This case study is featured in the “Innovation Through Partnerships” pavilion by SwissTech at the Impact’24 conference. Discover more about SwissTech at www.swiss.tech.
Innovation Through Partnerships: Energy
In the realm of technological advancement and sustainable solutions, the ABB Power Electronics Grid Simulator (PEGS) project is a great example of collaborative innovation through partnership between Switzerland and Poland.
The Power Electronics Grid Simulator revolutionizes how electrical grids are tested and optimized. For instance, it solution allows a new wind turbine to be tested for its performance in the event of a power grid failure – before it is even connected to the real infrastructure. Conceived in ABB’s Corporate Technology Center in Krakow, in close collaboration with ABB Switzerland, this new solution was not just a venture into uncharted technological territories but also a testament to the seamless integration of diverse expertise across borders.
The Polish contribution
The project was possible thanks to the contribution of Polish scientists. Poland, with its rich pool of engineering talent and innovative startups, provided an ideal backdrop for the development of such a groundbreaking project. The collaboration saw Polish software developers working alongside Swiss hardware specialists, creating a synergy that propelled the solution – from concept to reality.
This partnership allowed for the simulation of entire electrical grids in laboratory conditions, enabling the pre-emptive testing of wind turbines and other critical infrastructure against potential network failures. Such capabilities not only underscore the technological leap but also highlight the critical role of Polish teams in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in power grid simulation.
The Swiss precision and global perspective
ABB Switzerland’s involvement brought to the project a legacy of precision engineering and a global perspective on energy solutions. This partnership benefitted from Switzerland’s robust innovation ecosystem, characterized by high investment in research and development and a tradition of excellence in engineering. Thanks to the use of the latest technology, the usability and efficiency of the designed solution have been increased.
Mutual benefits: beyond the technology
The collaboration on the project has yielded benefits far beyond the technical achievements. For ABB and the Swiss business community, it underscored the potential of Polish partnerships to drive innovation and expand into new markets. The project served as a platform for Swiss companies to engage with the dynamic Polish tech scene, fostering relationships that promise to catalyse further innovations.
For Poland, the project exemplified the benefits of international collaboration, providing Polish scientists and startups with invaluable exposure to global project management practices and cutting-edge technology. Moreover, it reinforced Poland’s position as a rising star in the global tech arena, capable of contributing significantly to transformative projects.
A Model of sustainable development
Crucially, the PEGS project aligns with broader goals of sustainability and responsible innovation. By enabling more efficient testing and optimization of power grids, it contributes to the development of more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructures. This dovetails with Switzerland’s commitment to environmental stewardship and showcases how technological innovation can advance sustainability objectives.
The ABBs PEGS project blends Swiss precision with Polish innovation to create a solution that is as groundbreaking as it is essential for the future of energy infrastructure. It illustrates how, through partnership and shared vision, challenges can be transformed into opportunities for advancement and sustainability.
Find out more: