IRP23: Robust management and control of smart multi-carrier energy systems

In this project we will develop novel robust control methods for large-scale systems. As application, we will focus on balancing demand, supply, and in particular storage and conversion in smart mixed electricity/gas networks. The central idea in such smart multi-carrier energy systems is to install small to medium-size local energy storage systems (based on batteries, capacitor banks, or flywheels) and conversion units (based on natural gas and/or hydrogen) at the street, district, and city level. In order to deal with the large-scale nature of such systems, we will adopt a multi-level and distributed control approach, where local control agents act and interact at each control level to jointly reach the best possible performance.
In particular, the aim is to develop robust multi-level and distributed control methods that guarantee convergence of the local control agents to a set of consistent control actions in the presence of various kinds of disturbances. In addition, we will develop algorithms that provide a balanced trade-off between computational efficiency and optimality. This will then result in fast and efficient robust control methods for balancing demand, supply, storage and conversion in smart multi-carrier energy systems, that will enhance the flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability of smart grids.

Tasks

Expected Results