Smart energy
Smart energy wind turbine
Our research helps modern power engineers work with end-user applications and devices such as smart meters, and develop strategies for grid design and operation. Our research also helps power engineers address interconnection and intra-facing frameworks within each individual substation of the grid, such as generation, transmission and distribution.
Making the electricity grid smart has become a worldwide priority. To bring aging electric grids into the 21st century requires incorporating power engineering with the latest digital communications system and information technology areas including sensors, electronics, controls and wireless devices. There are many benefits to a smart electricity grid:
- Electric utilities could turn off loads remotely at times of peak demand.
- Utilities could also better manage integration into their distribution systems of new modes of power generation such as solar and wind.
- Consumers are informed and in control of their power consumption.
On this page
Areas of research
- Automation and Control Systems
- Intelligent Systems and Information Processing
- Fault Detection techniques
- Operational Research
- Signal and Image Processing
Research themes
Smart Energy Systems
-
Power System - Analysis, Control, Communication, Quality, Stabilization, Protection, Renewable Energy, Cogeneration, Intelligent System, Energy Storage, Fuel Cells, Distributed Generation and Energy Market.
- Control Theory - System Design, Fault Detection Techniques, Markov Decision Processes, Operational Research, Intelligent Control, Control Applications and System Identification.
- Engineering Education - vocational, work-based, Problem Based Learning and transition from secondary school.
Research projects
Estimate arc voltage
- Implementation of the IEC61850 International Protocol for Accurate Fault Location and Arc Voltage estimation in Overhead Power Lines
- Investigation into the viability of an off grid highly reliable solar/hydrogen power solution
- High performance electric vehicles
- Experimental Analysis and Development of a Modern Secure Power System
- Impact of Distributed Generation (DG) on Smart Grid (SG)
- Advanced Transient Control of a Hybrid Solar/Diesel Electric Power System
- Medium High Voltage Power Cables Testing and Diagnostics
- Direct Current based microgrid/distribution/power system/grid Integration of DG
- Power Quality Issues in Electric Power Distribution System
- Experimental Analysis and Development of a Secure Power System
- Investigation of distribution networks with non-conventional energy sources
- Direct Duty Ratio Based PWM Technique for a Three-to-Five Phase Matrix Converter for Supplying Five-phase Two-motor Drives
Research facilities and equipment
- Protection equipments & IEDs and associated softwares
Capabilities statement
View the Smart energy capabilities statement for a brief overview of our research focus, expertise, facilities and resources, track record, profile and contact information.
Our researchers
| Staff | ||
| Name | Phone and email | Research projects |
|---|---|---|
|
Professor Akhtar Kalam Unit Leader |
+61 3 9919 5504 akhtar.kalam@vu.edu.au |
Various protection equipments and IEDs, and associated software |
|
Associate Professor Aladin Zayegh Deputy Leader |
+61 3 9919 4858 aladin.zayegh@vu.edu.au |
Various protection equipments and IEDs, and associated software; Development of a microgrid energy management system with distributed generation; Digital Habitat Ecosystem Architecture (DHEA) for the optimised utilization of resources in built environments; The Modelling of energy efficient virtual power station modelling and development of microbial electrolysis and fuels sells hardware analysis of fuel cell/Photovoltaic Systems analysis of wind power potential in Melbourne’s West Photovoltaic Power Analysis for Brimbank Victoria, Australia |
| Associate Professor Nalin Sharda | +61 3 9919 4678 nalin.sharda@vu.edu.au |
Research related to Digital Ecosystems including User Experience Design, Networked Multimedia Systems and Applied Informatics related to e-Learning, e-Tourism, e-Water and Smart Energy Systems. |
| Professor Peng Shi | +61 3 9919 4859 peng.shi@vu.edu.au |
Modelling, Stability Analysis and Design of Networked Control Systems; Stochastic Systems with Random Jumps |
| Dr Juan Shi | +61 3 9919 4034 juan.shi@vu.edu.au |
Flexible AC transmission system and its application in smart grids; dynamic and transient stability control of smart grid with distributed generation |
| Dr Cagil Ozansoy | +61 3 9919 5046 cagil.ozansoy@vu.edu.au |
Renewable energy systems; Sustainable buildings; Energy storage; Distributed generation; Energy efficiency and Microgrids; Development of a microgrid energy management system with distributed generation; Digital Habitat Ecosystem Architecture (DHEA) for the optimised utilization of resources in built environments; The Modelling of energy efficient virtual power station modelling and development of microbial electrolysis and fuels sells hardware analysis of fuel cell/Photovoltaic Systems analysis of wind power potential in Melbourne’s West Photovoltaic Power Analysis for Brimbank Victoria, Australia |
Our research students
| Name | Thesis topic |
|---|---|
| Abdul Hadi Abdul Razzak (PhD) | Design and Implementation of a Wireless Pressure Sensor System for Gait |
| AnalysisAbdulrahman Hadbah (PhD) | Power Systems Communication - Network Security Vulnerabilities |
| Adam Voak (PhD) | Ethics and Social Responsibility in the Diploma of Logistics: A Case Study of Vocational Logistics Education |
| Aida Ghalebeigi (PhD) | Demand Uncertainty in the Australian Perishable Food Supply Chain: Developing an Option Contract Strategy |
| Andrew Downard (PhD) | Measuring and Predicting Supply Chain Dyadic Relationship Success |
| Bahruddin Mustafa (PhD) | Automated Obstacle Detection System For Safe Locomotion |
| Blagojce Stojevski (PhD) | Implementation of the IEC61850 International Protocol for Accurate Fault Location and ARC Voltage Estimation in Overhead Power Lines. |
| Can OĞUZ (PhD) | Medium High Voltage Power Cables Testing and Diagnostics |
| Kai Cheung Peter Wong (PhD) | Intelligent distribution voltage control in the presence of intermittent embedded generation and electric vehicle charging loads |
| Kamatchi Pillai (PhD) | Digital Habitat Ecosystem Architecture (DHEA) for the Optimised Utilisation of Resources in Built Environments |
| Kannan Jegathala Krishnan (PhD) | Fuel cells application on electrical distribution system and its commercial viability in Australia |
| Lavanya Varadharajan (Masters) | Development and design of a neural network based controller for fuel cell/UC hybrid electric vehicles |
| Mahtab Zaeri (PhD) | Investigation of a hybrid control scheme for the optimised operation of a virtual power plant |
| Matteo Donato (PhD) | Can the implementation of 4PL theory within Melbourne's earth-moving industry enhance 'just in time' delivery capabilities. |
| Mohammed Ahmed Saleh (PhD) | Development of Control techniques for Direct AC-AC Matrix converter fed Multi-phase Multi-motor Drive System |
| Rahamathullah Mohammad (PhD) | Reliability Evaluation of Victorian Electrical Power Systems |
| Taha Selim Ustun (PhD) | Development of an Energy Management System for a Micro-grid with Distributed Generation |
| Tay Yin Taky Chan (PhD) | Advanced Transient Control of a Hybrid Solar/Diesel Electric Power System |
| Vijay Sangam (PhD) | Strategic Outsourcing of Supply Chain: The India Model |
| Zamri Moin (PhD) | Impact of Dominant Player in the Supply Chain Management Practices in Australia: Its Effect to the Competitiveness Level Among Participants |
Research publications
Members of the Smart Energy Research Unit continue to publish their work in a broad range of scholarly journals and in proceedings of international learned conferences. Our recent publications are available.
Contact us
Professor Akhtar Kalam
Leader, Smart Energy Research Unit
Phone: +61 3 9919 5504
Email: akhtar.kalam@vu.edu.au
Associate Professor Aladin Zayegh
Deputy Leader
Phone: +61 3 9919 4858
Email: aladin.zayegh@vu.edu.au