The electrical utility industry is experiencing major changes from its historical business structure of a vertically integrated utility to a combination of several different models. However, the basic function of the industry, to produce and to deliver power safely and reliably, has not changed. New government standards and regulations have created uncertainty that is driving unprecedented change in the infrastructure, from distribution to generation. Additionally, pressures continue to reduce the cost of the electricity to support economic growth.

This theme of research focuses on maintaining and improving the performance of T&D systems by finding new applications for innovative technologies, integrating an increased penetration of distributed generation resources during normal operations while improving resiliency to extreme weather impacts and other disturbances on power delivery systems.

Potential research topics include:

  • Renewable Integration
  • T&D Automation
  • Grid Resiliency
  • Asset Management
    • Life cycle management
    • Spares mangement
    • Optimal replacement
    • Equipment failure prediction using real-time condition monitoring
  • Data analytics for distribution circuit level cold load pick-up or peak load restore prediction during outages.
    • Use analytics to predict the load when power is restored.
    • The algorithm would help operators/engineers restore power more efficiently.
  • Predictive analysis of distribution reliability in the presence of DER (Distributed Energy Resources)
  • DER fault characterizations and protection system design
  • PV integration in the presence of VOLT-VAR control systems
    • Including regulator and capacitor controls
    • Build on existing utility initiatives and improve data sets
    • Could be most applicable to issue during should months
  • Modeling, monitoring, and energy management of power grid with low and high penetration of renewable energy resources
  • Designing and coordinating control and protection schemes to enhance the security and reliability of the smart grid
  • Control and management of renewable energy resources and their integration strategies including:
    • Advanced feeder protection
    • Feeder restoration using new feeder SCADA capable devices
  • Evaluation of inverter detection methods to prevent unintended islanding
  • Cost allocation, compensation for distributed generation and demand response technologies
  • Addressing workforce development and preparedness by developing new and experimental learning opportunities
  • HV Automation, Protection and Control
  • Estimate of system and damage or number of power outages with current design standards based on type, strength, seasonality and duration of storms
  • Control Center Operations
    • Asset Health into EMS calculations
    • Prediction of stability based on asset health
  • Hybrid Simulation Tools for Planning DER and Storage
    • OpenDSS
    • Simulink
  • Study impacts to system of large PV connected to transmission
    • Voltage regulation, protection, forecast, availability, stability
    • PF
    • Harmonics, ride-through
    • Under frequency and anti-islanding
  • Integration of renewables
    • Equipment Integration
      • How to combine inverters, panels, transformers, power plant controllers, etc.
    • Study Tools
      • Including dynamics, T&D together
      • Automated for different types of studies
    • Operational Modes
      • How to control optimally while considering existing equipment
    • Measurements
      • Micro PMU type data (PQ meters?)
      • Optimal visibility and placement
  • Predictive Analytics
    • Reliability/ Resiliency
      • How to improve with data
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Weather impacts
      • Can we combine data to predict impacts?