idFlexNetz

The project

In early May 2022, VSE AG, together with leading partners from industry, research and the software/consulting sectors, launched a digitalisation project for the energy sector. The aim of the idFlexNetz research project is to create digital models (‘twins’) of existing grid assets and make these available to the market, alongside operational management algorithms.

The idFlexNetz project is developing a concept for a marketplace which, based on the GAIA-X and International Data Spaces principles, enables an ICT ecosystem for the integration of digital twins, algorithms and software into a distribution network for the supply of electrical energy. Digitalisation requires the creation of models to represent existing assets and algorithms for the operational management of these assets. The use of digital twins can increase the efficiency of network planning and enable digitalised network management. A marketplace reduces complexity by providing easy access to digital assets such as digital twins and ensuring their efficient application. IT security is a top priority and is guaranteed by a trust model.

The idFlexNetz concept also involves the development of an ICT ecosystem based on the GAIA-X and International Data Spaces principles, using an electricity distribution network as an example. The project also includes the integration of digital twins of real-world assets from a low-voltage network into the ecosystem.

The main components of the ICT ecosystem are connectors for linking to the Data Space, the use of the Asset Administration Shell (AAS) to map digital twins, an identity framework, ontologies for the semantic description of digital twins and algorithms, and a marketplace for digital goods. The idFlexNetz is testing the ICT ecosystem using selected use cases and, in addition to IT tasks, is also examining various business models such as pay-per-use, subscription and as-a-service models.

Our solutions

idFlexNetz gives users easy access to digital assets whilst ensuring full data sovereignty. This enables the efficient use and administration of digital resources.

Using the latest product versions and enhancements to digital twins enables the continuous development and optimisation of assets.

idFlexNetz’s solutions help to speed up and automate planning and approval processes. This represents a significant milestone on the path to digitalisation, as tasks that were previously often carried out manually can now be fully digitised. This saves time and resources.

The idFlexNetz project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).