Sheridan Few from University of Leeds discusses decision making in Energy Networks
I am Wei Gan, currently a Research Associate in the School of Engineering at Cardiff University, working under the supervision of Prof. Jianzhong Wu. My research is primarily focused on the co-optimization of electric and transport networks, as well as peer-to-peer energy trading. The primary goal of this work is to alleviate congestion and reduce connection queues by effectively coordinating different networks and integrating low-carbon resources, such as photovoltaics (PVs) and electric vehicles (EVs), into the energy networks, particularly the distribution networks. To date, I have authored over 10 journal papers as either the first or corresponding author in this field.
My journey into electrical engineering and energy system research began at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, where I pursued both my Bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees. During my Ph.D., I had the opportunity to spend a year and a half each as a visiting student, gaining valuable experience first at the China Electric Power Research Institute and then at the Illinois Institute of Technology in the United States. Moving to Cardiff University and joining Supergen Energy Networks marks a new stage and the fourth platform of my academic career, also representing my first step in continuing scientific research after earning my Ph.D.
The decision to continue in scientific research after completing my Ph.D. was driven by my passion to contribute meaningfully within my field of expertise, specifically toward accelerating the achievement of net-zero goals within the distribution network. I am deeply passionate about my research and firmly believe in its value. My goal is to continue and deepen my work in this area, gaining cutting-edge insights and technologies, and combining them with the real needs of the industry to maximize the impact of my research.
My journey with Supergen began in October 2021, through Prof. Jianzhong Wu at Cardiff University, who is the Co-Director of the Supergen Energy Networks (Impact) Hub for both phases 1 and 2. Since then, Supergen has been the primary supporter of my research, providing invaluable funding and a top-tier platform for my work in the UK. Supergen has enabled me to collaborate with leading scholars and industry partners both in the UK and globally in the field of energy networks. Of particular importance to me is the significant support Supergen has provided for my research on coordinating flexible resources and coupled networks to mitigate gridlock, with a focus on real-world issues in the UK that are also globally relevant. This collaboration has also allowed me to tackle cutting-edge yet practical challenges that are of great interest to industry professionals.
For example, the first photo here shows me participating in a visit led by the Supergen Energy Networks (Impact) Hub to The Integrated Transport Gas Electric Research Laboratory (InTEGReL) in 2022.
The second photo depicts my attendance at our Annual Conference in September 2023, which took place at the Royal Academy of Engineering in London. I am quite honored to have won one of the best poster prizes in the conference.
List of Winner can be found by clicking the link:
For my specific research, I am currently focused on coordinating flexible resources, primarily EVs, using methods such as peer-to-peer energy sharing and multi-vector networks to mitigate gridlock and enhance resilience within Supergen projects. My work closely aligns with the Supergen Energy Network Impact Hub’s work packages, including WP2 ‘Policy, Society and Place,’ WP3 ‘Markets and Regulation,’ and WP4 ‘Risk and Resilience,’ as well as Mission 1 ‘Energy Network Solutions for Net Zero Whole Systems Futures.’ I collaborate closely with many Supergen colleagues, including Prof. Wu, Muditha, Dan, and Sian at Cardiff University, as well as work package leads like Robin and Peter. Supergen is a tightly-knit team, and I have strong connections with almost everyone, including our Director, Prof. Phil, and our project manager, Lindsey. The vision for my work is to achieve a just transition to net zero within distribution networks by leveraging flexible resources and network coupling with minimal network upgrades. Although there are significant challenges, such as quantifying EV flexibility, incentivizing user participation in providing flexibility, and ensuring compatibility with existing distribution network operations, I am highly interested and confident in the potential of our work to contribute to the realization of net zero in energy networks.
In addition to my research work with the Supergen Energy Networks (Impact) Hub, I am also a member of its Early Career Research (ECR) committee, which aims to support ECRs both in the UK and globally. This support includes providing various levels of flexible funding, such as travel funds for research activities or grants for research topics that align with the needs of both the Supergen Energy Networks (Impact) Hub and individual ECRs. The committee also offers an open and collaborative platform for ECRs to connect and exchange ideas. Inspired by my experience with the Supergen Energy Networks (Impact) Hub, I also joined CIGRE UK NGN, where I currently serve as a team lead. My goal there is to help young researchers and professional engineers in the power industry engage with CIGRE’s activities and develop their knowledge, skills, and networks within the industry.
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I am Wei Gan, currently a Research Associate in the School of Engineering at Cardiff University, working under the supervision of Prof. Jianzhong Wu. My research is primarily focused on the co-optimization of electric and transport networks, as well as peer-to-peer energy trading. The primary goal of this work is to alleviate congestion and reduce connection queues by effectively coordinating different networks and integrating low-carbon resources, such as photovoltaics (PVs) and electric vehicles (EVs), into the energy networks, particularly the distribution networks. To date, I have authored over 10 journal papers as either the first or corresponding author in this field.
The second photo depicts my attendance at our Annual Conference in September 2023, which took place at the Royal Academy of Engineering in London. I am quite honored to have won one of the best poster prizes in the conference.
List of Winner can be found by clicking the link:
Currently, my contract, supported by the Supergen Energy Networks (Impact) Hub, extends until October of next year. After that, I hope to maintain a close and direct relationship with the Supergen Energy Networks (Impact) Hub, whether through securing additional funding to extend my contract or by receiving flexible funding as a Principal Investigator (PI). Personally, I aspire to continue developing my academic career with the strong support of Supergen and my team at Cardiff. I aim to make significant progress in securing project funding and advancing my academic position. I also hope to establish closer collaborations with industry, ensuring that my research finds practical applications. For the Supergen Energy Networks (Impact) Hub, I hope to see its continued growth, playing a crucial role over the next five years and beyond in supporting the planning and operation of the UK’s energy networks, ultimately contributing to the realization of net zero through well-prepared and congestion-free energy networks.
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The next of many future interviews with Supergen members that looks at the diverse challenges and solutions that face Energy Networks. Dr Robin Preece talks us through transitioning to Net Zero and all the challenges that we face.
We sit down with Dr Robin Preece, Reader in Future Power Systems within the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Manchester and Deputy Director of Supergen Energy Networks Hub. Dr Preece talks to us about the who, what, how and whys of transitioning our power systems and all the factors that could effect the decisions made.
To find out more about Dr Robin Preece and his work, click below: