INESC-ID has signed an agreement to join as Affiliate partner of the Current/OS Foundation, a non-profit, independent and open EU foundation for the promotion and adoption of active Direct Current (DC) solutions.

Established in 2021 in the Netherlands and managed by ABB, Eaton, Schneider Electric, Tridonic and UL Solutions, the Current/OS Foundation is leading research and innovation to shape a direct current (DC) standard, that enables partners to develop DC-certified products or services for the construction of DC buildings, including DC microgrids. These localised energy systems can operate independently or in conjunction with the main power grid. This emerging technology seeks to establish innovative DC solutions over traditional Alternating Current (AC) systems, modernising energy installations for a more sustainable future.

Current OS is already a member of Shift2DC consortium, a Horizon Europe funded project lead by INESC-ID. Shift2DC intends to offer a new approach on the way direct current (DC) solutions are used in power systems by creating smarter, more efficient, and eco-friendly energy systems. Focusing on the integration of DC solutions in four main infrastructures – Datacenters, Ports, Buildings, and Industry – Shift2DC expects to reshape the use of electricity.

As a Research and Development Institute with a research area specialised in “Energy Transition”, INESC-ID has now joined the list of Current/OS Foundation members. This collaboration will enable INESC-ID to actively contribute to the advancement of EU unified standards for the full adoption of DC systems, aiming to establish Current/OS as a worldwide standard for electrical distribution.

Hugo Morais, INESC-ID senior researcher and Shift2DC project coordinator: “Integration of INESC-ID in Current/OS will bring us the opportunity to work closely with lead stakeholders in the development of DC solutions. Our main aim is to contribute with our knowledge and expertise in the planning and operation of distribution systems as well as in the developing and testing innovative power electronic interfaces. Finally, participation in Current/OS will also improve the collaboration in the development of pilots and experiments as the one that are being implemented in Shift2DC project related DC Ports.”

Yannick Neyret, President, Current/OS Foundation, added: “We are extremely pleased to be strengthening our collaboration with the INESC-ID. Academics will play a key role in our community to ensure education of students to the direct current electrical distribution and to lead research to complete our knowledge of DC.”

More about the Current OS Foundation here.