Overview

The Smart Grid International Research Facility Network (SIRFN) is a network of smart grid researchers with test-bed facilities in countries participating in the Implementing Agreement for a Cooperative Programme on Smart Grids (ISGAN).

ISGAN-SIRFN’s collaborative testing and evaluation capabilities are meant to be leveraged by the international community to enable improved design, implementation, and testing of smart grids and their functionalities, including the reliable integration of clean energy technologies.

The ISGAN-SIRFN Network

The International Energy Agency’s Implementing Agreement for a Cooperative Programme on Smart Grids (ISGAN), emerged at the first Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) as the International Smart Grid Action Network. This collaborative initiative facilitates government-to-government cooperation to advance the development and deployment of smart electric grid technologies, practices, and systems while promoting the adoption of related government policies.

ISGAN’s Working Group 5, known as the Smart Grid International Research Facility Network (SIRFN), empowers participating countries to assess pre-competitive technologies and system approaches across various Smart Grid implementation scenarios and geographies using standardized testing procedures. The research conducted within each member country leverages the unique capabilities and environments of partner nations. Test data is made public to expedite the progress of Smart Grid technologies, systems, and policies.

To propel the deployment of cleaner and smarter electric grids, SIRFN focuses on developing and validating technologies, protocols, standards, and systems that can operate effectively in diverse geographies and grid environments. SIRFN establishes a network of top-tier smart grid researchers, test-bed facilities, and relevant projects, fostering collaboration among countries involved in ISGAN. This collaborative testing and evaluation framework becomes a central driver for designing and implementing smart grids worldwide.

SIRFN creates a structured approach for proposing, selecting, and executing projects that align evaluation needs with testing capabilities. It shares non-proprietary results to enhance smart grid technologies, protocols, and standards. The network allows participating countries to collectively evaluate pre-competitive technologies, protocols, and systems across various smart grid use cases and geographies, utilizing common testing procedures. SIRFN’s efforts also involve assessing and validating the test procedures themselves.

Researchers and test-bed 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 research within each participating organization benefits from the unique capabilities and environments of other partners. Test data generated is shared among SIRFN participants to expedite the development of smart grid technologies, protocols, standards, systems, and enabling policies.

        Objectives

SIRFN aims to achieve four key objectives:

1. 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.
2. Share Information and Best Practices: The second objective focuses on disseminating information about current capabilities and ongoing work. This includes sharing nonproprietary 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 nonproprietary 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 in so-called Joint Research Activities, together with our Collaborating Networks and Partnerships.

Achievements

Results are disseminated at different strategic levels, with some recent publications including:

“Have also a look at the new ISGAN – Working Group 5 SIRFN Overview Brochures”