Unlocking the hosting capacity of renewable energy in distribution power systems

1. Background to the Research

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources (RES) is a global imperative in the face of climate change. As renewable energy technologies, particularly solar photovoltaics and wind turbines, become more affordable and efficient, there is a growing push to integrate them into the existing power distribution systems. However, the inherently intermittent nature of these energy sources poses challenges in terms of voltage stability, power quality, and grid reliability. The concept of 'hosting capacity' in distribution systems defines the amount of RES that can be integrated without compromising the grid's operational limits or necessitating major infrastructural upgrades. Unlocking this capacity is essential to accelerating the adoption of renewables and realizing a sustainable energy future.

2. Broad Details of the Work

The successful PhD candidate will:• Analyse current distribution systems to understand their limits and the barriers to higher renewable integration.• Develop and validate computational models that accurately depict the impact of various RES on distribution systems.• Investigate the role of energy storage, demand-side management, and other grid support technologies in enhancing the hosting capacity.• Examine how existing regulations affect hosting capacity and propose changes that might create a more conducive environment for RES integration.• Undertake an economic analysis of increasing hosting capacity, considering the costs of infrastructure upgrades, potential savings, and the broader societal benefits.

3. Opportunities for Collaboration

There are significant opportunities for the successful candidate to collaborate with external stakeholders and industries:Distribution System Operators (DSOs): Direct engagement with DSOs will provide invaluable insights into real-world challenges and potential solutions.Renewable Energy Developers: Work with developers to understand the intricacies of RES deployment and their perspectives on hosting capacity constraints.Technology Providers: Collaborate with firms specializing in grid support technologies, like energy storage solutions or advanced inverters, to assess their role in enhancing hosting capacity.

4. Expected Prior Knowledge

The ideal candidate should possess:A master's degree in electrical engineering, Power Systems, Renewable Energy, or a closely related field.A strong foundation in power system analysis, grid integration of renewables, and computational modelling.Familiarity with software tools such as MATLAB or any other power system simulation software.Basic understanding of economic analysis as it pertains to energy systems.Strong communication skills to effectively liaise with industry partners and stakeholders.This project promises to be at the forefront of renewable energy research, offering the PhD candidate a platform to contribute significantly to a sustainable energy future.

References:

Sherif M. Ismael, Shady H.E. Abdel Aleem, Almoataz Y. Abdelaziz, Ahmed F. Zobaa,State-of-the-art of hosting capacity in modern power systems with distributed generation,Renewable Energy,Volume 130,2019,Pages 1002-1020,ISSN 0960-1481,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2018.07.008.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960148118307936)

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