Grid-edge technologies: changing the paradigms to promote the energy transition and the 3D concept - decentralization, decarbonization, and digitalization

• Grant number: 23/01719-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: March 01, 2023
• End date: December 12, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Power Systems
• Principal Investigator: Walmir de Freitas Filho
• Grantee: Walmir de Freitas Filho
• Host Investigator: Bala Venkatesh
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação (FEEC). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), Canada
• Associated research grant: 21/11380-5 - CPTEn - São Paulo Center for the Study of Energy Transition, AP.CCD

Abstract

The electrical energy systems have changed from a passive, non-supervised, centralized infrastructure to an active, supervised, decentralized infrastructure. This paradigm-changing has partially happened without the direct influence of the distribution utilities, as many of the technologies leading to this new scenario have been adopted by the customers (final users). These technologies are composed of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs); new power electronics-based efficient industrial, commercial, and residential loads; and distributed sensors and meters connected to extensive communication networks. To define this tendency, facilitating the communication among different agents and players, the term Grid Edge Technologies (GETs) has been coined. Grid Edge Technologies can be understood as several innovative technologies, consisting of hardware and software solutions, which can be used to promote the 3D concept: decentralization, digitalization, and decarbonization of the electrical energy systems. In this context, this research project has two major ambitious objectives. From a long-term perspective, 5 to 10 years, the objective is to set up the grounds of a long-term, international collaboration between the Center for Urban Energy (CUE), at the Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada, and the São Paulo Center for the Study of Energy Transition (CPTEn), at the University of Campinas, an initiative supported by FAPESP, to produce scientific and technological results and products to be applied to facilitate the energy transition. From a short-term perspective, 12 to 24 months, the objective is to propose methods for the assessment of distribution systems by using risk-based techniques to deal with uncertainties and variabilities introduced by the usage of grid edge technologies; and methods for mitigation of adverse impacts caused by the adoption of grid edged technologies by using data-driven techniques considering aspects related to power quality. (AU)