Area 1

Dynamic System Modeling & Control of Power Systems and Power Electronic Systems

In this area, differential algebraic equations based dynamic system modeling, analysis and control synthesis are investigated for system dynamics and operation. Our group has made significant achievements in developing analytical dynamic models for wind energy systems, power electronics devices, and etc using rotating reference frame methods, space vector concept and dynamic phasor concepts. We also conducted theoretic exploration in applying frequency domain impedance modeling and analysis in wind energy systems, voltage-source converter HVDC systems and microgrids to identify resonances and limiting power delivery factors. Our research in Type 3 wind generator SSR phenomena analysis and mitigation provides reference work for the industry and the research community.
Application areas:

• Wind generation grid integration
• Modular multi-level HVDC systems
• Microgrids
• Energy storage systems

Area 2

Power Market

An advanced graduate-level course has been put into the curriculum since Spring 2013 on power market. Our research in this area includes investigation of energy storage systems' role in demand response programs, investigation of mixed integer programming problem formulation in determining optimal bidding strategy and prices while considering uncertainty due to load forecase and renewable energy stochastics.

Area 3

SCADA and Energy Management Systems

Our focus in this area includes integrated computing, control and communication systems to build information layers for smart grids to achieve smart grid funtionalities including demand response program.

Area 4

Real-Time Digital Simulation-based
Hardware-in-the-Loop Research

Our focus in this area provides TRL-6 prototype systems to validate our solutions to the real-world. Our lab is equipped with two racks of OPAL-RT high performance computers, National Instrument CompactRio control systems, dSpace controller prototype systems and etc.

Area 5

Programming/Computing in Smart Grids

Our focus in this area includes operation research and distributed computing in smart grid operation and planning. Currently, we are investigating generator parameter identification using phasor measurement unit (PMU) data, battery parameter identification, and large-scale optimal power flow, state estimation solving using convex optimization and cutting plane techniques. We are also investigating distributed computing and applied such technqiues in power electronics and power systems.

Area 6

Cyber Security in Smart Grids

Our focus in this area provides a prototype testbed with the capability of modeling both power grids and communication networks as well as communication protocols. We have also developed algorithms that are robust against data attacks in power grid SCADA systems and robust control strategies that are robust against control device intrusion.