Grid & Power Systems

New power system concepts are necessary to meet rising energy demand and evolving energy supply.  "Smart grids" and "micro-grids" are part of this more comprehensive "smart energy" system.  Including information-rich architectures, dynamic user clusters, and independent power producers, this new layered configuration requires multiple innovations:

• Communication architectures and distributed control/decision-making upgrades
• Systems approaches to design, real-time operation, and planning for hours, days & weeks
• New sensor systems

CWRU’s grid research builds on strengths in controls and sensors, providing a foundation for smart grid connectivity of renewables and storage, as well as micro-grid development.