Technologies for hybrid grids

• Conceptual studies from component to application-level.
  
• Modelling, stability analysis, and control of power electronics-dominated grids.
• Optimal sizing and energy management of systems including multiple energy sources and storage.
• Access to well-equipped medium-voltage laboratory for tests up to 10 kV – 1 MVA.
• Designing and testing of power electronic converters with direct medium-voltage connection.
• Power hardware in the loop (PHIL) capabilities for rapid testing and control across component and system levels.

Hybrid grids offers numerous advantages in achieving decarbonization goals in a world with an increasing share of DC sources and energy storage systems. However, their effective employment requires addressing several challenges: 

1. Designing hybrid grids

Proper sizing and modelling of multi-sources, optimal placement of renewables, storage devices, and consideration of load requirements are essential in the design of hybrid grids. Accurate forecasting of load demand and renewable generation is crucial for enhancing efficiency and minimizing operational costs.

2. Sustaining grid stability

The large-scale integration of charging infrastructure and renewables has disrupted traditional power systems, which rely on rotating inertia for stability. Ensuring grid stability in hybrid grids becomes increasingly challenging, emphasizing the need for advanced grid control schemes that can effectively mitigate voltage and frequency fluctuations. 

3. Power electronics in hybrid grids

The variety of application-defined requirements call for the development of various topologies and structures for power electronics converters in hybrid grids. These must ensure continuous operation, exhibiting high availability and minimal power loss. Additionally, they need to provide full power flow control and maintain high power quality, even under transient overloads.

4. Coordination of multi-sources 

The coordination among multi-sources and network configurations in a hybrid grid is critical due to diversity of energy storage devices and generation sources. Advanced energy management systems, control strategies, and real-time monitoring are necessary for optimizing the operation of these multi-resources.