A RESEARCH INSTITUTE DEDICATED TO SMART ELECTRIC GRIDS
The RISEGrid Institute (Research Institute for Smarter Electric Grids) was launched jointly by Supélec and EDF (Électricité de France) in December 2012 and is dedicated to the study, modelling and simulation of smart electric distribution grids and their interactions with the whole electric power system.
Research topics cover both theoretical aspects and more applicative and industrial ones. The RISEGrid Institute aims to be in perfect accordance with the strong and challenging evolutions of electric power systems all over the world: opening of electricity markets, development of decentralized production, ubiquitous information and communication means…
Research studies carried out in the Institute combine the multidisciplinary aspects of smart grids (power systems, control, information systems of information, telecommunication networks…). In addition, new tools for modelling and simulation of complex systems are deeply investigated.
FOUR AXIS SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM
Assessment of new solutions for smart electric grids
Fast and large development of decentralized electricity production has a great impact on existing distribution networks which were designed in times when dispersed energy resources were marginal. In such a framework, the goal is to devise new solutions to increase network flexibility, not only for massive integration of decentralized production, but also that of new electricity uses and applications, while still achieving high levels of reliability and security.
Observability of the electric system
The development of new smart and automated functionalities will allow optimizing the whole system, taking advantages of various flexibilities (production, consumer demand side management, storage, electrical grid flexibility). However, for that purpose it is required to enhance the real time observability of the system components. The current trends rely on the use of smart and innovative signal processing methods or data analysis algorithms.
Information and communication systems
Information systems and communication means and infrastructures are required for the implementation of new functionalities in smart grids. The RISEGrid Institute is concerned with the modelling of such systems, considering their strong interactions with the electric network. Interdependencies, quality of service and network reliability are some examples of the topics encountered in this research axis, together with new approaches and tools for simulation.
Advanced modelling and simulation
Smart grids are made of numerous interacting subsystems (electrical networks, automated meter management, centralized and decentralized production, demand side management (included smart charging for electric vehicle), storage, information systems, telecommunication network…).
All these subsystems need to be take into account to obtain a fairly realistic representation of the behavior of the whole system. For that purpose, it is necessary to develop new multi-simulation tools aiming to associate dedicated subsystems simulators. New subsystems and interactions have also to be investigated such as the automated meter management systems or the smart loading of electric vehicles.