67
An institute for energy transition
SuperGrid Institute is a collaborative re-
search platform in the field of low-carbon
energy, bringing together the expertise of
industry and public research in the logic
of public-private co-investment and close
cooperation between all stakeholders of
the sector.
The institute aims to develop technologies
for the future electricity transmission net-
work, using direct current and alternating
current at very high voltages to transport
energy from renewable sources to distant
load centres. With flexible storage solutions
the intermittent nature of renewable
energy can be managed while ensuring
the stability and security of the network.
Research programmes
The activity of the institute is organized
in several research axes.
Programme 1:
Study and deliver hypo-
thesis on how to design and control a
HVDC grid. Grid architectures and protec-
tions, normal and degraded operation.
Programme 2:
Development of breaking
technologies for HVDC grids, HVDC
substation technologies including insulation
and SF6 free technologies for HVAC
switchgear.
Programme 3:
Power converter topolo-
gies and controls to address the needs of
future DC grids. Enabling technologies
for power electronic converters (medium
frequency transformer, SiC semiconduc-
tors, etc).
Programme 4:
HVDC cables, ageing
monitoring, new technologies for off-
shore cable nodes and new advanced
materials.
Programme 5:
Hydro pump storage.
Variable speed technology contribution
to power system stability.
Competences at a glance
•
New grid architecture principles,
off-shore HVDC grids.
•
HVDC grids protection.
•
Hybrid AC-DC grid control.
•
Off-line and real-time grid simulation.
•
Breaking and protection technologies
for HVDC grids.
•
SF6 free breaking technology for
HVAC grids.
•
Ultra-high voltage technologies.
•
Power conversion technologies for
high voltage and medium voltage.
•
High power semi-conductor
technologies.
•
Power cables for HVDC on-shore
and off-shore.
•
High performance insulating materials.
•
Variable speed water pump-storage.
supergrid institute SAS
