The Grid Integration Laboratory (LINTER) is the first in Spain engaged in the development of technologies being applied to the roll-out of smart grids.

LINTER was opened in Madrid in May 2012 at one of the nerve centres of the UFD power grid and close to the company’s Grid Operation Centre.

Since it was opened, technology experts from all over the world have worked at this laboratory, which can be used by all stakeholders involved in the development of smart grids.

smart meterssmart metersworkers at LiterWorkers at LiterFemale worker in the Liter laboratorySmart meter cabinetsFemale worker in the Liter laboratory

Development environment

The technologies currently being used on the roll-out of smart grids are very new and at various stages of development. LINTER provides an environment in which to develop the projects on which the technology is being built and to exhaustively check that technology before proceeding with any roll-out. To be specific, it focuses its support on:

listInteroperability of Meters

Testing out new equipment and updating firmware, approval tests etc.

listAutomating the medium- and low-voltage grids

simulating various grid topologies, creating scenarios for researching detected anomalies, monitoring equipment performance etc.

listIntegrating renewable generation and other elements on the grid

Managing the connection of solar panels and wind turbines, electric-powered vehicles, batteries, investors etc.

Laboratory equipment

Two transformers centres dedicated to the Laboratory

Recharge points for electric vehicles.

Screened electric and data cables.

The communications technologies and services of those that can be put at the service of the low-voltage grid.

Information-systems testing grounds.

Meter cabinets from several manufacturers and data concentrators.

Distributed generation.

Switchboards and electrical installation protection enable the implementation of topologies that are going to be used in each test.

A combination of the following factors means that LINTER is a benchmark centre in the field of smart grids:

 

  • The number of meters and combination of manufacturers.
  • The flexibility for performing tests.
  • Combining communications and information systems.
  • Distributed generation and charge elements, such as electric vehicles.
  • The possibilities deriving from the chosen location (charges, power supply, gas and electricity integration, etc.)
  • The environment encourages internal training for professionals whose activities are linked to smart-grid projects.

Furthermore, LINTER also covers other areas of the company. The Laboratory already offers low and medium voltage infrastructure, computer servers, communications networks and other elements equipped to cover innovative projects and their demonstration and deployment.