IEET: KOVER

KOVER

Decentralized, Self-Organized and Cyber-Resilient Coordination of Low-Voltage Distribution Grids Using Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

The ongoing energy transition is fundamentally changing the operation of low-voltage distribution grids. The increasing integration of photovoltaic systems, battery storage, electric vehicles, and heat pumps is transforming traditionally passive distribution networks into highly decentralized and dynamic energy systems. As a result, low-voltage grids are experiencing rising bidirectional power flows, voltage violations, local congestion, and increased loading of transformers and distribution lines. Conventional solutions primarily rely on costly grid reinforcement or centralized control strategies that require extensive communication infrastructure, complete system information, and centralized decision-making, creating challenges related to scalability, privacy, cyber security, and user acceptance.

KOVER (Decentralized, Self-Organized and Cyber-Resilient Coordination of Low-Voltage Distribution Grids Using Artificial Intelligence) addresses these challenges by developing a decentralized, model-free, and self-learning coordination framework for future distribution grids. Instead of relying on a central controller, local actors—including households, photovoltaic systems, battery storage, electric vehicles, and heat pumps—autonomously optimize their operation using local measurements and limited neighborhood information. By combining artificial intelligence, machine learning, distributed optimization, and self-organized coordination, KOVER aims to maximize the utilization of existing grid infrastructure while improving voltage quality, reducing congestion, enhancing cyber resilience, and minimizing the need for conventional grid expansion. Through distributed intelligence, the project enables secure, scalable, and resilient grid operation without requiring explicit knowledge of the underlying network topology.