Valmet brings its process control expertise to the FLEXe (Flexible Energy Systems) program coordinated by CLIC Innovation, a new open innovation cluster in Finland. The program creates novel technological and business concepts that enhance the transition from current energy systems towards sustainable systems that combine smartness, flexibility, environmental performance and economic success.
There are 17 companies and 10 research institutions or universities participating in the program. The participants cover a broad spectrum of competences and the whole value chain in the energy system.
"Valmet's focus is on studies related to the optimal operation and control strategies of power plants in a new flexible operating environment. We assess current plant flexibility capabilities and limitations by means of advanced controls," says Maria Nurmoranta, Power Automation Development Manager from Valmet.
Additionally, Valmet studies the control potential and restrictions of the district heating networks as part of the future energy system. "Combined heat and power plants are an important link between the heat networks and the electricity grid. System level flexibility can be increased by developing plant level and heat network control solutions to work seamlessly," Nurmoranta adds.
The FLEXe program started on January 1, 2015 and will end on April 30, 2016.
