Electrical Energy Systems - Analysis, Operations and Planning
Electrical energy systems are on the edge of a significant revolution with respect to their operation and planning. In the past, these systems and energy resources (e.g., electrical, heat, gasoline, natural gas, etc.) generally have not been planned or operated in an intentionally integrated manner. However, the impacts of different energy systems and resources on each other are becoming increasingly important. For example, with electrical systems powered by natural gas, not only is there interdependency with respect to fuel source, but a greater emphasis on energy efficiency and greenhouse gases has increased their utilization, and the future growth of combined heat and power generation. In the long term, integrated energy system planning will need to consider sizeable increases in renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind), energy storage, and demand response (i.e., changes in electric usage by customers). These technologies are fundamentally transforming how energy systems are planned and operated. While traditional, natural gas-based electrical generation units can respond well to variability associated with renewable resource generation, combined heat and power units operate better when generation output is more constant. The significant changes being implemented on the generation side are matched by increased load (demand) participation and responsiveness. My research program focuses on a) systems with large capacity or potential for combined heat and power; b) renewable energy such as wind- and solar-based generation; and c) energy storage. The increased interdependency in energy systems will make the planning and operations of electrical energy systems more complex, requiring increased use of specialized techniques and tools to handle multiple objectives while also accounting for uncertainty and random variables. The overall goal of our research is to develop tools and techniques for system planners and operators of 21st century power systems. This work will be essential to Canada’s competitiveness in the energy sector and to keeping the “lights on” for future generations.