The Field Test Germany (WP4) is led by the Institute for Automation of Complex Power Systems (ACS) of RWTH Aachen University, in close collaboration with Flexible Electrical Networks FEN Research Campus. ACS aims to implement a multidisciplinary research approach that captures the most recent advances in ICT within the energy context, and to support the solution of the most advanced problems in the area of grid operations and automation. FEN Research Campus researches and develops innovative grid technologies to ready electrical grids for a high share of fluctuating and decentralized renewable energy sources, while also taking into account direct current (DC) technologies.

Within the Field Test Germany, ACS and FEN Research Campus collaboratively develop and implement a multi-terminal MVDC research grid: this medium voltage (MV) distribution grid is solely based on direct current (DC) voltage. Here, the automation of the research grid by RWTH Aachen is the initial step. Additionally, interfaces with alternating current (AC) grids will be considered in order to develop a solid automation architecture for hybrid distribution grids where DC and AC sections co-exist. Subsequently, the automation of the research grid will be virtualized in the FISMEP cloud platform and will then be put into test mode on the RWTH Aachen campus for demonstration and evaluation.

As part of the demonstration, physical house models with simulated energy components are generated and conntected to a central unit by means of FIWARE components. An interactive user surface and the provision of a set of FIWARE modules allows for an independent design of various functions such as visualization, for example. Thereby, the simple usability of FIWARE components is supposed to be made accessible for energy services, allowing companies to develop and test new business models.