Microgrids and regional energy solutions

This research area was established in 2017 and focuses on the design and control of distributed energy resources (DER) projects (energy communities, cellular energy systems) and Microgrids.

The research group explores theoretical, physical and scientific relationships involved in the planning and control of smart and Microgrids and engages in their experimental development. The methods applied include mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) or linearized MILP and model predictive control (MPC) methods. These methods are essential for solving the complex challenge of taking a comprehensive approach (design and operation) to multi-energy systems (electricity, heating and cooling for buildings, municipal and industrial applications).

This research bases directly on the work of Dr. Michael Stadler at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory at the University of California, which was awarded by President Obama with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).

The main goal of the research topics is to increase the degree of system autonomy at all hierarchical levels (individual buildings, neighbourhoods, energy communities, subgrids, regions) and in all sectors of the energy system. This leads to a sustainable increase in overall efficiency and reduces the burden on the higher-level infrastructure.  This research provides the basis for the development of tools which will benefit the entire energy system in the long term.

Development and application fields

• Development of methods and tools for Microgrid and DER energy system planning and the integrated energy infrastructure and identification of bottlenecks in the distribution system.
• Establishing predictive control via MPC, taking into account the interactions between the sectors and using storage systems as well as load shifting to provide more flexibility and stability in the energy system.

Partners:

Scope of Services here