Smart Energy Networks

This area involves the topics focused on the new paradigm of the development of electric power systems characterized by large-scale integration of distributed/renewable energy resources and large-scale consumer engagement (e.g. demand efficiency, demand control, microgeneration and interaction through smart metering). Research in this area is focused on active management of distribution grids, dispersed generation (DG), storage and end-users (through responsive loads and consumers) in local and regional areas in order to improve system operating conditions and improve local reliability. This includes the development of new monitoring, control and management hierarchical architectures, as well as it includes market-based implementation for the coordination and control of the different agents and network resources in the real, near, and medium-term time horizons.

Grid operational strategies involving the exploitation of vehicle-to-grid capabilities are also envisaged under the framework of this project, as well as wave energy development and integration. The development of such new operational concepts aims to obtain the best performance from the distributed active resources, abandoning “fit and forget” approach used namely to connect DG units to grids, leading to a more economically and technically efficient power system.

Sample Sub-Projects:
(*) Transmission Expansion Planning – development of a multiyear approach considering
demand and generation resource uncertainties, especially those of coupled renewable
resources
(*) Evaluation of economic and environmental impacts of large scale integration of
microgrids and dispersed generation in electrical grids
(*) Impact of vehicle to grid systems in grid operation
(*) Short-term price forecasting for electricity markets with large scale dispersed
generation and responsive load.
(*) Impacts of responsive demand on power system operation and expansion
(*) Development of “Energy Box” smart meter concepts including consumer response and
behavior.