Main objective:
Investigate the optimal operational security of hydro-power dominant transmission grids.
o Specific Objectives:
Develop data-driven model(s) to quantify the weather impact on the powersystem.
Evaluate weather-based security constraints and perform optimal power flow calculations for hydro-dominated power systems.
Develop proactive early warning systems for hydropower-centric grids, enhance SCOPF approaches to address diverse weather scenarios, and formulate re-dispatch strategies.
Expected Outcomes:
The expected outcomes of this PhD project are set to be multifaceted and transformative for the field of power grid management. The research is grounded in a deep analysis of hydro-dominated power grid operations, with the investigation extending to a multitude of contingency scenarios impacted by weather effects, from severe and extreme conditions to longer-term climate change influences. A key aspect of the research lies in the development and validation of a multivariate machine learning model, meticulously crafted to enhance the accuracy of load and generation forecasting under weather conditions. The practical applications of this work extend into strategic planning and operational decision-making, providing utility operators with dynamic management tools that are particularly crucial for regions with weather volatility. However, the model is just one piece of a larger puzzle. The heart of the research lies in its comprehensive approach to understanding and improving power grid operations. The research is dedicated to evaluating weather-based security constraints, performing optimal power flow calculations, and enhancing the adaptability of power systems. The project aims to introduce pioneering early warning systems tailored for hydropower-centric grids, employing Security Constrained Optimal Power Flow (SCOPF) methodologies to navigate diverse weather conditions. Additionally, the research plans to develop new strategies for adjusting power generation and distribution – known as re-dispatch strategies – to keep the power grid stable and efficient, even during unexpected weather events. These strategies are crucial for making sure that power grids are not just reactive to disruptions but are also proactively managed in light of ongoing climate shifts.
Supervisors from host and Partner Universities
Assoc. Prof. Thomas Øyvang, USN
Assoc. Prof. Jonas Kristiansen Nøland, USN
Assoc. Prof. Gunne John Hegglid, USN
Prof. Bhupendra Bimal Chhetri,KU
Prof. Shailendra Kumar Jha, KU
About me:
I am Swaechchha Dahal, an Electrical Engineer with a deep-rooted passion for power systems and smart grid technologies. My academic journey began at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Nepal, where I earned my Bachelor’s and M.Sc. degrees in Power System Engineering in 2021. My professional experience spans over three years, focusing primarily on transmission line design and hydropower projects across Nepal. This period has not only been a testament to my technical growth, particularly in using tools like AutoCAD and PLS-CADD for diverse projects, but it has also broadened my understanding of the impact our work has on communities and the environment. Contributing to various seminars and workshops, I have actively engaged with peers and professionals, enhancing collaborative growth in the power systems field. Currently, as I pursue a dual degree Ph.D. at the University of South-Eastern Norway and Kathmandu University, my focus on optimal power flow and smart grids is interwoven with a drive to contribute meaningfully to power system security and sustainability. This phase of my journey is as much about pushing the boundaries of knowledge as it is about personal resilience and dedication.
Outside of my professional life, I find joy and balance in simpler pleasures like getting lost in a good thriller movie or series, listening to music that resonates with my mood, and sharing moments through Instagram reels and TikTok videos. These activities not only recharge me but also keep me connected with a world beyond engineering. In all facets of my life, I strive to maintain a sense of staying grounded, approaching each day with simplicity, authenticity, and an eagerness to learn and grow.
Swaechchha Dahal
PhD Candidate
swaechchha.dahal@usn.no
Batch-2022