Faculty and Student Teams Program

Modeling and Analysis of Smart Electric Grids

Requesting applications from science or engineering faculty members at institutions serving students underrepresented in science, engineering, mathematics and technology to work on the following projects at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Project Description

The 21st century challenges facing the electric power system cannot be met by over-engineering the system. Rather a solution is in the modernization of the system to make it “smart.” The modernization will require several elements: 1) the utilization of wide-area frequency measurement devices for monitoring the grid conditions; 2) the incorporation of smart devices such as smart meters for dynamic pricing and demand response; 3) the integration of renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind power for reducing greenhouse gases; and 4) the capability for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to charge from the grid and discharge to it for reducing gasoline consumption and its associated emissions. This modernization will impose new challenges for computational techniques, regulation service, and storage.

The objective of this project is to develop mathematical, statistical, and/or computational methods that enable diverse analysis capabilities for smart electric grid data sets. Specific analysis methods that are of mutual interest to the project, the faculty, and the students will be determined at the start of the project.

Laboratory contact: Femi Omitaomu, omitaomuoa@ornl.gov

Applicants’ Responsibilities and Relationship to Project

Applicants will receive support under the Department of Energy Faculty Student Team Research Program (FaST) to work collaboratively with the project research team at the Laboratory for up to 10 weeks during the summer of 2010. The exact appointment period in the time frame of June to August will be scheduled by mutual agreement between the host divisions at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the successful applicant.  Faculty will be expected to identify two to three students from their campuses to participate in the FaST program. The faculty member will provide some mentorship to students during the summer research activities. The faculty and students must participate as a group and serve their appointments concurrently.  It is expected that the faculty member and the students become an integral part of the research team working on this project and that opportunities for continued collaboration may be identified.

Qualifications of Ideal Candidate

Faculty: Ph.D. in electrical engineering or electric power systems. Should have taught courses on these and related materials in power systems, and be willing to develop a pedagogical framework for the students. Have experience in developing and implementing data analysis methodology.

Student: Working towards a BS in engineering, computer science, or statistics with an emphasis on electric power systems or on data analysis problems. Have good programming skills.

The successful candidate will receive a stipend based on the academic salary, travel expenses to and from the Laboratory, and a housing allowance. Students recommended by the faculty member for participation in the program will receive a stipend of $425/week for each week at the Laboratory, plus a housing allowance, and reimbursement for transportation expenses to and from the ORNL.  Funds are provided for this program from the US Department of Energy, Office of Science in partnership with the National Science Foundation, from ORNL, and from other sources.

See Financial Information.