Research Projects and Scientific Leadership
Over the past 15 years, I have led and contributed to a broad portfolio of research, development, and innovation projects in electric power systems, with a strong focus on the modernization, digitalization, sustainability, and resilience of electric power distribution networks.
My research portfolio encompasses projects supported by FAPESP, CAPES, CNPq, Brazilian utilities (under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Program of the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL), the Brazilian National System Operator (ONS), and other institutional and industry partners, combining fundamental research with large-scale real-world applications.
Research Projects
2025 – Present
PD-00063-3117/2025 – TOOL FOR LOAD AND DG MODELING FOR THE BRAZILIAN INTERCONNECTED POWER SYSTEM (SIN) SIMULATION (ONS LOAD AND DG)
Description: The project aims to develop methodologies to improve load and distributed micro and mini-generation (DG) models in the Brazilian Interconnected Power System (SIN), integrated into software with four modules: (1) static load + DG; (2) + induction motor and protection; (3) + electronic load; (4) + network equivalent.
Status: Ongoing; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Team Member / Walmir Freitas – Coordinator.
2024 – Present
PD-00063-3092/2024 – DETECTION AND LOCATION OF NON-TECHNICAL LOSSES: A HYBRID-EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH FOR A SYSTEM IN TRANSITION
Description: The overall objective of this project is to develop methodologies based on Data Science techniques for more efficient detection and location of non-technical losses in distribution networks, specifically electricity theft through irregular consumption, meter tampering and fraud, etc. The methodologies will be developed in three stages, considering the integration of different data sources (technical, commercial, and operational) from distribution systems with low, medium, and high availability of metering data.
Status: Ongoing; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Team Member / Walmir Freitas – Coordinator / Ricardo Torquato – Team Member / Vinicius Carnelossi da Cunha – Team Member / José Andrade – Team Member / Tiago R. Ricciardi – Team Member / Felipe B. B. Rolim – Team Member / Bárbara Resende Rosado – Team Member.
2023 – 2025
DEVELOPMENT OF ADVANCED FUNCTIONS FOR MODERN ELECTRIC POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
Description: This research project aims to develop innovative functions to improve two key processes: voltage and reactive power control and anomaly detection, exploring the context of modern electric power distribution systems.
Status: Completed; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Coordinator.
Funding: Fundo de Apoio ao Ensino, à Pesquisa e à Extensão – Financial Support.
2023 – 2023
AGGREGATE MODELING OF DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES UNDER STEADY-STATE CONDITIONS
Description: Electric power systems are one of the pillars for addressing the need for economic decentralization and decarbonization. They are undergoing a transformation characterized, among other factors, by the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) owned by utilities and third parties. While DERs help meet these needs and also represent new business opportunities, they pose challenges for energy system operators and regulators. Power system operators must adapt their processes and electrical power systems to the massive penetration of DERs, which is hindered by limited system observability and the need to deal with unknown portions of feeders (third parties). Due to limited observability and DER connections not reported to utilities, DERs may be invisible to system planners and operators. However, it is essential to model DERs connected to distribution systems; otherwise, distribution system planning and operation will be inefficient.
Furthermore, DERs can be modeled in aggregate form, since it is not always possible or necessary to represent them individually due to limitations of simulation studies (e.g., memory or computer processing capacity) or because individual representation is not the focus of the study. In this context, this research aims to develop an aggregate model and a technique to represent the contribution of DERs that are not visible to the utility. This representation is dedicated to steady-state conditions and may be applied at medium-voltage feeder or substation levels. The model(s) are expected to serve the following purposes in near-real time: (a) describing active/reactive power output under normal operation; and (b) describing the contribution to short-circuit current.
Status: Completed; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Coordinator.
Funding: São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) – Scholarship.
2023 – Present
PD-00063-3091/2024 – AUTOMATED MANAGEMENT TOOL FOR THE HOSTING CAPACITY OF DISTRIBUTED GENERATION
Description: The overall objective of this project is to develop methodologies for efficiently calculating the hosting capacity of distributed generators (DGs) in low- and medium-voltage networks, as well as methodologies for determining the most appropriate network reinforcements under different regions and DG integration scenarios. These methodologies will be implemented as modules of a computational tool.
Status: Ongoing; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Team Member / Walmir Freitas – Coordinator.
2022 – 2025
PD-00063-3085/2022 – MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ANTI-ISLANDING PROTECTION FUNCTIONS AND VOLTAGE REGULATION CURVES OF DISTRIBUTED GENERATORS
Description: Methodologies for: (1) analyzing the risk of failure of DG anti-islanding protection; (2) determining trade-offs regarding minimum requirements for DG voltage regulation curves; and (3) performing techno-economic analyses to quantify the costs caused by DGs in terms of network reinforcement requirements and electrical losses.
Status: Completed; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Team Member / José Carlos M. Vieira – Team Member / Ricardo Torquato – Team Member / Tiago Rodarte Ricciardi – Team Member / Walmir de Freitas Filho – Coordinator.
2022 – Present
CPTEn – São Paulo Center for Energy Transition Studies (Special Programs / PCD – Science for Development Program / PCD – CCD – Centers for Science for Development – 2021 Call for Proposals)
Project certified by the coordinator, Luiz Carlos Pereira da Silva, on June 28, 2023.
Description: Over the past five years, UNICAMP has successfully developed a comprehensive innovation ecosystem focused on the challenges of energy management, energy efficiency, and energy transition, i.e., the transition toward an energy matrix based on renewable sources with low or zero greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to bringing together companies, researchers, managers, social and multilateral organizations, government agencies, startups, young talent, and staff, the projects resulting from this effort have generated real applications and benefits for the university itself.
Through the living laboratory concept, the projects have simultaneously impacted infrastructure, teaching, research, and outreach, predominantly using extra-budgetary resources. The concrete outcome of this movement is a reduction of more than 10% in the university's energy consumption, through both renewable energy generation and energy-efficiency efforts.
The scientific challenges proposed for CPTEn comprise a holistic view of the energy transition. The initiative seeks to build platforms for continuous and permanent diagnosis of energy use in public buildings through data collection and analysis and the use of artificial intelligence. It seeks regulatory innovation to enable public and private financing and increase partnership flexibility. It aims to innovate in the formulation of public policies that foster the energy transition. It is grounded in economic analysis and scenario forecasting to explore different pathways toward the desired transition.
It recognizes education as the key to training transformative agents. It relies on technology as a fundamental element for enabling the transition to renewable energy and bioenergy, digital grids and intelligent consumption, and smart cities.
Status: Ongoing; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Team Member / Walmir Freitas – Team Member / Madson Cortez de Almeida – Team Member / Luiz Carlos Pereira da Silva – Coordinator / Daniel Dotta – Team Member / Marcos Julio Rider Flores – Team Member.
2021 – 2022
DEVELOPMENT OF ADVANCED GRID FUNCTIONS FOR THE ELECTRIC POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS OF THE FUTURE
Description: The potential benefits of modernizing electric power distribution systems will be achieved through the development of methodologies that help distribution utilities improve processes traditionally considered challenging and costly. These include improving the quality and reliability of electricity supply and reducing operational costs, such as voltage and reactive power control and anomaly detection.
Voltage and reactive power control is one of the processes that poses the greatest challenges to engineers and costs utilities the most, with this difficulty being aggravated by the technical impacts of power injection from highly dispersed photovoltaic generators and the charging of electric vehicles during periods of low or no distributed generation.
Regarding anomaly detection, anomalies are characterized by the detection of any abnormal or irregular operating condition of the system, as observed in fault events and electricity theft (non-technical losses). Such anomalous conditions directly affect utility revenues and also impose costs on consumers.
In this context, this research project aims to develop innovative functions that improve the two highlighted processes—voltage and reactive power control and anomaly detection—while exploring the context of future electric power distribution systems. Additionally, the project aims to achieve scientific advances (through the production of scientific articles), technological advances (through technology transfer), and the training of qualified human resources for the development of the productive sector (through undergraduate research, master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral supervision).
Status: Completed; Nature: Research.
Students involved: Undergraduate: (0) / Academic Master's: (2) / Doctorate: (4).
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Coordinator.
2018 – 2023
PD-00063-3047/2018 – VOLTAGE CONTROL AND REACTIVE POWER COMPENSATION IN NETWORKS WITH HIGH PENETRATION OF MICROGENERATION
Description: The project aims to develop innovative methodologies and adapt voltage control and reactive power compensation practices considering increasing levels of microgeneration, particularly photovoltaic technology. It also aims to develop new methods and procedures to prevent increased operating costs and compensate for revenue losses resulting from technical impacts that can affect the electric power sector as a whole.
Status: Completed; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Team Member / Walmir Freitas – Coordinator / Rafael Augusto de Godoy Rosolen – Team Member.
2018 – 2023
PD-00063-3043/2018 – PA3043 – LIVING LAB FOR ELECTRIC MOBILITY FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AT UNICAMP: INTEGRATION OF A SUSTAINABLE EV CHARGING STATION, COMPREHENSIVE MONITORING, AND REAL-TIME CONNECTIVITY
Description: (1) To study the technical, economic, and environmental impacts of introducing electric buses as an alternative to transportation on university campuses, transforming UNICAMP into a living laboratory for the intended studies. (2) To develop technological solutions to address data collection and communication challenges in vehicles and EV charging stations. (3) To develop intelligent management solutions for EV charging stations and bus charging, reducing impacts on the grid and avoiding or postponing investments.
Status: Completed; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Team Member / Madson Cortez de Almeida – Coordinator.
2018 – 2022
PA3048 – DATA PROCESSING AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING METHODOLOGIES TO ACCELERATE LOSS ANALYSIS USING BDGD AND OPENDSS
Description: The overall objective of this project is to significantly advance the methodology currently used to calculate electricity distribution losses within the Periodic Tariff Review process, as well as to introduce improvements to this procedure and develop tools for performing such calculations, with a primary focus on reducing the processing time of the methodology currently applied and using more detailed information, leading to more accurate calculations.
With the improvement of the current methodology, the results obtained are expected to become closer to the actual conditions of utilities. Considering that ANEEL has adopted OpenDSS as an analysis tool and BDGD as a database for validating technical-loss studies during tariff reviews, alongside the proposed methodology, this project includes the development of data processing and high-performance computing techniques to enable OpenDSS and BDGD to be integrated and used as a loss management tool.
The advances achieved may be used to improve distribution efficiency. Additionally, the results of this work may contribute to discussions regarding the current regulatory model employed by ANEEL.
Status: Completed; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Team Member / Walmir Freitas – Coordinator.
2017 – 2022
PD-02937-3018/2016 – TECHNICAL-COMMERCIAL IMPLEMENTATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND ANALYSIS OF APPLICATIONS OF ENERGY STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE OPERATION OF CPFL DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS
Description: Technical-commercial implementation, development, and analysis of applications of energy storage technologies in the operation of CPFL distribution networks. Field implementation of pilot projects considering different applications of energy storage technologies aimed at improving the operation of electric power distribution systems, analysis of the regulatory model, and development of new business opportunities for CPFL.
Status: Completed; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Team Member / Walmir Freitas – Coordinator / Luiz Carlos Pereira da Silva – Team Member / Ricardo Torquato – Team Member / Mariana Granzoto Lopes – Team Member / Thiago Sonnewend – Team Member / Tiago Rodarte Ricciardi – Team Member / José C. G. Andrade – Team Member / Felipe Bayma Barbosa Rolim – Team Member / Tiago Barbosa – Team Member / Vinicius C. Cunha – Team Member / J. Rider – Team Member.
2017 – 2019
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW METHODOLOGIES FOR ADVANCED MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRIC POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
Status: Completed; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Coordinator.
Funding: São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) – Financial Support.
2017 – Present
PD-00063-3032/2017 – PA3032 – DEVELOPMENT OF A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS MODEL AT UNICAMP – LIVING LAB FOR APPLICATIONS OF RENEWABLE MINIGENERATION, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, ENERGY MONITORING, AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT
Description: The project aims to implement a living laboratory for energy sustainability at UNICAMP, encompassing photovoltaic minigeneration and distributed generation; energy efficiency and building labeling; energy monitoring and sensing of units and equipment; and technical training and dissemination of acquired knowledge.
Status: Ongoing; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Team Member / Luiz Carlos Pereira da Silva – Coordinator / Giulianno Bolognesi Archilli – Team Member.
2015 – 2018
ELECTRIC MOBILITY: TECHNICAL AND COMMERCIAL INTEGRATION OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES INTO CORPORATE FLEETS IN THE CAMPINAS METROPOLITAN REGION – PHASES II, III, AND IV
Project certified by Companhia Piratininga de Força e Luz – Head Office on July 14, 2015.
Description: This project is a continuation of Phase I, which was based on developing methodologies to determine and quantify the main technical impacts caused by the increasing number of electric vehicles in primary (charging stations) and secondary (mobile consumers) distribution networks, considering both steady-state and transient aspects.
As a continuation, Phases II, III, and IV respectively involve developing probabilistic analysis methodologies; analyzing power quality; and developing methodologies to mitigate technical impacts.
Status: Completed; Nature: Research.
Students involved: Academic Master's: (1) / Doctorate: (2).
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Coordinator / Walmir Freitas – Team Member / Luiz Carlos Pereira da Silva – Team Member.
Funding: Companhia Piratininga de Força e Luz – Head Office – Compensation.
2015 – 2017
DEVELOPMENT OF METHODOLOGIES FOR THE INTEGRATION OF SMART METERS INTO ELECTRIC POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT
Description: Recent technological advances dedicated to electric power systems have enabled distribution systems to benefit from investments in supervised infrastructure that exploits advanced monitoring, communication, and control systems. Thus, distribution systems, which for a long time were characterized by low levels of monitoring and automation, have integrated these new technologies, becoming smarter grids.
Smart meters stand out as one of the key components of these advances and as one of the pillars of smart grids. Traditional electricity meters, originally used only to measure consumption, have incorporated new functions that allow access to additional real-time information, such as voltage fluctuations and power interruptions.
With the aim of increasing the intelligence of distribution grids and consequently improving the quality and reliability of electricity supply, one of the measures adopted by the Brazilian government was the installation of approximately 63 million smart meters by 2021.
In this context, this research project aims to develop methodologies that explore functions available (or potentially available) in smart meters so that useful information can be extracted and greater value can be attributed to this technology, which has been the focus of investments by many companies dedicated to electric power systems.
Among the applications to be developed in the proposed research are important Distribution Management System functions, including Volt/Var control, fault location, reduction of non-technical losses, and state estimation.
Status: Completed; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Coordinator.
Funding: São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) – Financial Support.
2014 – 2018
PA3012 – MASSIVE DEPLOYMENT OF SOLAR DISTRIBUTED GENERATION ON DIFFERENT ROOFTOP TYPOLOGIES IN THE CITY OF CAMPINAS
Description: This R&D project (PD-0063-3012/2014) aimed to develop (a) a pilot project consisting of a feeder with massive installation of PV generators; (b) methodologies to determine the impacts caused by the installation of PV generators; and (c) methodologies for integrating these agents into Distribution Management Systems, considering maintenance, planning, and operational activities.
Status: Completed; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Team Member / Walmir Freitas – Coordinator / Madson Cortez de Almeida – Team Member / André Luiz Morelato França – Team Member / Luiz Carlos Pereira da Silva – Team Member.
2012 – 2016
METHODOLOGY FOR CALCULATING AND MANAGING LOSSES IN ELECTRIC POWER DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS
Description: To develop an innovative methodology for calculating and managing losses in distribution networks. The tool will enable accurate determination of the system operating state, technical losses, and their distribution across network segments. These results will be used to manage technical and commercial losses, with the latter being located in critical areas and/or regions using pattern recognition techniques.
Corrective measures will be recommended depending on the characteristics of feeders and customers. In addition to supporting utilities in operation and planning activities, the proposed tool will serve to analyze energy-efficiency programs and provide input for discussions regarding tariff reviews.
Additionally, the tool to be developed will provide the company's engineers with a complete state representation of medium- and low-voltage networks on a single platform, constituting a fundamental tool for the operation and planning of distribution networks.
Status: Completed; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Team Member / Madson Cortez de Almeida – Team Member / Walmir Freitas – Team Member / Luiz Carlos Pereira da Silva – Coordinator.
2010 – 2013
DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTELLIGENT SYSTEM FOR FAULT LOCATION IN CEMIG DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS
Description: To develop an innovative computational system for the classification and location of faults in overhead distribution feeders, focusing primarily on long rural networks with limited levels of automation and monitoring.
It should be noted that the results of R&D Project No. 173 – Fault Location System for Distribution Networks and Lines – will be used as a starting point for this new project, together with the infrastructure and knowledge obtained in that project carried out in partnership between CEMIG and UFMG.
This integration between the two projects aims to continue the work already developed by the utility in previous projects and take advantage of the knowledge and investments made in past cycles.
Status: Completed; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Team Member / Walmir Freitas – Team Member / Madson Cortez de Almeida – Team Member / André Luiz Morelato França – Coordinator.
2010 – 2013
COMPUTATIONAL SYSTEM FOR GENERALIZED LOAD MODELING IN ELECTRIC POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
Description: To develop an innovative computational system for constructing generalized load models supplied by medium- and low-voltage distribution networks, taking into account data and measurements from both operational and commercial areas.
The system will incorporate different categories and segments, such as voltage level, class, group, type, consumption range, location, time period, and static and dynamic characteristics (induction motors, furnaces) of the load as a function of voltage and frequency.
To develop a computational methodology for aggregating individual customer loads, obtaining equivalent loads that adequately represent the set of loads, whether for reducing laterals to trunks, aggregating secondary to primary networks, aggregating load curves, or aggregating induction motors installed in industrial customers.
Status: Completed; Nature: Research.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Team Member / Walmir Freitas – Team Member / André Luiz Morelato França – Coordinator / Luiz Carlos Pereira da Silva – Team Member.
PD-00063-3060/2019 – ELECTROMOBILITY AND DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES: PLATFORM FOR SMART URBAN ENVIRONMENTS AND ENABLING BUSINESS MODELS
Description: This project aimed to implement and operate an Electric Mobility Living Lab in Campinas, focusing on the development of new products and business models for electric mobility integrated with the power grid.
The experimental environment was created through collaboration among several stakeholders, including electricity distribution utilities, charging operators, telecommunications companies, academia, and electric vehicle users.
To support the testing and integrated management of the systems, the Intelligent Electromobility Platform (PIE) was developed, comprising a general-purpose application for electric car owners, a charger management application layer, a billing layer with credit card payment integration, an IoT middleware (Dojot), a module for prospecting new charger locations, and sensors/actuators for monitoring DERs (Distributed Energy Resources), such as charging systems and photovoltaic panels.
The project also included technical and management training initiatives (public and corporate), aimed at training professionals and users and strengthening the electric mobility ecosystem.
Status: Ongoing; Nature: Development.
Team members: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli – Coordinator (PR)