Selected Research Projects

8. Industrial District Heating, 2024-2025

Abstract: Industrial waste heat systems, which use residual heat from industrial processes to provide heating to other industrial, residential, commercial, and agricultural areas, offer a solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. This project aims to explore the potential of industrial district heating systems by analyzing local projects for factors that either positively or negatively impact the success of a waste heat project. To achieve this, the project analyzes ten local waste heat projects in Zeeland and Belgium. The knowledge gained will be applied in the second phase of the research within the region. 

7. Smartgrid Arnestein, 2024

Abstract: This feasibility study explored the potential for creating a sustainable energy hub at Arnestein. The project included designing a charging area for electric trucks, with an integrated grid connection to support demand. Additionally, the study assessed the feasibility of an Energy Management System that would coordinate companies' energy use with locally generated renewable energy and storage capabilities, promoting efficient energy utilization. The study also examined the development of a smart grid to enable direct energy exchanges among companies for electricity, heating, and cooling, creating a collaborative, resilient energy network independent of the public grid. 

6. Brainport Smart District, 2022-2024

Abstract: Brainport Smart District (BSD) aims to be a smart residential and working zone where residents actively participate in shaping their own living surroundings. The development of BSD involves collaboration among residents, professionals, and various stakeholders. The BSD aspires to create a smart district that avoids further burden, pollution, and depletion of our planet while enhancing the lives of its inhabitants and users through technological advancements. The district is not merely a combination of individual smart city elements; instead, it has been designed from the outset in collaboration with innovative insights and technology in the fields of transportation, health, energy generation, and storage. 

5. Offshore wind farms optimization, 2021

Abstract: Offshore wind farms are becoming a practical choice for renewable energy generation in power systems. In this project, different issues related to the optimization of offshore wind farms are considered. Besides the optimization process, various applications and technologies are utilized to maximize the efficiency of those systems. Through data analysis, computational modeling, and optimization techniques, this project seeks to maximize energy generation, minimize operational costs, and improve the overall sustainability of offshore wind power. By considering factors such as turbine placement, layout design, and maintenance strategies, the project aims to optimize the utilization of wind resources and enhance the overall productivity of offshore wind farms. 

4. Probabilistic dynamic and static security assessment considering uncertainties of contingencies and renewable energy resources, 2019-2021

Abstract: Increasing penetration of renewable energy sources with a discrete generation nature in the power system can lead to operating problems. ‌Besides, predicting the exact amount of electricity produced through these sources and load forecasting are among the operating issues. Managing these uncertainties requires the use of methods that can include the uncertainties imposed by renewable sources in addition to the contingent nature of the system. The outcomes of this project aim to address these challenges by developing probabilistic models and assessment techniques that consider both dynamic and static security aspects. 

3. Energy systems planning for government regulations: New formulations, models and algorithms, 2018-2019

Abstract: The energy networks, including power systems and natural gas systems, are in continuous profound evolution. During the last decade, this transformation turned into smart grids revolution. Many new technologies have appeared and they potentially will be integrated in the near future. The technologies also lead to significant progress in new theoretical engineering methods and new potential algorithms for the optimization, control, and planning of energy infrastructures. Those new algorithms are now data-enabled by better observability through state-of-the-art solutions. However, there is a vast need for new and better mathematical algorithms for exploiting the potential of these technologies in energy systems. Furthermore, energy infrastructures are generally regulated as vital for the security of the countries. An unfortunate drawback of this tight control of the critical energy infrastructures is the monopoly often resulting in the lack of incentives to incorporate modern technologies and theoretical engineering solutions into practice. To mitigate the negative effect of the tight regulations of the critical energy infrastructures, countries are investing in research providing critical guidance to the government on updating or changing the regulations. A set of electricity and gas network planning procedures and computational tools will be developed to implement robust planning based on new mathematical models and advanced probabilistic modeling programming. The planning tools and procedures will allow the development of generalized guides of procedures, policies, and grid codes specific to the grids of the future.

2. Feasibility study to monitor 20 kV feeders of electricity distribution grids, 2014

Abstract: One of the fundamental needs of distribution networks' dispatching centers is the monitoring of medium voltage lines, which is implemented in the structure of supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems with high costs. Monitoring this information helps to provide the possibility of optimal load management during peak hours. In the practical framework, the data mentioned in the SCADA system can be used at a low cost through the information sent by the network management measuring devices. 

1. A study on practical methods to decrease short circuit level in transmission grids, 2008

Abstract: Increased generation capacity along with the entrance of new power plants to the grid, has caused an increase in the level of short circuits in transmission grid substations. In this project, methods for decreasing fault current used theoretically and practically are gathered briefly first. Then, the short circuit level is studied in transmission substations in a real network to introduce practical methods to decrease fault current. Short circuit levels are analyzed using DIgSILENT, and appropriate methods are proposed to decrease fault current.