Objectives
SIRFN aims to achieve four key objectives:
Build a comprehensive knowledge base
The primary goal is to establish and share an extensive knowledge base encompassing smart grid testing facilities, test beds, and significant demonstration projects. This resource will empower participants and potential users to compare and identify essential capabilities for their specific needs.
Share information and best practices
The second objective focuses on disseminating information about current capabilities and ongoing work. This includes sharing non-proprietary research results, best practices, methods, and details of existing collaborative efforts. By fostering transparency, SIRFN aims to enhance the understanding of smart grid testing practices and outcomes.
Enhance testing capabilities
SIRFN seeks to improve existing smart grid testing and evaluation capabilities by identifying gaps in knowledge. The initiative aims to organize and coordinate joint research and testing efforts, minimizing duplication of work and optimizing the utilization of existing expertise. This collaborative approach is designed to elevate the overall quality and efficiency of smart grid testing.
Facilitate project proposal and implementation
The final objective revolves around creating a framework to assist users and SIRFN facilities in proposing and implementing smart grid testing projects. This involves aligning evaluation needs with testing capabilities. Furthermore, SIRFN establishes a platform for all participants and stakeholders to benefit from the exchange of non-proprietary results, advice, and assistance. Through this collaborative framework, SIRFN aims to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative smart grid technologies.
Focus Areas
The work is carried out by a global network of experts and is managed in several focus areas through so-called Joint Research Activities, together with collaborating networks and partnerships.
Working Group Manager (Germany)
Ron Brandl
DERlab
Technical Lead (USA)
Aaron Ng
Department of Energy
