Past Team Members
Research Fellows / Post-Doctoral Researchers
Dr Michael Liu
Projects: Project EDGE. Funded by ARENA and AusNet Services, Australia. Review of HV Feeder Models in OpenDSS. Funded by Zepben, Australia. Assessing the Benefits of Using Operating Envelopes to Orchestrate DERs Across Australia. Funded by CSIRO, Australia and the Global Power System Transformation Consortium (G-PST). Australian Research Plan for Distributed Energy Resources. Funded by CSIRO, Australia and the Global Power System Transformation Consortium (G-PST). Advanced Planning of PV-Rich Distribution Networks. Funded by ARENA and AusNet Services, Australia.
Period: June 2019 to October 2023
Currently: VoltMind, Australia
Mr Vincenzo Bassi
Projects: Model-Free Operating Envelopes at NMI Level. Funded by C4NET, Australia. Assessing the Benefits of Using Operating Envelopes to Orchestrate DERs Across Australia. Funded by CSIRO, Australia and the Global Power System Transformation Consortium (G-PST).
Period: June 2021 to October 2023
Currently: The University of Melbourne, Australia
Dr Dillon Jaglal
Projects: Deployable Adaptive Smart Grids (Phase 2). Funded by QinetiQ and Defence Innovation Hub, Australia. Model-Free Operating Envelopes at NMI Level. Funded by C4NET, Australia. Australian Research Plan for Distributed Energy Resources. Funded by CSIRO, Australia and the Global Power System Transformation Consortium (G-PST)
Period: March 2021 to December 2023
Currently: AECOM, Australia
Dr William Nacmanson
Projects: EV Integration. Funded by Energy Networks Australia (ENA), Australia and C4NET, Australia. Australian Research Plan for Distributed Energy Resources. Funded by CSIRO, Australia and the Global Power System Transformation Consortium (G-PST). Advanced Planning of PV-Rich Distribution Networks. Funded by ARENA and AusNet Services, Australia
Period: July 2020 to May 2022
Currently: Essential Energy, Australia
Dr Andreas Procopiou
Projects: Advanced Planning of PV-Rich Distribution Networks. Funded by ARENA and AusNet Services, Australia. Assessment of Integration Solution Methods for Increasing PV Hosting Capacity. Funded by EPRI, USA.
Period: November 2017 to July 2020
Currently: Aerotricity Limited, Cyprus
Dr Kyriacos Petrou
Project: Advanced Planning of PV-Rich Distribution Networks. Funded by ARENA and AusNet Services, Australia
Period: June 2019 to April 2020
Currently: Dixa, Australia
Dr Javad Jazaeri
Project: Advanced Planning of PV-Rich Distribution Networks. Funded by ARENA and AusNet Services, Australia
Period: June 2019 to January 2020
Currently: AGL, Australia
Dr Luis Gutierrez
Projects: MY-STORE: Multi-energY storage-Social, TechnO-economic, Regulatory and Environmental assessment under uncertainty. Funded by EPSRC, UK
Period: February 2018 to July 2019
Currently: Adolfo Ibáñez University, Chile
Dr Sasan Gholami
Projects: Assessment of Integration Solution Methods for Increasing PV Hosting Capacity. Funded by EPRI, USA
Period: November 2018 to February 2019
Currently: AEMO, Australia
Dr Sahban Al-Naser
Project: MY-STORE: Multi-energY storage-Social, TechnO-economic, Regulatory and Environmental assessment under uncertainty. Funded by EPSRC, UK
Period: September 2016 to February 2017 (UK)
Currently: University of Jordan, Jordan
Dr Sahban Al-Naser
Project: Whole system Impacts and Socio-Economics of wide scale PV integration (WISE PV). Funded by EPSRC, UK
Period: May 2015 to August 2016 (UK)
Currently: University of Jordan, Jordan
Dr Jairo Quiros
Project: My Electric Avenue - EA Technology and Scottish and Southern Energy. Funded through LCNF, Tier 2, UK
Period: May 2014 to January 2016 (UK)
Currently: University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica
Dr Christos Kaloudas
Project: Reactive Power Exchange Assessment and Characterisation (REACT) - National Grid, Northern Powergrid, Western Power Distribution, Scottish and Southern Energy, and ENWL. Funded through NIA and IFI, UK
Period: August 2013 to August 2015 (UK)
Currently: ENWL, UK
Dr Chao Long
Projects: Low Voltage Integrated Automation (LoVIA) - ENWL. Funded through LCNF, Tier 1; and, Assessing the Benefits of Reactive Power Compensation in HV Networks - ENWL. Funded through IFI, UK
Period: August 2013 to May 2015 (UK)
Currently: Cardiff University, UK
Dr Tuba Gozel
Project: Low Voltage Network Solutions - Electricity North West Limited (ENWL). Funded through the Ofgem's Low Carbon Networks Fund (LCNF), Tier 1, UK
Period: July 2012 to July 2014 (UK)
Currently: Gebze Technical University, Turkey
Dr Ning Zhang
Project: Research on Flexible Operation of Power System Including Large-scale Wind Farm. Funded by the Royal Society, UK
Period: January 2011 (transferred from Prof Daniel Kirschen) to June 2011 (UK)
Currently: Tsinghua University, China
PhD Students
Dr Arthur Givisiez
PhD Project: Managing Future DER-Rich Distribution Networks with a Distributed Approach: Optimal Power Flow and ADMM. Funded by CAPES, Brazil and The University of Melbourne
Arthur demonstrated that the real-time optimal operation of large-scale electrical distribution networks with rooftop solar photovoltaics is achievable by using distributed approaches and power engineering know-how. The study paves the way for smart grids where thousands of controllable devices can be used for the benefit of the grid and consumers.
Period: December 2018 to October 2023
Currently: The University of Melbourne, Australia
Dr Dillon Jaglal
PhD Project: The Role of Residential Battery Energy Storage in Providing Frequency Response. Funded by The University of Melbourne, Australia
Dillon investigated the role of residential batteries in the regulation of frequency after the loss of a large generator. He demonstrated that the active calculation of droop settings and export limits can make residential batteries a significant resource of primary frequency response whilst ensuring the integrity of distribution networks.
Period: April 2017 to August 2021
Currently: The University of Melbourne, Australia
Dr William Nacmanson
PhD Project: Investigating the Role of Residential PV Systems for Primary Frequency Regulation. Funded by The University of Melbourne, Australia
Will investigated the role of residential solar PV systems in the regulation of frequency after the loss of a large generator. He demonstrated that the adequate pre-curtailment of PV systems combined with the consideration of distribution networks constraints provides a technically effective method that can also reduce costs.
Period: April 2017 to February 2021
Currently: The University of Melbourne, Australia
Dr Michael Liu
PhD Project: Optimal Power Flow for Active Distribution Networks: Advanced Formulations, Practical Considerations and Laboratory Demonstration. Funded by The University of Melbourne, Australia
Michael investigated the optimal power flow technique and the requirements for its implementation on future electric distribution networks. He demonstrated that using advanced formulations and practical considerations, distribution companies will be able to manage real networks more effectively and make the most of solar PV and other technologies.
Period: February 2016 to October 2020
Currently: The University of Melbourne, Australia
Dr Kyriacos Petrou
PhD Project: Advanced Management of Residential Battery Energy Storage in Future Distribution Networks. Funded by The University of Melbourne, Australia
Period: September 2015 to September 2016 (UK) and October 2016 to November 2019 (Australia)
Currently: ENEA, Australia
Dr Luis Gutierrez
PhD Project: Advanced Voltage Control for Energy Conservation in Distribution Networks
Project: Smart Street - ENWL. Funded through LCNF, Tier 2, UK and CONICYT, Chile
Period: September 2014 to November 2018 (UK)
Currently: Adolfo Ibáñez University, Chile
Dr Andrea Ballanti
PhD Project: Voltage-led Load Management in UK Distribution Networks
Project: Customer Load Active System Services (CLASS) - ENWL. Funded through LCNF, Tier 2, UK
Period: September 2013 to December 2017 (UK)
Currently: ENWL, UK
Dr Muhammed (Sait) Aydin
PhD Project: Investigating the Adoption of Ring Operation in LV Networks with PV Systems
Period: September 2013 to November 2017 (UK)
Currently: Turkey
Dr Zedong Zhang
PhD Project: Decentralized Control of Distributed Generation in Future Distribution Networks
Period: September 2013 to October 2017 (UK)
Currently: Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO), China
Dr Andreas Procopiou
PhD Project: Active Management of PV-Rich Low Voltage Networks
Project: Active Management of LV Networks - EDF R&D. Funded by EPSRC, UK and EDF R&D, France
Period: September 2013 to August 2017 (UK)
Currently: The University of Melbourne, Australia
Dr Jonathan Gomez
PhD Project: Investigating the Flexibility of Low-Carbon Power Systems: Wind Variability and Carbon Capture. Funded by CONACYT, Mexico
Period: July 2012 to July 2016 (UK)
Currently: National Energy Control Centre (CENACE), Mexico
Dr Alejandro Navarro
PhD Project: Low Carbon Technologies in Low Voltage Distribution Networks: Probabilistic Assessment of Impacts and Solutions
Project: Low Voltage Network Solutions - Electricity North West Limited (ENWL). Funded through the Ofgem's Low Carbon Networks Fund (LCNF), Tier 1, UK
Period: January 2012 to October 2015 (UK)
Currently: Systep, Chile and University of Chile, Chile
Dr Sahban Al-Naser
PhD Project: Control of Distributed Generation and Storage: Operation and Planning Perspectives. Funded by the University of Jordan, Jordan
Period: April 2011 to March 2015 (UK)
Currently: University of Jordan, Jordan
Dr Juan Ma
PhD Project: Evaluating and Planning Flexibility in a Sustainable Power System with Large Wind Penetration. Funded by EDF R&D, France
Period: January 2011 (transferred from Prof Daniel Kirschen) to March 2012 (UK)
Currently: BP, UK
MPhil Students
Mr Zulqarnain Zeb
MPhil Project: Planning of Future DER-Rich Distribution Networks. Funded by The University of Melbourne
Zeb investigated cost-effective designs of the electrical infrastructure of future neighborhoods in which everyone can have solar PV and electric vehicles. He demonstrated that is possible to reduce costs and future-proof our neighborhoods by adequately selecting conductors and transformer characteristics.
Period: April 2021 to October 2023
Ms Yiqing (Yolanda) Wang
MPhil Project: Assessing the Impacts of DER on Customer Voltages Using Smart Meter-Driven Low Voltage Line Models. Partly funded by The University of Melbourne
Period: September 2018 to December 2020
Currently: AusNet Services, Australia
Mr Angel Rosso
MPhil Project: Assessment of the Contribution of Storage and Demand Side Management to Power System Flexibility
Period: January 2011 (transferred from Prof Daniel Kirschen) to October 2011 (Manchester)
Currently: Capital Energy, Spain
Visitors
Mr Guilherme Custodio
Project: Active Control of DER-Rich Distribution Networks Using Artificial Intelligence. Funded by FAPESP, Brazil
University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. March 2020 to December 2020 (Melbourne)
Currently: Ambev, Brazil
Ms Angela Simonovska
Project: Artificial Intelligence Applications for Residential LV Distribution Networks
Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy. August 2019 to March 2020 (Melbourne)
Currently: The University of Melbourne, Australia
Ms Clarissa (Nallely) Acosta
Project: PV Hosting Capacity of Distribution Networks. Funded by 2019 Australia-Americas PhD Research Internship Program, Australia.
Technological Institute of Morelia, Mexico. July 2019 to September 2019 (Melbourne)
Currently: Technological Institute of Morelia, Mexico
Ms Mariana Lopes
Project: Wide-Scale Management of Residential Photovoltaic Systems. Funded by UNICAMP, Brazil and The University of Melbourne
University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. February 2017 to January 2018 (Melbourne)
Currently: University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil
Mr Jose Carlos Andrade
Project: Allocation of Fast Charging Electric Vehicles Station. Funded by FAPESP, Brazil
University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. February 2017 to January 2018 (Melbourne)
Currently: University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil
Dr Paul Cuffe
Project: Voltage Optimisation in Energy Harvesting Networks. Funded by UCD, Ireland
University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland. April 2017 to August 2017 (Melbourne)
Currently: University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland
Mr Guilherme Custodio
Project: Development of a GIS-based Tool for the Analysis of Future Distribution Networks. Funded by FAPESP, Brazil
University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. February 2017 to June 2017 (Melbourne)
Currently: Ambev, Brazil
Dr Tiago Ricciardi
Project: Technological and Scientific Developments for the Future Electric Power Distribution Systems: Smart Grids. Funded by CNPq, Brazil
University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. August 2015 to August 2016 (Manchester)
Currently: University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil
Prof Fernanda Trindade Arioli
Project: Co-operative Power and Communication Network Simulation for Effective Smart Grid Analysis. Funded by FAPESP, Brazil
University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. December 2015 to February 2016 (Manchester)
Currently: University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil
Prof Fillipe Vasconcelos
Project: A Deterministic Approach for Modern Volt/Var Control in Distribution Networks. Funded by Science Without Borders, Brazil
University of Sao Paulo (USP) Campus of Sao Carlos, Brazil. February 2015 to January 2016 (Manchester)
Currently: Federal Institute of Sao Paulo , Brazil
Prof John Fredy Franco
Project: Optimisation Techniques Applied to Operation and Planning Problems of Electrical Distribution Systems in the Smart Grid Context. Funded by FAPESP, Brazil
Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) Campus of Ilha Solteira, Brazil. December 2014 to December 2015 (Manchester)
Currently: Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) Campus of Rosana, Brazil
Prof Madson Cortes de Almeida
Project: Methodologies for Distribution System State Estimation. Funded by FAPESP, Brazil
University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. July 2014 to July 2015 (Manchester)
Currently: University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil
Dr Rafael Schincariol
Project: Development of Methodologies for Distribution System State Estimation. Funded by Science Without Borders, Brazil
University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. June 2014 to June 2015 (Manchester)
Currently: Siemens, Brazil
Dr Romain Dupin
Project: Planning and Operation of Future Meshed MV and LV Networks. Funded by EDF R&D, France
EDF R&D and Ecole Centrale de Lille, France. April 2014 to September 2014 (Manchester)
Currently: ZEPLUG, France
Dr Valentin Rigoni
Project: Characterisation of LV Networks (part of Low Voltage Network Solutions). Funded by the Erasmus Programme
Politecnico di Torino, Italy. September 2013 to July 2014 (Manchester)
Currently: Kevala, USA/Netherlands
Mr Benjamin Allouche
Project: Assessing the Benefits of Loop Operation of LV Networks. Funded by the Erasmus Programme
University of Poitiers, France. June 2013 to August 2013 (Manchester)
Currently: MONTELEC, France
Dr Francesco Lamberti
Project: Voltage Coordination in MV Networks when Adopting CVR. Funded by the University of Salerno, Italy
University of Salerno, Italy. March 2013 to June 2013 (Manchester)
Currently: ENGIE, Italy
Dr Andrea Ballanti
Project: LV Networks and PV Systems. Funded by the Erasmus Programme
University of Cagliari, Italy. January 2013 to April 2013 (Manchester)
Currently: ENWL, UK