Echallens Microgrid – Osiris

Microgrids play a key role in the energy transition and Switzerland's sustainability agenda. Switzerland aims to be climate-neutral by 2050, and microgrids are a key tool for achieving this goal.

We were able to contribute our technology to the Osiris microgrid project in Echallens. It was implemented by our partner, Romande Energie. Romande Energie is the largest electricity supplier in French-speaking Switzerland and is involved in four key areas of the energy transition: renewable energy production, energy distribution, energy billing, and installation services. The energy supplier covers all four areas in the Osiris project.

Source: Osiris Echallens

A merger for self-consumption

In Echallens, the system for self-consumption was set up using its own microgrid. Microgrids make it possible to efficiently utilize and distribute locally generated renewable energy, which reduces dependence on central electricity grids. Another contributing factor is security of supply.
The principle of self-consumption is that locally produced electricity is used directly by local residents. Electricity from the public grid is used only when local demand cannot be met. Any unused local electricity is fed into the public grid.

Win-Win-Win

The advantages of the microgrid are shared by all parties involved:

Owners:

Reduced investment and maintenance costs
Increased share of renewable energy
Promotes sustainability and innovation

Consumers:

Lower energy costs
More local and renewable energy

Romande Energie:

Increase in renewable energy production
Acquiring new customers outside the service area

Source: Steiner SA

Technical details of the project

Apartments that meet the Minergie ECO standard

Electricity meters from smart-me

Annual production

%

Self-consumption

Microgrid infrastructure

The Osiris microgrid is an outstanding example of the integration of renewable energy sources and the promotion of sustainable energy concepts. The following grid infrastructure was created to make this possible:

Medium-voltage grid connection: The microgrid is connected to the medium-voltage distribution grid of the utility grid operator (DSO), which ensures a reliable power supply.

Transformer station: A transformer station is integrated into the microgrid. This allows the consumer to benefit from medium-voltage rates.

1000 kVA Transformers: The microgrid has three transformers with a capacity of 1000 kVA, which ensure a reliable power supply to the various users in the microgrid.

Main distribution lines: The microgrid consists of four main distribution lines that efficiently distribute the current and connect the different parts of the microgrid.

Sub-distribution lines: There are a total of 21 sub-distribution lines that transmit electricity to the various buildings and consumers within the microgrid.

Source: Romande Energie SA

Challenges and Solutions

There were a number of challenges during this project, including changes in personnel at the general contractor and a significant coordination effort. In these situations, it was the ability to solve problems that mattered, as Eric Albers, the project manager, emphasized: “As a project manager, I’m not paid to ensure that there are no problems. I am paid to solve problems.” Our smart-me technology, especially the Wi-Fi connection, proved to be extremely helpful during troubleshooting and commissioningning

Efficient Data Measurement and Billing

A total of approximately 500, smart-me -meters were installed in 32 panels. A main meter was installed in each building to monitor energy consumption. Data is recorded for apartments, common areas, heat pumps, electric vehicles, and photovoltaic output. The project also includes the recording and billing of heat, water, and cold water. Sixty M-Bus gateways were integrated to transmit data from 1,400 third-party meters to the cloud.

Eric Albers particularly appreciates the smart-me meters:

Wi-Fi connection: Eric Albers highlights the Wi-Fi connectivity of the smart-me meters. This technology enables a wireless connection to the meters and offers the advantage of real-time data transmission. This significantly simplifies troubleshooting and commissioning.
Simple Troubleshooting: The Wi-Fi connection makes troubleshooting much easier. Eric Albers emphasizes that troubleshooting smart-me meters is much easier compared to Modbus connections or other connection methods. This helps identify and resolve problems quickly.
Real-time data in the web portal: The ability to view phases and live data in real time in the web portal is considered a major advantage both during commissioning and during operation. This enables better monitoring and optimization of energy consumption.

Romande Energie uses the smart-me API to transfer data to its own billing tool. This meant that the customer service team did not have to undergo additional training, and internal processes remained essentially the same.

Microgrids will become more important

Overall, the future of microgrids in Switzerland will be driven by the need for a sustainable, decentralized energy supply and technological advances in this area. The number of microgrid projects is expected to increase as Switzerland steps up its efforts to achieve its energy and climate policy goals.

The Echallens–Osiris microgrid is an outstanding showcase for sustainable energy supply and demonstrates the effectiveness of our smart-me technology in monitoring and optimizing microgrids. We look forward to future partnerships that will drive the energy transition forward.

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