CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE
Centre for electrical power systems and robotic automation systems
The implementation of the task will contribute to an increase in innovation in the field of electrical energy management and thus an improvement in the energy efficiency of the electricity distribution system in the Lubuskie Voivodeship.
Research into managing the operation of an electricity system whose generation is based on distributed energy sources requires a change in previous approaches and the acquisition of new competences. Multi-criteria analyses are required for the structure of energy generation and storage, network upgrades, the switching structure of control equipment settings and the coordination of the protection system.
The comprehensiveness of the project’s research, from simulation, rapid prototyping, metering, EMC research, as well as theoretical analysis, will leapfrog graduates in the AEEiTK discipline, whose competences will be based on up-to-date knowledge.
// RESEARCH AREAS
This research area can fill the region's technology gap and increase the level of reindustrialisation based on new technologies for renewable energy generation, storage and management.
This is expected to give a boost to the leapfrogging of innovative companies. Consequently, the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, and at the same time the innovative products they produce, can be an impulse for their expansion abroad given the proximity of the state border in the region.
Better use, storage and management of locally produced energy resources, especially from RES, will contribute to the region’s energy independence and greater reliability of the local electricity system.
Research areas:
1. Improving the efficiency of the management of electricity systems with a significant share of sources with intermittent energy supply.
2. Modelling and analysis of cooperative robotic workstations in flexible manufacturing systems.
RESEARCH AREA 1
Improving the efficiency of the management of electricity systems with a significant share of sources with intermittent energy supply.
The dynamic development of prosumer generation has caused multifaceted problems in low-voltage (LV) electrical networks. The solution to the problems may lie in the construction of power systems based on computerisation and automation of all network elements (both on the demand and supply side), the so-called ‘Smart Grid’. Currently available circuit models are not useful for describing electromagnetic phenomena occurring in a decentralised power system with multiple sources of energy with unstable supply.
The task plans a radical paradigm shift in the description of the electricity system. With the use of some of the most advanced AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) metering systems in the world held by ENEA Operator, it will be possible to express the dependencies between the individual measured physical quantities by means of empirical distributions that adequately describe the complex dependencies between the individual physical quantities of the system.
A behavioural model of the current distribution in the LV and medium-voltage (MV) networks will be developed on the basis of archival measurement data and data recorded in a selected study area with a significant proportion of generation from prosumer sources.
Using the model and the methods of deep machine learning and polynomial chaos, solutions to stabilise the system will be determined. Consideration is being given to the introduction of dynamic tap control settings for ARN transformers, the determination of a dynamically optimum MV network configuration and MV circuit breaker control, and the location of sites for energy storage.
The aim of the measures will be to improve the voltage profile in LV networks and increase the absorption of energy from producer sources while maintaining the quality parameters of the electricity supply. The studies carried out will provide input to decisions on network upgrades, configuration and deployment of sources and storage to ensure stable, efficient and safe operation.
The research will also look at the use of the distribution and transmission network to transmit and use energy from prosumers in areas with less generation and more electricity demand.
The research area identified will also include analyses of the electricity system with a view to transforming it into a Smart-Grid structure.
RESEARCH AREA 2
Modelling and analysis of cooperative robotic workstations in flexible manufacturing systems.
Modelling and analysis of cooperative robotic workstations in flexible manufacturing systems.
Modern industrial processes are based on the scheduling of cooperation between transport elements and robotic manipulators. The level of complexity of the process is correlated with the costs, which are primarily driven by the need to expand production halls, resulting in negative environmental impacts, for example.
To this end, the mechanisms for the robots to work together must be designed in such a way as to minimise the expansion of the industrial process while maintaining or increasing production capacity. On the other hand, appropriate management and control restructuring will allow, with the current demographic trend, to increase production.
For research purposes, it is envisaged to create an optimal co-operative robot workstation across several processes, developing intelligent control algorithms that allow for sustainable production – while retaining full flexibility for workstation reconfiguration. The ability to remain flexible in modern production processes is an extremely important factor in being able to respond to dynamic changes in the economy, e.g. as a result of various crises, by changing the job structure in order, for example, to produce a new product relevant to the current economic situation.
In addition, it is envisaged to increase influence and collaboration with industry and to activate students through training and teaching activities in modern and sustainable robotics.
Unique equipments:
- Hardware-in-loop (HiL) systems including software, converters, programmable load and materials to extend the power grid model and make the necessary connections and galvanic separation.
- Robotics stand for experimental verification of developed intelligent control algorithms in flexible manufacturing systems and devices and components to create a state-of-the-art electrical energy management system.