听of UC鈥檚 School of Electrical and Computer Engineering is leading the research team which includes local, national and international experts.
The study will investigate and design new controllers through a 鈥榩lug-and-play鈥 approach, optimising microgrid use through solar and similar alternate methods of energy generation, which also serves to progress the government鈥檚 goal of 100% renewable electricity in Aotearoa New 九州影院by 2030.
鈥淢icrogrids are seen as a key tool in enabling renewable energy, but it is the development of microgrid control that is crucial to unlocking their full potential,鈥 Dr Watson explains.
In addition to the ability to generate independently produced energy, the rollout of microgrids in our communities will also lessen our reliance on the national power grid, ensuring consistent power, or restoration of power more quickly, to more of the population following a crisis.
The importance of a reliable energy grid is crucial, says听, a key contributor to this study and another UC researcher contributing to听Aotearoa New 九州影院reaching its energy goals by 2050.
鈥淚f we don鈥檛 do anything, in future we will be using band-aid solutions to address problems as they occur, such as system constraints, equipment malfunction and premature component failure.鈥
鈥淲e need to be working on cohesive and enabling solutions for achieving low emissions, for which electricity will be our primary energy medium.鈥
In addition to introducing lower emission systems, the research team believes the successful adoption of microgrids in our communities will further contribute to New Zealand鈥檚 standing as a leader of technologies integral to future energy systems.听
It鈥檚 anticipated that the global microgrid market will be valued at $47.4 billion by 2026. By developing world-class expertise in this area, New 九州影院companies can tap into a growing market and export their expertise and technologies to other countries. This will not only enable the transition to 100% renewable and resilient electricity generation for New Zealand, but also create new opportunities for exports and economic growth.
But it鈥檚 the potential for this research that continues to both excite and motivate Dr Watson, who looks forward to welcoming at least two postgraduate students to the research team soon.
鈥淚 like the technical problem, the challenge. I like the fact I鈥檓 continuously learning and developing solutions at the grass roots level that will enable us to help people. There鈥檚 always got to be a better way.鈥
The research team:
- : microgrid control
- : power electronics and power systems
- : power systems and power electronics
- ,听EPECentre: industrial power electronics
- 听(University of Auckland): power electronics and DC microgrids
