International Development Project ALFA – EIMV coordinates the development and application of advanced solutions in power grid analysis

Within its strategic focus on research and development of advanced technological solutions in the field of power engineering, EIMV is coordinating the international development project ALFA. The project addresses one of the key challenges of modern power systems – reliable and accurate analysis of power quality, especially at the highest voltage levels.

As part of the ALFA project, we are developing a new generation of power quality analyzers, designed for the assessment of harmonic distortion. The devices enable the measurement of both low-order harmonics and supraharmonic phenomena, which represents a significant technological advancement compared to existing solutions. Such tools are crucial for understanding the dynamics of the grid, particularly in light of the growing share of renewable energy sources and the wider use of semiconductor-based devices.

EIMV coordinates the project in collaboration with partners:

• G&W Electric (USA) – developer and manufacturer of high-performance Accusense sensors,
• University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, and
• Slovenian distribution companies, which support the practical implementation of the technology.

The ALFA system has already been deployed at two industrial locations at the 20 kV voltage level, where the first prototype of the EIMV-developed analyzer is operating. The system runs under real industrial conditions, including solar photovoltaic and hydro generation, as well as the presence of various industrial loads. Extensive testing, validation, and further upgrades of the solution are underway at these sites, showing excellent results.

At the latest project meeting, the solution was also presented to the system operator, with the aim of extending the use of analyzers to perform measurements and analyses at the 110 kV voltage level.

The ALFA project represents an important milestone in the development of advanced solutions for the needs of future power networks. Through this project, EIMV is actively contributing to:

• enhancing the quality of grid measurements and analyses,
• improving the understanding of the impacts of new semiconductor technologies in the grid, and
• setting new professional and industry standards.