Digital Electrical Energy
Digital Electrical Energy
Digital electrical energy is an emerging research field that deals with the revolutionary developments in renewable energy, especially wind and solar energy, energy storage, consumer flexibility and electrification of transport. This field is dedicated to improving efficiency and performance of electric power and energy systems for a sustainable future by embracing these developments with the innovative use of information technology, communication technology, computer science, power electronics, and cybernetics.
The term digital is the common denominator in the interdisciplinary alliance that is required to realise the intelligent and sustainable electrical energy and electrical energy conversion sectors of the future.
Relevant research topics in this field include:
- The role of digitalisation in improving planning, control and operation of power systems, as well as in their flexibility, productivity and stability, and in sustainable energy conversion.
- The importance of technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning and blockchain technology for the electric energy sector of the future.
- Emerging and new business models, open innovation and stimulation of entrepreneurship in electrical energy.
- Technologies such as wireless power transmission, microgrids and digital control of power electronics for cyber-physical systems.
A new concept arising from the revolutionary technology developments in the area of digital electrical energy are Local Energy Communities. Local energy communities consist of locally owned renewable energy technology, e.g. solar energy systems, energy storage and electric vehicles, that is locally controlled by the members of the communities with the help of modern power electronics and information and communication infrastructure to enable flexible operation and the optimization of the local energy system.
The main goal of such locally energy communities is not to make profit, but provide environmental, economic and social community benefits for its members.
