Solutions for reliable power distribution through close industry collaboration
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The University of Vaasa and ABB are developing new intelligent protection solutions to address the challenges posed by the increasing use of distributed energy generation and renewable energy. In a project funded by STEK and the Finnish Research Impact Foundation, a postdoctoral researcher divides their working time equally between the university and ABB. This arrangement helps ensure that academic research is closely linked to practical industrial solutions.
– This research project is an excellent new initiative in a field that is strongly connected to our broader energy transition studies. It is also a natural continuation of strengthening Finland’s RDI capabilities and a valuable addition to our CoDoc model, which fosters close research collaboration with companies, says Mika Grundström, Vice-Rector at the University of Vaasa.
As the energy transition progresses, more wind and solar power plants are being connected to the electricity grid. These inverter‑based resources (IBRs) can create challenges for grid operation, control and protection. The goal of the DNP‑IBR project is to identify new protection solutions for the issues arising from the wider integration of inverter‑based energy resources.
Incorrect operation of protection systems may lead to fires, equipment damage, or shortened device lifetimes. Solving these challenges is essential to enable the broader utilisation of renewable energy.
– This project enables our recently graduated doctoral researcher, Aushiq Memon, to continue his work on topics closely linked to his doctoral thesis. At the same time, we are strengthening scientific expertise in this area and developing practical protection solutions for electricity distribution needs, says Professor of Electrical Engineering Kimmo Kauhaniemi.
The project is a two‑year Tandem Industry Academia (TIA) Postdoc initiative, in which the researcher spends half of their time at the university and half within the industrial partner’s organisation. The project is funded by the Finnish Research Impact Foundation and STEK ry (The Electrical Engineering and Energy Efficiency Promotion Centre).
– Solutions to challenges such as the energy transition are created through close cooperation between research and industry. Our funding model ensures that top‑level research can quickly be translated into impactful solutions, in this case through joint funding with our partner STEK, says Petro Poutanen, CEO of the Finnish Research Impact Foundation.
– From STEK’s perspective, the project aligns well with our mission to accelerate the energy transition. It is important that the topic is researched extensively and in close collaboration with industry. Enhancing the flexibility and resilience of the entire power system requires developing optimal ways of integrating inverter‑based solutions into the grid. The fact that the project has secured joint funding with the Research Impact Foundation is a significant breakthrough. It allows us to tackle more complex challenges and seize new opportunities, says Tapio Koivu, CEO of STEK.