The i‑Autonomous project addressed the growing impact of decentralized renewable generation, heat pumps, electric vehicles and storage on the medium‑ and low‑voltage distribution network. By combining measurement, automation and network functions, the project created a system that can assess the state of primary equipment and derive safe, efficient operating measures. Unlike earlier research that focused mainly on hardware and software integration, i‑Autonomous aimed to design a complete concept covering requirements analysis, engineering, integration and commissioning of distribution‑network automation systems. The goal was to produce a standardized, dynamic and sustainable integration process for systems below 110 kV.
Central to the technical outcome was the development of a modular system architecture based on IEC 61850‑6 (Substation Configuration Language, SCL) and IEC 61970‑301 (Common Information Models, CIM). This standardization allows different vendors’ equipment to interoperate without extensive custom engineering. The architecture supports both protection and control functions as well as smart‑grid automation features, which can be instantiated and distributed across a specified hardware platform. Virtualization of station functions further increases flexibility and scalability, enabling functions to be deployed on demand and monitored remotely.
Engineering tools were created to automate the entire process from modeling and simulation to configuration and verification. The TU Dortmund institute (ie3) implemented selected protection and smart‑grid functions on the platform and continuously verified the processes using a real‑time simulator and other test systems. The tools also support automated generation of configuration files, validation against SCL models, and automated state‑estimation checks. The system was validated in a laboratory environment and subsequently in a field test conducted by Westnetz GmbH, a regional distribution network operator. Westnetz supplied network models and installed the platform devices in its own grid, providing real‑time data for validation under realistic operating conditions.
Performance results are reflected in the successful integration of virtualized station functions and the demonstration that the engineered system can be configured, verified, and commissioned without media breaks. The project produced a complete system architecture and a suite of engineering tools that can be reused for future automation projects. The architecture is designed to be extended with additional functions, and the tools can be applied to new network areas, thereby accelerating the deployment of smart‑grid solutions.
Collaboration involved three main partners. The TU Dortmund institute (ie3) led the technical design, modeling, and verification work. Westnetz GmbH, as an independent distribution network operator, provided network data, conducted laboratory verification, and performed the final field test, thereby ensuring that the solution meets operator requirements. OFFIS – the Institute for Informatics – contributed software development and application of information‑processing techniques. The project was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMWK) under the code 03EI6001D. The partners coordinated through defined interfaces, with each contributing their core competencies: engineering and integration (ie3), operational validation (Westnetz), and software development (OFFIS). The project spanned several years, culminating in a validated, standardized approach that can be adopted by other network operators to integrate renewable resources and high‑load devices safely and efficiently.