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| Project and thesis topics |
| Renewable energy generation effects on electric power system |
| István Vokony |
| vokony.istvan@vik.bme.hu |
| Renewable energy is expected to play a crucial role in the transition to a cleaner and more environmentally friendly energy system. However, since renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are often highly weather-dependent and intermittent, they present operational challenges for the energy system due to the unpredictability of energy output. Therefore, the analysis of the impacts of renewable energy generation on the energy system becomes increasingly important, not only for ensuring the reliable operation of the system but also from a financial perspective. Students will need to analyze the benefits and drawbacks of various state-of-the-art renewable energy generation methodologies, with a special focus on solar energy. They will research and evaluate the impact of these methods on the overall energy system. |
| Challenges and management strategies for minimum operating conditions in the power system |
| Dr. Istvan Taczi |
| taczi.istvan@edu.bme.hu |
| The power system's shift to a decarbonized grid is rapidly progressing, driven by increased integration of clean energy sources like inverter-based resources (IBR). This transition accelerates the retirement of traditional synchronous generators, reducing system inertia, fault current, and voltage control. Power systems with low inertia face challenges like higher frequency variations post-disturbance. The study aims to identify risks and develop strategies for managing minimum operating conditions, including low inertia, system strength, and operational demand reduction due to IBR integration. |
| Estimation, evaluation and provision of power system inertia in networks with a high share of renewable generation |
| Dr. Istvan Taczi |
| taczi.istvan@edu.bme.hu |
| As the power grid increasingly incorporates renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, and phases out traditional synchronous generators, maintaining power system inertia becomes a pressing concern. Unlike synchronous generators, which naturally provide inertia, renewable energy sources often lack this crucial characteristic due to their interface with power electronics. This deficiency in inertia can lead to frequency stability challenges, potentially resulting in grid instability and disruptive events like the South Australia blackout. Purpose/Objective/Benefit of this work: This study aims to address the following: Define and quantify power system inertia within the context of renewable energy integration. Develop robust methodologies to accurately estimate and assess power system inertia, taking into account the unique characteristics of renewable energy sources. Evaluate and propose strategies to enhance inertia provision in renewable-rich power systems, including the utilization of grid-forming inverters and energy storage systems. Provide actionable insights and recommendations to power system operators, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure the continued stability and reliability of power grids amidst the transition to renewable energy sources. |
| Live line maintenance technology |
| Dr. Bálint Németh |
| nemeth.balint@vet.bme.hu, V1. 317 |
| Live line maintenance allows the repair of high voltage power line and equipment without the interruption of the energy supply. Actual questions are development of new technologies to widen the application possibilities and protection of personnel from the hazards of electric and magnetic field. The investigations can be performed in the High Voltage Laboratory of the department, where a medium and a high voltage power line have been installed recently. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDtzjT-FbjQ |
| Primary equipment diagnostics |
| Dr. Bálint Németh, Dr. Ádám Tamus, Dr. Richárd Cselkó |
| nemeth.balint@vet.bme.hu, V1. 317, tamus.adam@vet.bme.hu, V1. 318, cselko.richard@vet.bme.hu, V1. 317 |
| One of the main activities of the High Voltage Laboratory is the development of diagnostic methods for high voltage power apparatus. Several methods and devices can be studied and developed, e.g. dielectric spectra, partial discharges, dissolved gas analysis etc. on cables, transformers and switchgear https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDtzjT-FbjQ |
| Design of electrostatic precipitator model |
| Dr. István Kiss |
| kiss.istvan@vet.bme.hu, V1 306 |
| The application of electrostatic precipitators is becoming required at more and more places due to environmental regulations. Thus it is important to develop the efficiency of these devices, which can be based on a numerical model. The task is the further development of a module of the numerical precipitator model. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDtzjT-FbjQ |
| Synthetic inertia approach |
| Dr. Istvan Vokony |
| vokony.istvan@vet.bme.hu, V1. 415. |
| As wind and solar displace conventional generators, concerns are growing on the effect these asynchronous generators may have on such frequency stabilization services as primary and inertial response. An investigation into the system inertia of a future European energy scenario that integrates a high percentage of renewables was done using the output of a 2030 economic dispatch model to evaluate potential problems. The dispatch model provides a realistic view of possible scheduled generator mixes for three synchronous regions in Europe, as simulated for the year 2030, and allows an analysis of the available system inertia in this future scenario. This analysis yielded a positive view into the state of the synchronous system, and suggests that wind turbine installations alone is not a good predictor of a system synchronous inertia. Also central to the analysis was an investigation of the possible ways wind turbines can contribute a synthetic inertial response in a contingency event. The literature based theoretical inertial capabilities present in wind turbines are used to estimate the resource of synthetic inertia available in future systems. This capability was aggregated after using mesoscale meteorological data for its computation. Across each of the European synchronous regions for the 2030 energy scenario, the coincidence of the synthetic inertial capability was compared to the synchronous inertial capability and the stability of those systems was investigated. There are several literatures int he internet. The synthetic inertia concept basics and the interconnections with the classical inertia definitions and raison d’etre have to be analised and investigated. |
| Actual questions of lightning protection |
| Dr. Norbert Szedenik, Dr. Bálint Németh |
| szedenik.norbert@vet.bme.hu, V1. 319, nemeth.balint@vet.bme.hu, , V1. 317 |
| The research of lightning protection has traditions at the University. Students can choose from several hot topics that are currently investigated. Preventive lightning protection is a risk based method that has been developed at the department recently. The task is the further development of an expert system for preventive lightning protection. Investigation of the lightning detection systems is of utmost importance to understand the results and their applicability in lightning research. The task is the understanding and comparative study of current systems. Critical review of lightning protection standards is an actual topic, as a new European standard has come into force. Some points of the new standard received serious criticism that motivates their deeper investigation. Lightning protection design is a practical task. Based on the given standards the student has to design the lightning protection system of a given building. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDtzjT-FbjQ |
| Electrical equipment for intelligent buildings |
| Dr. Tamás Iváncsy, Dr. Bálint Németh |
| ivancsy.tamas@vet.bme.hu, V1. 318, nemeth.balint@vet.bme.hu, V1. 317 |
| Several topics can be studied in the electrical realization of intelligent buildings. The relating standards, equipment of different manufacturers and real-life tasks can be performed on the most recent devices. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDtzjT-FbjQ |
| Development of partial discharge evaluation methods with conventional, high frequency current transformer and UHF methods |
| Dr. Richárd Cselkó |
| cselko.richard@vet.bme.hu, V1. 317 |
| Partial discharge diagnostics is a widely used method for the condition assessment of high voltage apparatus. The tasks are the further development of measurement arrangement and the investigation of evaluation methods on artificial samples and real-life data. The UHF partial discharge measurement is a novel method to be applied on power transformers. The measurement is performed with antenna sensors instead of connecting the sensors to the conductors. This makes it less susceptible to noises and the applied frequency range enables location of the discharges, however, its application and standardization requires verification of the accuracy of location and establishment of the calibration methods. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDtzjT-FbjQ |
| Development of electrospinning methods |
| Dr. Richárd Cselkó |
| cselko.richard@vet.bme.hu, V1. 317 |
| Electrospinning is a method capable of producing nanofibers. The technology has been applied in industry in various forms, but there are necessary updates to be applicable as mass production method. The task is to investigate the effect of various parameters: electrode shape and applied voltage type. Further task is to establish a model that describes the various charge transport phenomena and the electric field. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDtzjT-FbjQ |
| Development of a Condition Monitoring Technique for Ageing of Low Voltage Cables in Nuclear Power Plants |
| Dr. Ádám Tamus |
| tamus.adam@vet.bme.hu |
| The safe operation of nuclear facilities is based on the information and control cables being capable of fulfilling their safety function even during design-based event (DBE). The nuclear cable qualification is mainly based on accelerated laboratory tests. This process is usually performed by cable manufactures according to standards. Although these examinations have been used for decades the relation between the accelerated ageing and the ageing in operation conditions are still in the focus of scientific interest. Hence, the operators are testing the cables to demonstrate the qualification. The purpose of the research is to establish a condition monitoring system which combines general electrical cable tests with ’hot spot’ locating techniques. The research contains accelerated ageing test with parallel measurement of chemical mechanical and electrical properties to reveal the correlation between the performance parameters and the results of the non-destructive electrical tests. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDtzjT-FbjQ |
| Impact of Distributed Generation on the Ageing of Low Voltage Distribution Cables |
| Dr. Ádám Tamus |
| tamus.adam@vet.bme.hu |
| The increasing number of renewable power plants (e.g. solar panels), electric vehicles, energy storage systems etc. in the future may affect the lifetime of the low voltage distribution cables. Thanks to the high variation of load, higher currents could flow in the cables increasing their temperature and hence decreasing their lifetime. Today, the effects of these overloads remain undetected if the fuse does not blow, which is usually the case. By measuring and monitoring the cables’ e.g. temperature, a more exact prediction could be given to the cables lifetime. However, to achieve this it is essential to know how the low voltage cables are affected by short term thermal overloads. This subject aims revealing these correlations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDtzjT-FbjQ |
| Development of a Condition Monitoring Technique for Ageing of Low Voltage Cables in Nuclear Power Plants |
| Dr. Ádám Tamus |
| tamus.adam@vet.bme.hu |
| The safe operation of nuclear facilities is based on the information and control cables being capable of fulfilling their safety function even during design-based event (DBE). The nuclear cable qualification is mainly based on accelerated laboratory tests. This process is usually performed by cable manufactures according to standards. Although these examinations have been used for decades the relation between the accelerated ageing and the ageing in operation conditions are still in the focus of scientific interest. Hence, the operators are testing the cables to demonstrate the qualification. The purpose of the research is to establish a condition monitoring system which combines general electrical cable tests with ’hot spot’ locating techniques. The research contains accelerated ageing test with parallel measurement of chemical mechanical and electrical properties to reveal the correlation between the performance parameters and the results of the non-destructive electrical tests. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDtzjT-FbjQ |
| Impact of Distributed Generation on the Ageing of Low Voltage Distribution Cables |
| Dr. Ádám Tamus |
| tamus.adam@vet.bme.hu |
| The increasing number of renewable power plants (e.g. solar panels), electric vehicles, energy storage systems etc. in the future may affect the lifetime of the low voltage distribution cables. Thanks to the high variation of load, higher currents could flow in the cables increasing their temperature and hence decreasing their lifetime. Today, the effects of these overloads remain undetected if the fuse does not blow, which is usually the case. By measuring and monitoring the cables’ e.g. temperature, a more exact prediction could be given to the cables lifetime. However, to achieve this it is essential to know how the low voltage cables are affected by short term thermal overloads. This subject aims revealing these correlations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDtzjT-FbjQ |
| Reliability of the distribution system of the future |
| Dr. István Vokony |
| vokony.istvan@vik.bme.hu, pasic.lejla25@gmail.com |
| Distribution systems are currently undergoing a significant change from passive to active systems. With the appearance and integration of distributed energy resources, as well as smart grid characteristics in distribution systems, the question of system reliability comes into focus. Students will analyze the concept of reliability in power networks in general and for distribution systems in particular. The goal is to examine how the integration of distributed energy resources and smart grid features impacts the reliability of the distribution networks, and to research what technologies and methods could be used to improve distribution system reliability. |
| Development of EV Charging Infrastructures |
| Md Abdullah Al-Hysam |
| aahysam@edu.bme.hu |
| The widespread adoption of EVs leads to charging infrastructure and energy management issues. One of the primary concerns is the impact on the grid caused by the simultaneous charging of numerous EVs during peak hours. This phenomenon risks grid stability and poses challenges in effectively managing energy demand. Several studies show that V2G technology has emerged as a promising solution. Thanks to it, EV batteries can store energy while charging and release it back to the grid when needed (bidirectional power flow between EVs and the grid). With this feature, EVs become mobile energy storage systems that help renewable energy integration and improve grid stability. The task requires modeling, including vehicle-charging systems and connection to the relevant electricity grids. The expected results will describe power electronics-based solutions in technical terms, such as converter types (AC/DC, DC/DC with or without galvanic isolation) and robustness against disturbances/failure of the feeding grid, etc. The project includes prototyping in the Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) environment at Smart Power Laboratory. |
| Specialized converter controls for innovative power systems |
| David RAISZ |
| raisz.david@vik.bme.hu, V1-311 |
| Power electronic converters are becoming essential elements in the power systems as interfaces of power generation (especially renewables), consumers and special grid-supporting devices. Several innovative concepts exist (and are being researched) in the converter control area, that are promising for the stable and reliable operation of future power systems. Some of these concepts that our team wants to investigate in detail: virtual oscillator control, linear swing dynamics, synthetic inertia, grid forming concepts, DC distribution, FACTS devices, etc. As a new member of the team, you will design new converter control methods, implement in offline simulation and evaluate them in the context of a converter-based, renewable-dominated power system. Promising results can be tested in the Smart Power Laboratory in a PHIL environment. https://smartpower.bme.hu/en/about-us/ |
| Stability enhancement of converter-based, renewable-dominated power systems |
| David RAISZ |
| raisz.david@vik.bme.hu, V1-311 |
| The increase of converter-interfaced renewable generation is transforming power systems. Traditional stability concepts have to be revisited and new methods need to be developed to assess and enhance system stability. Areas for investigation during your project can be one of the following: - modeling of the aggregate behaviour of a large number of inverters - online measurement-based estimation of system inertia - stability analysis methods, e.g. - voltage stability - transient stability - converter stability - further development of the Linear Swing Dynamics Concept. https://smartpower.bme.hu/en/about-us/ |
| Innovative power system modeling concepts |
| David RAISZ |
| raisz.david@vik.bme.hu, V1-311 |
| Simulation of modern, large, converter-based, renewable generation dominated power systems requires new tools, for several reasons: - such systems exhibit new dynamic phenomena - nonlinearities due to power electronic devices and their specialized controllers no longer permit using linear small-signal models - the number of devices to be taken into account is increasing significantly, pushing conventional methods to their limits. Areas for investigation during your project can be one of the following: - Dynamic Phasor simulation - Measeurement-based behavioral modeling ("X Parameters" method) https://smartpower.bme.hu/en/about-us/ |
| Definition and analysis of composite indicators for the design and operation of power systems |
| Bence Bereczki, Dr. Bálint Hartmann |
| bereczki.bence@vik.bme.hu, hartmann.balint@vik.bme.hu, V1 415 |
| The design and operation of electrical networks are traditionally based on simple criteria, which, with the increasing complexity of the system, are no longer able to cover all aspects. The student's task is to define and examine composite indicators that are able to simultaneously take into account multiple aspects of the transforming electrical power system, including voltage quality, security of supply, transient stability, and topological characteristics. The applicability of the newly defined indicators is demonstrated by performing network calculations, examining different scenarios, and then comparing them with the currently used indicator. |
| Development of power grid topologies |
| Dr. Bálint Hartmann |
| hartmann.balint@vik.bme.hu, V1 415 |
| The research conducted at the department aims to develop an algorithm that can correctly handle the development of networks from both a technological and topological perspective and create synthetic networks. The algorithm will thus be able to generate topologies based on a given geographical area and its associated socio-economic attributes, even in a predictive manner. The research includes the development of a mapping of attributes (e.g. morphology, electricity demand per capita, electricity demand per area, population) and technological parameters (e.g. available voltage levels, economically connectable distances) and the validation of the algorithm. |
| The electric grid infrastructure of the future |
| Dr. Bálint Hartmann |
| hartmann.balint@vik.bme.hu, V1 415 |
| The aim of the research is to examine hypotheses related to the future electricity grid and its development directions. Possible directions of the research: - The propagation speed of failure cascades can be determined, thus predicting the appearance of malfunctions at different points of the grid. - The propagation of failure cascades can be limited by real-time topology reconfiguration (e.g. isolation, disconnection of regional supply areas). - The current practice of line rights limits the possibilities of building new transmission lines, indirectly limiting the topological flexibility, reconfiguration and self-healing capabilities of the grid. - Decentralization of electricity generation reduces the need for further expansion of transmission systems and places greater emphasis on the modernization of distribution systems. |
| CABLEGNOSIS (EU Horizon) - Recycling of High Voltage Cables |
| Dr. Richard Cselko, Dr. Istvan Kiss |
| cselko.richard@vet.bme.hu, V1. 317 |
| The role of the High Voltage Laboratory in the Horizon Europe project CABLEGNOSIS is the investigation of recycliability of high voltage cables. In the first step, the stripped/shredded/milled cable scrap has to be separated electrostatically, in order to regain as much of the main insulation as possible. Then, the dielectric behaviour of the samples made of the recyclate have to be investigated. |
| The study of hybrid grid connections |
| Beata Polgari |
| polgari.beata@vik.bme.hu |
| If grid connection possbilities are limited and there are zones with zero connection capabilites, hybrid connection can be a solution to integrate further renawable generation. If there are other renewable generators connected already (e.g. PV power plants), they do not use their maximum available connection capacity permanently. Moreover, they might not use their capacity at all during certain parts of the day. Other technology could well compement the connection usage. The task of the student is to analyze if e.g. wind generation would be a good combination with PV and how big could best fit for a unit PV output. Seasonal variations can be analyzed and the addition of batteries can be also examined. |
| AgroPV |
| Beata Polgari |
| polgari.beata@vik.bme.hu |
| The land usage can be limited for further PV generation. Agriculture is competing for the land with PVs. There are technologies when renewable generation is combined with agriculture. The student should give an overview of these technologies and compare the generation effectiveness by the most common land based installation. The first points of the analyzis can consider possible other (limited) installation degree, the effect of possible extra shading or dust. CAPEX (special support sturcture) and OPEX (maybe higher maintenance cost because of clearing) of agroPVs (or AgriPVs) can be also compared to the conventional one. |
| The investigation of DSO flexibility platforms |
| Beata Polgari |
| polgari.beata@vik.bme.hu |
| EU guidelines promote the use of flexibility platforms for distribution system operators to procure flexibility. The task of the student is to give an overview of these platforms examining the model (e.g. who operates them – DSO, trader, aggregator or other parties) and what this flexibility is used for (e.g. voltage problem, overloading of transformer/line, earlier connection) by each DSO based on international examples. A summary can be also made as an introduction about the related EU legislation (e.g. EMD) as an introduction and suggestion must be formed for the most useful scheme. Finally, the functioning of the proposed model can be realized and shown on a small network. |
| The investigation of the price effects of the international balancing platforms |
| Beata Polgari |
| polgari.beata@vik.bme.hu |
| The operation of the pan-European Platform for the International Coordination of aFRR has started its operation already. However, many EU counties haven't joined yet. The task of the student is to analyze the functioning of the PICASSO platform, the timings, rules, the standardized product and the overall effect of different market changes. Amongst others, joining a big market can lower the prices by incoming cheaper balancing energy, but the cross-border capacities for balancing import can be limiting and the pricing of balancing energy can be also changing from pay-as-bid to marginal pricing e.g. in Hungary. The price change of already joined countries can be examined and the price change for later joining countries (e.g. Hungary) can be estimated. |
| Analysis of rapid variations in renewable energy generation in the electromagnetic time domain |
| Dr. Bálint Hartmann, Dr. István Táczi, Dr. István Vokony |
| hartmann.balint@vik.bme.hu taczi.istvan@vik.bme.hu vokony.istvan@vik.bme.hu |
| In power systems, inverter-based resources—such as solar PV plants and wind farms—are appearing in ever greater proportions, and their behavior differs significantly from that of conventional synchronous machines. Classical RMS (phasor-based) simulations are suitable for modeling slower, near-fundamental-frequency phenomena; however, they cannot reliably represent fast controls operating in the kHz range. Experience in recent years shows that certain instabilities and oscillations did not appear in RMS models, while EMT (electromagnetic transient) simulations reproduced the real events accurately. The aim of the task is to compare RMS and EMT simulation methods for inverter-based systems, with particular attention to events that arise in weak grid environments. The advantages and limitations of the two modeling approaches must be examined—especially in terms of computational demand, accuracy, and applicability. The student should review the international literature and case studies (e.g., Australian grid events) and highlight the practical significance of hybrid RMS–EMT simulations. The outcome of the work will be a summary analysis that presents under what conditions EMT simulation is indispensable and when the RMS approach is sufficient. |