Dr Ioana Pisica
Reader in Power Systems

Understanding challenges and pathways to increasing diversity in electric vehicle adoption
Funder: Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council
Duration: June 2022 - August 2022

Implementing digitalization to improve energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment in Turkish distribution networks
Funder: British Council
Duration: February 2021 - February 2023

The aim of this project is to increase welfare of low-income population in Southeast Turkey by achieving savings in the distribution network that serves them. This will come from digitalizing the energy systems and decreasing power losses. It will allow more renewable energy installations, leading to long term economic benefits.

Demonstrator for UK's First Solar Electric Forecourt
Funder: InnovateUK
Duration: September 2019 - February 2021

Investigation & Modelling of Fast Frequency Phenomena - Phase 2
Funder: National Grid Electricity System Operator Ltd
Duration: March 2018 - November 2020

Intelligent Infrastructures for Sustainable and Resilient Future Energy Systems
Funder: British Council
Duration: February 2017 - January 2018

The workshop provided a research framework in intelligent energy systems to establish collaborative programs between academia and industry targeting both UK and Turkey. It also facilitated the cooperation and discussion between the participating institutions. This will continue beyond the workshop to provide a useful forum to exchange ideas and develop effective collaboration programs between participants and industry at international level. Personally, organising this workshop has improved my coordination and project management skills. Furthermore, I have had the chance to engage in interesting discussions with participants that may lead to future research. Over four days, the researchers from the UK and Turkey working on different aspects of smart grids showcased their work, discussed cutting-edge research and we all explored how our strengths could be matched for future collaborations. I am expecting this outcome to enhance not only the participants’, but also my research profile.

Research and development of reliable ICT infrastructures for innovative smart grid functionalities
Funder: Brunel University London - BRIEF AWARDS
Duration: May 2015 - September 2016

Optimising the use and production of electrical energy within the water industry through improved utilisation of process control and automation
Funder: Thames Water
Duration: November 2014 -

Currently Thames Water reports an approximate renewable energy capability of 156GWh, utilising 151GWh of this energy by feeding it back into the processes associated with water treatment. The remaining 5GWh is exported to the national grid which alleviates demands from other users. Renewables play a key role in achieving a more attractive energy model within the utilities, however, there will require a revised approach to the way in which the existing assets utilise this energy. The answer is not simply just to generate more, by using ‘greener’ methods, there must be an emphasis on how the existing demand can better controlled. Successful investments in energy reduction methods will reduce risk of exposure to volatile power prices and potentially return large savings by responding to markets as effective virtual electrical generators. This proposal will explore the potential of optimising the existing asset base within a UK water utility. It will set out to utilise the existing assets in a more intelligent and controlled manor and optimise the use of energy both for environmental and economic benefits.