Power and Energy Systems
Power and energy systems are essential for modern society as they provide us with electricity, heating, and other aspects of our daily life we often take for granted. In particular, the power grid is changing dramatically. There is a growing trend of electrification across the network, this involves an increase in devices like electric vehicles (EVs) providing more system load as well as increased renewable generation such as solar panels (PVs) and wind turbines.
The challenge surrounding this change is one of stability. The traditional power grid focuses on a balance between power generation and power load. Uncertain generation devices, like renewables, and loads which can be connected and disconnected quickly, like EVs, make it harder to guarantee grid stability. The traditional method to control grid stability involved changing the power generation setpoint of generation devices. A future method is likely to involve controlling demand-side (load-side) devices as they can react faster to changes within the network.
Our research in this area will investigate a few areas:
how we can attempt to maintain grid stability under increased uncertainty?
how can devices like EVs, energy storage systems (ESSs) and active buildings contribute to demand-side control?
As synchronous turbines are removed from the power grid how can we maintain control with reduced system inertia?
Power and Energy Systems
Power and energy systems are essential for modern society as they provide us with electricity, heating, and other aspects of our daily life we often take for granted. In particular, the power grid is changing dramatically. There is a growing trend of electrification across the network, this involves an increase in devices like electric vehicles (EVs) providing more system load as well as increased renewable generation such as solar panels (PVs) and wind turbines.
The challenge surrounding this change is one of stability. The traditional power grid focuses on a balance between power generation and power load. Uncertain generation devices, like renewables, and loads which can be connected and disconnected quickly, like EVs, make it harder to guarantee grid stability. The traditional method to control grid stability involved changing the power generation setpoint of generation devices. A future method is likely to involve controlling demand-side (load-side) devices as they can react faster to changes within the network.
Our research in this area will investigate a few areas:
how we can attempt to maintain grid stability under increased uncertainty?
how can devices like EVs, energy storage systems (ESSs) and active buildings contribute to demand-side control?
As synchronous turbines are removed from the power grid how can we maintain control with reduced system inertia?