CITCEA uGrid laboratory
CITCEA-UPC is a research and innovation center from the Technical University of Catalonia, based in the ETSEIB-UPC in Barcelona. It is committed to develop research which can be applied in relevant applications and have a significant impact in society and industry. The center is totally oriented to deal with the societal challenges related to electrical engineering. In this context, CITCEA-UPC research is focused on the electrical technologies relevant to conduct the energy transition in Europe.
CITCEA-UPC has two divisions: Smart Energy and Mechatronics.
Smart Energy is based on the synergetic combination and integration between power electronics, signal processing and analysis, computer science, ICT and control systems for efficient and smart energy/electricity systems such as: wind power, solar energy, transmission and distribution networks, power electronics dominated power systems, microgrids, smart grids and big data, energy economics, electric vehicle, energy storage, digital grids.
In the field of Mechatronics, CITCEA-UPC develops and implements intelligent machines through integration of different technologies like communications, power electronics and control, such as: power Electronics design, automation and industrial communications, digital Control, electrical machines and inductive components, reliability of power electronics.
1.PVtool
Large PV power plants need to ensure a smooth injection of the generated renewable power into the grid where they are connected, while providing the required ancillary services to such a grid. Depending on the grid nature, such requirements can differ considerably, ranging from frequency or voltage support for PV power plants connected to power systems based on conventional synchronous generators, to grid-forming capability in systems or microgrids where PV is the main generation source.
The project aims at developing and implementing tools to allow PV power plant engineers to design the controllers of large PV power plants in a systematic way.
2. INVADE H2020
Integrated electric vehicles and batteries to empower distributed and centralised storage in distribution grids.Renewable energies and electric vehicles (EVs) change the way we consume and produce electricity. It also changes the way those who manage and distribute it must think about the electricity system – to always provide the best possible service for the connected costumers. But these things are difficult, and often take a long time. The goal of the EU funded Horizon 2020 project INVADE is to greatly speed up this process, by showing that the technologies and solutions we have today, only must be connected in new ways to solve the challenges of tomorrow.
3.EMPOWER H2020
The EMPOWER concept aims to encourage and enable the active participation of citizens that consume and produce energy in the electrical system. It is based on the insight that a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and an increase of energy efficiency require radical changes in the way we produce and consume energy.
4.RESOLVD H2020
The objective is to improve the efficiency and the hosting capacity of distribution networks, in a context of highly distributed renewable generation by introducing flexibility and control in the low voltage grid. “MEDOW— Multi-terminal DC grid for offshore wind”. European Union, Initial Training Network (ITN), FP7 People. MEDOW offers a development path to researchers across Europe in the area of DC grids, in addition to fostering greater ties between industry and academia in this key development area. “Breaking technical, economic and regulatory barriers for the development of DC Supergrids (SUPERRED)”. Ministerio de economía y competitividad.
Equipment
- AC microgrid. Developed in 2015
- DC microgrid. Developed in 2015.
- General purpose microgrid. Commissioned- under construction.
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