Addressing the complexity of future power system dynamic behaviour

Electrical power systems are undergoing unprecedented and ever-increasing change that will increase the levels of complexity and uncertainty to unprecedented levels, particularly in GB. Ensuring secure, reliable and stable power system operation is clearly paramount; not only for "traditional" electrical loads, but to power telecommunications, water supply and sanitation, natural gas production and delivery, and for transportation. Social discomfort, economic disruption and loss of life can arise in cases of partial or full blackouts. Uncertainty and complexity will arise due to the prevalence of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). In GB, millions of intermittent small energy sources (not under the control of the system operator) may be connected to the electricity distribution system in future, as opposed to historical arrangements, where a much smaller number (100 or so) of large-scale generators, under the control of the system operator, were connected to the transmission system. Furthermore, energy storage, electric vehicles, heat pumps, HVDC interconnectors, "smart grids" and associated control systems, will all act to increase the complexity and unpredictability of, and possibly introduce chaos to, the system. Extreme weather events are on the increase empirically and with reliance on renewable sources (mostly from solar and wind), this could also increase risks associated with uncertainty, complexity and system operability.
Internationally respected organisations such as the IEEE and CIGRE emphasise the increasing complexity of power systems and highlight problems with unpredictable and changing power system dynamics as challenges that might compromise security and could increase the risk of blackouts. They also highlight potential improvements in reducing these risks through enhanced monitoring, control, automation and special protection schemes. Prevention and mitigation of the risk of blackouts is essential and the focus of this proposal. Understanding the changing nature of system dynamics is fundamental to addressing this risk.
This Fellowship is focused on investigating, understanding, defining and representing previously un-encountered dynamic phenomena that will be manifest in future power systems due to the aforementioned increases in complexity and uncertainty. Novel modelling, prediction and control tools and methodologies will be developed to ensure an accelerated path to stable, secure, reliable and cost-effective operation and enhance understanding. This research will lead to prototype applications and demonstration in the world-leading facilities available at the host institution.
Ultimately, the main impact will be maximisation of the secure use of renewables and effective decarbonisation of the electricity system, through creating models and tools to enhance "operability" of electrical power systems and reduce blackout risk. The Fellowship will enable the candidate and his institution to be international leaders in this field, which impacts both society and the economy.

This Fellowship is focused on defining, representing and investigating new dynamic phenomena arising in future power systems with increased complexity and uncertainty. Novel tools and methodologies will be developed to ensure stable, secure and reliable operation by increased awareness of system stability limits in close to real time operation. The ambition is to reach up to the level of developing proof-of-concept applications in laboratory and small demonstration scale. Consequently much higher integration of renewables and new technologies with various technical and environmental benefits can be achieved, while at the same time reducing the risk of blackouts.
Due to the significance of the problems for the wider society that the Fellowship is addressing, regulatory authorities, policy makers, system operators and network owners (both at transmission and distribution level) that need to make decisions in investment, planning and operational time scales would benefit significantly from the results. Interest from the wider power system industry (generation companies, technology providers, etc.) is also significant since various tools, improvements in services and devices can be used to prevent and mitigate cascading failures and blackouts.
In order to ensure the impact is realised the Fellowship proposal is supported by various industrial partners and research organisations (system operator/owner, technology provider, renewable generation developer, technology vendor and research institute), all with significant UK and international presence in the area of power engineering. Through regular communication as well as placements and research visits, extending also beyond the duration of the Fellowship, real world impact and applications will be enabled by exchanging information, developed methods, models and tools and fine tuning them to address practical issues. It will also offer an exceptional opportunity to support the research and maximise dissemination opportunities ensuring the potential for real world impact, and attracting more interested parties to join the discussion along the way. By close collaboration with main beneficiaries, the Fellowship will effectively inform and improve models, methods and tools to enable more secure, reliable and cost-effective operation of power systems with reduced risk of blackouts.
Following a well established impact with various industrial beneficiaries, engagement with regulatory authorities, will also be pursued to provide well-informed technical and independent input to the design of policies that will affect the operation of electricity markets and future of ancillary services, eventually improving everyday life of people.
The results of the research proposal will also be disseminated through high quality publications in top international journals and presentations on high visibility events (international conferences panel presentations, CIGRE/IEEE working groups, etc.) to ensure dissemination to the academic community and interested beneficiaries.
The Fellowship also has the potential to impact developing countries through addressing questions of integration of renewable generation and other technologies, according to targets set by respective governments. Impact will be ensured through existing research collaborative links with Official Development Assistance (ODA) listed countries and engagement with policy makers.
Since the prevention and mitigation of blackouts is of significant importance to the society, high level results will also be disseminated to the media as well as through online means to promote social awareness and maximise impact.