New topologies optimised for co-located grid connected photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems. When a grid connected photovoltaic (PV) system and battery storage are co-located, many advantages can be gained by sharing and optimising the grid connection power electronics (DC-DC converters and DC-AC inverters). The specific aims of this project are to identify existing, and then develop and compare new, system topologies and configurations, for grid connecting co-located PV and (battery) s ....New topologies optimised for co-located grid connected photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems. When a grid connected photovoltaic (PV) system and battery storage are co-located, many advantages can be gained by sharing and optimising the grid connection power electronics (DC-DC converters and DC-AC inverters). The specific aims of this project are to identify existing, and then develop and compare new, system topologies and configurations, for grid connecting co-located PV and (battery) storage in the low voltage AC distribution network. Different optimal solutions including new solutions are expected for single and three phase systems, for varying power levels from one kilowatt to one megawatt, and for varying load shapes (for example, residential vs commercial).Read moreRead less
Increased power transfer capacity through Static Var Compensator (SVC) control. Smart grids in power transmission will enable better use of existing infrastructure reducing the required investment for moving power between states. The project proposes the use of advanced measurement and control algorithms to make a step change in the operation of the national network with focus on the Queensland-New South Wales link.
Monitoring and Management System for Smart Distribution Networks. This project aims to develop, implement and test an innovative state estimation algorithm for monitoring low voltage electricity distribution networks. The proposed system is an essential step to enable a range of smart network applications to manage peak network loads and increasing amounts of solar photovoltaic generation. The project includes a prototype application and field trial for managing the operational state of part of ....Monitoring and Management System for Smart Distribution Networks. This project aims to develop, implement and test an innovative state estimation algorithm for monitoring low voltage electricity distribution networks. The proposed system is an essential step to enable a range of smart network applications to manage peak network loads and increasing amounts of solar photovoltaic generation. The project includes a prototype application and field trial for managing the operational state of part of the network to keep within safe loading limits. It may also facilitate future new technologies such as demand-side management, energy storage and electric vehicles. By managing peak loading, the project could defer or eliminate capital-intensive network augmentations and associated customer electricity price increases.Read moreRead less
Bushfire safety improvements for rural electricity networks using hybrid fault detection incorporating distributed observations of travelling waves. Electrical faults in distribution networks can result in catastrophic bush fires. The existing fault detection methods are known to be incapable of detecting many faults. This project will develop improved protection methods that detect travelling waves produced by dangerous faults such as fallen lines and vegetation contacts.
Power quality monitoring of grids with high penetration of power converters. The project aims to monitor and analyse power quality of grids within the frequency ranges of 0-2 kHz (existing regulations) and 2-150 kHz (new regulations). Power quality of grids deteriorate due to the high penetrations of inverter-based renewable energy systems. To estimate power quality of grids, the project expects to develop a multi-domain simulation model based on power grid configurations and operating condition ....Power quality monitoring of grids with high penetration of power converters. The project aims to monitor and analyse power quality of grids within the frequency ranges of 0-2 kHz (existing regulations) and 2-150 kHz (new regulations). Power quality of grids deteriorate due to the high penetrations of inverter-based renewable energy systems. To estimate power quality of grids, the project expects to develop a multi-domain simulation model based on power grid configurations and operating condition. Developed methodologies will assist network service providers to better analyse harmonics and resonances within low and high voltage power systems. Expected outcomes of this project are to assist partners to monitor and solve the existing communication issues of audio frequency load control and to address power quality issues arising from the increasing connection of renewable energy systems.Read moreRead less
Investigation of stability and power quality issues from the wide spread photovoltaic integration into electricity distribution networks. Large scale photovoltaic penetration has been gaining momentum in many countries, including Australia, due to the concerns on climate change and energy independence. This project addresses two key technical barriers associated with photovoltaic integration into the grid and will provide a practical solution for improved power supply stability and quality.
Sustainable operation of transformers with better understanding of technical and economic constraints. Transformer failure can be devastating to consumers and network service providers, costing from thousands to millions of dollars in transformer replacement and lost productivity. To avoid such catastrophic failures, the goal of this project will be to develop new methods that can maximise transformer usage and minimise cost before failure occurs.
Customer Responsive Risk-Managed Network Planning. The aim of this project is to reduce the cost of network delivery of electricity though a reduced network build. The cost of the network is balanced against the cost of reliability of supply. The key developments are optimisation of investment considering batteries etcetera, combined with customer load response and explicit inclusion of the uncertainties of load growth and in the response level of the customer loads. The project combines skills ....Customer Responsive Risk-Managed Network Planning. The aim of this project is to reduce the cost of network delivery of electricity though a reduced network build. The cost of the network is balanced against the cost of reliability of supply. The key developments are optimisation of investment considering batteries etcetera, combined with customer load response and explicit inclusion of the uncertainties of load growth and in the response level of the customer loads. The project combines skills of power engineering optimisation, software systems and social science. Most of the demand response programs globally have focused on a pure economic incentive for variation of customer load. This project aims to make use of recent findings on the benefits of combining community engagement with the incentives.Read moreRead less
Development of smart power transformers with intelligent monitoring, diagnostic and life management systems. Failure of a large transformer can cause a blackout to thousands of customers and this project aims to develop a smart diagnostics system for transformers. The developed system will provide a comprehensive tool for providing accurate decisions on operation and maintenance of transformers to safeguard the critical energy infrastructure of Australia.
Electricity demand side management: models, optimisation and customer engagement. This project will develop methods for management of electricity demand, meeting both customer expectations and electricity network needs. Implementation of these demand-side management methodologies will significantly reduce the need for expenditure on electricity network upgrades and improve the value proposition for distributed renewable energy.