Energy generation, transmission and distribution
The generation, transmission and distribution of energy result in a significant carbon footprint. In order to reduce the carbon footprint of energy distribution, meet emissions targets and meet Government target for renewable energy generation, there needs to be an increase in energy derived from renewable sources entering the grid. Integration of renewable energy within the grid creates a number of issues in terms of transmission, distribution and security.
The Centre for Sustainable Power Distribution (CSPD) based in the Dept of Electronic and Electrical Engineering is investigating all aspects of power generation, transmission and distribution. CSPD has state of the art research facilities including a micro-grid system and Real Time Digital Simulator System. The Centre has recently been elected to join the prestigious IET Power Academy placing it as one of the Top 7 research centres in the UK.
The staff within the centre have internationally recognized expertise in power system planning, operation and management, security and stability analysis of large system, control and protection of power system, distributed generation, power system, economic and market operation, FACTS, condition monitoring and protection of power plant.
Researchers within CSPD are participants within the Supergen FlexNet and Energy Storage consortia. The FlexNet consortium is investigating the factors that will dictate the future form of the network and the degree of flexibility required. Other current research includes the work of Dr. Furong Li investigating a novel charging methodology that could re-shape the UK’s pricing system, ultimately benefiting consumers with secure, sustainable and affordable electricity. The Centre has been further boosted by the award of an EPSRC First Grant to investigate a technique and control algorithm to mitigate against the effects of poor power quality, which in terms of damaged equipment and interrupted business, within the EU and US amounts to $150 billion and $400 billion per annum respectively.
Prof. Geoffrey Hammond, Director of I-SEE is a key participant within the Supergen Highly Distributed Power Systems consortium and is leading the inaugural flagship collaboration between E.On / EPSRC investigating Transition Pathways to a Low Carbon Economy. The project will bring together technologists, engineers, social scientists and modelers to determine potential future scenarios for the energy mix in 2020, 2030 and 2050.