The project delivered a comprehensive demonstration of an electronic network coupling (eNK) system that integrates power‑electronic interfaces into a modular distribution network. The technical evaluation, carried out in a real‑world field test at the MMi2109 Kaufhalle in Niederbobritzsch, showed that the eNK was able to maintain voltage stability within the statutory limits of 203 V to 247 V and frequency stability between 49.86 Hz and 50.14 Hz. Power measurements at the various measurement points confirmed that the system could balance generation and consumption with high precision. For example, at the HA_1_Niederbobritzsch node the minimum and maximum active power were 0.01 kW and 0.04 kW, respectively, with an average of 0.03 kW, indicating a very tight regulation of the local load. At the Gaststätte Goldener Löwe the system handled a broader range, with a minimum of –7.8 kW, a maximum of 9.3 kW, and an average of –0.4 kW, demonstrating its ability to accommodate significant PV injection and evening grid draw. Two‑phase and three‑phase photovoltaic arrays were also tested; the two‑phase array reached a peak of 51 kW and an average of 20.7 kW, while the three‑phase array achieved 33.3 kW peak and 10.1 kW average. These results confirm that the eNK can manage high‑power flows and maintain power quality across different configurations.
The project also evaluated the scalability of the approach to higher voltage levels. The technical assessment outlined a clear pathway for upscaling, including the necessary hardware modifications and control strategies. An economic assessment was performed in parallel, showing that the cost of the eNK installation is offset by the savings from reduced peak demand charges and improved renewable integration. The field test in Regensburg further validated the system’s performance under varying load conditions, with the eNK container operating continuously for several weeks without any fault indications. The remote monitoring system, comprising a dedicated control box and an IoT gateway, provided real‑time data to the operator’s GUI, enabling proactive management of the network.
The project was carried out over a period of several years, with the main field test phase conducted in early 2020 and a follow‑up test in September 2020. It involved a consortium of partners that included academic research institutions, industry suppliers of power‑electronic components, and local utilities responsible for the distribution network. Each partner contributed specific expertise: the university partners developed the control algorithms and performed the PowerFactory modelling of the local network; the equipment suppliers supplied the eNK hardware and battery storage modules (including the ADS‑Tec StoraXe scalable battery system); and the utility partner provided the network infrastructure and operational support. The project was funded through a German federal research program, with procurement procedures governed by the outlined evaluation criteria and weighting factors. The final report includes a detailed roadmap for future projects, outlining the next steps for deploying the eNK concept at larger scale and integrating it with smart grid services.