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 crucial tool for achieving this goal.
We had the opportunity to contribute our technology to the Osiris microgrid project in Echallens. The project was implemented by our partner, Romande Energie. Romande Energie is the largest electricity provider in Western Switzerland and is active in four key areas of the energy transition: renewable energy production, energy distribution, energy billing, and installation services. The utility covers all four of these areas in the Osiris project.
Source: Osiris Echallens
A cooperative for personal use
In Echallens, the initiative for self-consumption was implemented using a dedicated microgrid. Microgrids offer the ability to efficiently use and distribute locally generated renewable energy, which reduces dependence on central power grids. Another driving factor is security of supply.
The principle of self-consumption is that locally generated electricity is used directly by local residents. Electricity from the public grid is drawn upon only when local demand cannot be met. Surplus local electricity is fed into the public grid.
Win-Win-Win
All parties involved benefit from the microgrid:
Owner
- Reduced investment and maintenance costs
- Increasing the Share of Renewable Energy
- Promotes sustainability and innovation
Consumers
- Lower Energy Costs
- More Local and Eco-Friendly Energy
Romande Energie
- Increasing Renewable Energy Production
- Acquiring new customers outside the service area
Source: Steiner SA
Facts and Figures
Apartments Built to the Minergie ECO Standard
Annual PV Production
smart-me Counter
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 established to implement the project:
DSO Medium-Voltage Grid Connection: The microgrid is connected to the distribution grid of the utility operator (DSO) via a medium-voltage grid connection, which ensures a reliable power supply.
Substation: A substation is integrated into the microgrid. This allows consumers to benefit from medium-voltage rates.
1,000 kVA Transformers: The microgrid has three transformers with a capacity of 1,000 kVA, which enable the supply of power to the various users in the microgrid.
Main Distribution Lines: The microgrid is structured around four main distribution lines, which efficiently distribute the flow of electricity and connect the various areas of the microgrid to one another.
Feeder Lines: There are a total of 21 feeder lines that distribute electricity to the various buildings and loads within the microgrid.
Source: Romande Energie SA
Challenges and Solutions
There were several challenges during the project, including frequent changes in the general contractor’s point of contact and a high level of coordination required. In these situations, the ability to solve problems was crucial, as Eric Albers, the project manager, emphasized:“As project manager, I’m not paid to ensure there are no problems. I’m paid to make sure problems get solved.”Our smart-me technology, particularly the Wi-Fi connection, proved to be extremely helpful during troubleshooting and commissioning.
Efficient Data Measurement and Billing
A total of approximately 500 smart-me meters will be installed in 32 meter panels. A main meter will be installed on each building to monitor energy consumption. Data is collected for apartments, common areas, heat pumps, electric mobility, and photovoltaic output. The project also includes the metering and billing of heat, hot water, and cold water. Sixty M-Bus gateways were integrated to transmit data from 1,400 third-party meters to the cloud.
What Eric Albers particularly appreciates about the smart-me counters is:
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: 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.
- Easy 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 instantaneous values in real time in the web portal is considered a major advantage both during commissioning and during ongoing operation. This enables better monitoring and optimization of energy consumption.
Romande Energie uses the smart-me API to import data into its own billing tool. This meant that customer service staff did not need to undergo retraining, and internal processes remain largely the same.
Microgrids will become more important
Overall, the future of microgrids in Switzerland will be shaped by the need for a sustainable, decentralized energy supply and by technological advances in this field. 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 example of 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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