Optimizing for Randomness in Power Systems
Exploring New Ways of Limiting Uncertainties
Our Partnership
DU's Amin Khodaei collaborated with George Washington University researchers on a project designed to optimize power systems for the various uncertainties to which they're subject. As the world transitions to an increased level of renewable energy resources, it's essential that we're able to manage the fluctuations and inconsistent factors that affect optimal power flow. We believe that collaborations like this are the ideal way to produce the research and ingenuity needed to innovate new and effective solutions to emerging energy concerns.
About DU Research
We leverage cross-institutional collaboration to address some of today’s most pressing challenges, producing interdisciplinary solutions that influence policymakers to effectively serve the public good. From Stanford to UChicago to NYU, we’ve refined our collaborative process through years of mutually beneficial relationships with institutions nationwide to understand and address challenges like climate change, HIV and youth homelessness.
DU’s current research efforts have been featured in news outlets like The New York Times. They include…
- exploring the effects of felony disenfranchisement.
- employing lasers as the medium for quantum science.
- using theatre to heal and rehabilitate inmates.
About the Project
There are a variety of uncertainties that can limit energy systems from achieving optimal power flow, such as demand fluctuation, outages, weather conditions and electricity pricing. The increased integration of renewable energy resources causes additional uncertainties due to the variability and sometimes unpredictable nature of these resources.
These uncertainties require us to harness the control, communication and computing capabilities of smart power systems in order to to keep their operations stable, reliable and economical. Essentially, optimizing for randomness (stochastic optimization) is the next step in establishing effective and efficient power systems.
This project provided a technical overview of recent advancements in stochastic optimization, and provided insight on potential future obstacles and opportunities as we develop next-generation power systems.
Amin Khodaei
Amin Khodaei is an associate professor the University of Denver's Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science, and chair of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. His research focuses on microgrids and smart electricity grids, and how they can be deployed to support a renewable and sustainable energy future.