Blog
Nov 20

Webinar with Current OS: Exploring Shift2DC Demonstrators and DC Solutions 

On November 20th, the Shift2DC project hosted an online meeting in collaboration with Current OS, the open EU foundation for the promotion and adoption of active Direct Current (DC) solutions who is also a member of the Shift2DC consortium

The meeting was an opportunity for the project to explore the solutions being developed to implement in the project’s four Demonstrators based in three European countries: two across Germany (Datacenter and Industry), one in France (Building), and one in Portugal (Port) to test medium voltage DC (MVDC) and Low Voltage DC (LVDC) solutions.  

The primary goal was to present the challenges faced in Shift2DC activities and engage with Current OS associates to establish the ground for future collaborations and discussions. The webinar started with opening remarks and a project presentation by Shift2DC Coordinator at INESC-ID, Hugo Morais, with an overview of the project including its concept, a roadmap on DC and a look into the four Demos, highlighting Shift2DC main ambitions. 

The meeting followed with presentations of the four Shift2DC demonstrators, each highlighting innovative applications of DC power: 

  • DC Data Centers Demonstrator by Kilian Drexler (Fraunhofer) who presented the feasibility of DC power architecture for data centers in edge applications. This demonstration will be implemented at Bachmann’s premises in Stuttgart, Germany. 
  • DC Industry Demonstrator by Holger Krings (PHOENIX CONTACT) who outlined the plan to demonstrate the feasibility of using DC grids for industrial applications, such as manufacturing processes, while ensuring a reliable power supply. This demonstration aims to showcase a functioning industrial DC environment to influence decision-makers and the public of its potential. 
  • Port Digital Twin Demonstrator by Lucas Pereira (ITI) who provided an overview of this demonstrator, which is being implemented on the island of Madeira, Portugal. It will use a digital twin of Funchal Port to explore the integration and coordination of DC ports within the electric power grid, highlighting their role in grid operation and efficiency. 

To conclude the meeting, attendees engaged in a discussion on the challenges and future directions related to the project’s four key applications: Buildings, Datacentres, Industry, and Ports, laying the foundation for future collaborations and joint efforts within and outside the project consortium.