ProfessorMichael Negnevitsky

Project Total: $361,428; Power systems are transitioning from conventional synchronous generation to renewable energy generation connected to the grid through inverters. Increasing penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs) not only reduces grid inertia but also results in weaker grids. This increases the likelihood of blackouts, which may become inevitable especially in the transition period. To improve power system resilience, we need fast and robust restoration strategies. This proposal addresses these challenges by enhancing black-start capabilities explicitly under weak-grid scenarios within Australias National Electricity Market (NEM), with the aim of validating new methods and procedures experimentally using real-world data, realistic scenarios, advanced testbeds, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) methodologies. The project is designed to focus on both system current conditions and anticipated future scenarios within the NEM, ensuring adequate black-start readiness in response to blackout events. The outcomes will assist industry stakeholders, including AEMO, in establishing robust and adaptive procedures for system restoration following blackouts. These procedures will be developed for the evolving NEM, based on Integrated System Plan (ISP) scenarios, including those in which the system is fully powered by IBRs. The main objectives of our proposed research activities include assessing the self-start capability of Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) as System Restart Ancillary Service (SRAS) sources, evaluating the dynamic behaviour of critical system elements during restoration, developing innovative solutions that address both technical and regulatory requirements, and validating these solutions using testbeds and HiL platforms, alongside EMT dynamic simulations on realistic scenarios. Accordingly, the main research activities are: 1. Determine the Potential of REZs to Serve as Future SRAS Sources: This objective aims to determine how REZs can be effectively utilised as SRAS sources by assessing their self-start capability, including the time required to energise nearby or extended network areas after a supply loss. Using real-world data and HiL simulations, we will evaluate REZ restart methods, operational requirements, and coordination strategies, and quantify the aggregate reliability of wind and solar farms as primary black-starters. 2. Investigate the Feasibility of Hybrid GFM BESS and IBRs as SRAS Sources under Weak Grid Conditions: This objective investigates the technical feasibility of using hybrid Grid-Forming (GFM) battery energy storage systems (BESS) and IBRs as reliable SRAS sources. It also includes modelling and evaluating the performance of inverter-based loads (IBLs), with a focus on their dynamic response and interaction with GFM systems under weak grid conditions. 3. Evaluate the Impact of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) on the Black Start Process: Utilizing real-world data and HiL testbeds, we will analyse the performance of various DERsincluding solar PV, wind turbines, and battery storageduring black start events in the NEM. This approach will offer crucial insights into effectively integrating DERs into the black start process tailored to NEM conditions. 4. Define Technical Requirements for Inverter-Based Black Start Solutions to Inform System Restart Standards: This objective focuses on defining and assessing the fundamental technical requirements for inverter-based resources, particularly their GF Funded by: CSIRO-Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation - Request for Quote (RFQ) Stage 5 Expressions of Interest for AR-PST research in 2025-2026 CSIRO ($361,428); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $420,862; The electrification of transport is the future direction in Australia and the world; however, the low driving range and short lifespan are currently hindering the wide application of electric vehicles. This project aims to establish a way of enhancing the operating performance and thermal comfort of electric vehicles by managing energy distribution and increasing energy utilization efficiency. Expected outcomes include an automated approach to energy management and efficient heat recovery, a new air conditioning technology without global warming potential, and efficient cooling techniques for the battery power chain. The project provides significant societal and economic benefits and supports Australia in achieving a zero-emission goal. Funded by: Australian Research Council - Grant-Discovery Projects ($420,862); University of Tasmania ($132,703).

Project Total: $741,152; This project supports and provides a research context for the BE CRC demonstration project to build a DC hydrogen microgrid in Hobart, based on a 700-kW electrolyser and incorporating photovoltaics, hydrogen storage and a hydrogen turbine to generate electricity, as well as offtake for fuel-cell buses. The research will focus first on modelling the components of the microgrid and the entire energy system. Then the system model and physical microgrid will be employed to emulate operating scenarios relevant to industries in the Blue-Economy Zone Funded by: Blue Economy CRC Co - General Projects; Griffith University; Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania; Pitt & Sherry (Operations) Pty Ltd; Optimal Group Australia Pty Ltd; Hydro Tasmania; University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $86,385; Isolated power system workshop and professional development Funded by: Office of Naval Research Grant- Navy and Marine Corps Program Funded by: Office of Naval Research - Grant- Navy and Marine Corps Program ($86,385); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $24,586,664; This research centre will be one of three delivering forestry and forest products industry focussed research under the AFWI grant Funded by: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Grant ($24,586,664); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $24,144; This project is investigating a novel process integration and intensification to improve process efficiency and reduce the cost of direct air capture (DAC) to a competitive advantage. This desktop/modelling project aims at decarbonising the energy input in DAC technology by customising novel solar solutions to regenerate the sorbent directly in the solar field. Funded by: CSIRO-Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation - Scholarship-Top-Up ($24,144); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $20,000; Funded by: Australian Research Council ($20,000); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $458,773; Reliability and safety are critical for any successful power systems operation. A well-designed power system ensures robust performance and maximises the withstanding capability under all normal operating conditions as well as transients. The power analyses can be used to evaluate the impact of newly designed power systems before the actual implementation. Funded by: Blue Economy CRC Co - General Projects; University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $9,858,457; The proposed Training Centre in energy technologies for future grids will deliver high quality skilled work-force specialised in the design, operation and control of clean energy generation, transmission and distribution, and the management of customer loads, storage and renewables. The Centre will contribute to build the human and technical capability that Australia needs to boost workplace readiness and drive the development of new technologies for future grids to achieve sustainable growth and economic benefits. It will also make the power grids ready for operating with hundred per-cent renewables and advance breakthroughs in managing energy resources and enhance industry capability in producing, storing and utilising renewable hydrogen. Funded by: Australian Research Council - Grant-Industrial Transformation Training Centres; Hydro Electric Corporation; University of Queensland; University of New South Wales; Curtin University; Deakin University; University of Wollongong; GHD Pty Ltd; CSIRO-Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation; Australian Power Institute; Tasmanian Networks Pty Ltd; Queensland Electricity Transmission Corporation Limited; TPS Energy Australia; ACEN Australia; ZECO AUSTRALIAN ENERGY SOLUTIONS PTY LTD; OZTRON ENERGY PTY LTD; SHOALHAVEN WATER; INGETEAM AUSTRALIA PTY LTD; ABEL ENERGY PTY LTD; 123V PTY LTD; ESSENTIAL ENERGY; University of Tasmania ($403,398).

Project Total: $271,936; Development of a switchable AC/DC generation interface for thermal assets. Funded by: Office of Naval Research - Grant- Navy and Marine Corps Program ($271,936); University of Tasmania ($130,500).

Project Total: $666,857; Photovoltaics, batteries, supercapacitors, electrolysers and fuel cells are all natively DC. DC power is common in marine settings. Networking these components into a microgrid using high-efficiency DC-DC converters is logical, but problematic in practice, and few suitable DC-DC converters are available commercially. Most microgrids are presently AC coupled with grid connection, therefore, involving multiple AC-DC conversions and issues of frequency synchronisation and voltage stabilisation. This project will examine the barriers to setting up pure-DC microgrids and create a bench-scale pure-DC hydrogen microgrid for experiments aiming to understand and resolve issues including transient response and control of the DC bus voltage. Funded by: Blue Economy CRC Co - General Projects; Griffith University; Pitt & Sherry Consulting Engineers; Optimal Group Australia Pty Ltd; University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $49,879; The Offshore Renewable Energy Systems Program (RP3) of the Blue Economy CRC has a key milestone to deliver a demonstration offshore renewable energy system, encompassing offshore renewable energy conversion technologies, a microgrid with integrated storage (electrochemical and/or hydrogen) and demand led control system, to meet an off-grid, offshore demand. The purpose of this scoping project is to review state of the art existing and proposed offshore renewable energy system concepts to identify suitability for Australian offshore conditions and end user suitability. Funded by: Blue Economy CRC Co - Scoping Study Projects; University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $2,019,643; Penetration of new energy sources including solar and wind is on the rise in electricity grids around the world. These sources are connected through power electronics-based interfaces leading to new challenges requiring greater attention. A significant challenge is the generation of unwanted harmonics which pollutes the grid and has become a concern to all stakeholders as the harmonic levels have to managed below stipulated limits to ensure power system security. Measurement and assessment of harmonics and their impact on connected equipment are crucial where there are deficiencies in the existing technologies and knowledge, thus necessitating new work which forms the basis of this project. Funded by: Department of Industry, Innovation and Science - Grant-Global Innovation Linkages programme; University of Wollongong; University of Tasmania ($60,000).

Project Total: $44,918; Isolated power system workshop and professional development Funded by: Office of Naval Research - Grant- Navy and Marine Corps Program ($44,918); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $380,000; This project aims to remove the need for energy storage in micro-grids via adoption of synthetic storage. Micro-grids encounter high renewable energy penetrations early, given their small size. Typically, micro-grid variability is managed with technologies such as energy storage. Synthetic storage involves replacing fixed speed diesel assets with variable speed diesel technology. This approach offers a much more cost-effective way to improve renewable penetration and reduce diesel fuel consumption in micro-grids by removing the need for expensive energy storage. The expected project outcomes include reductions in cost and complexity for high renewable energy penetration micro-grids, reduced emissions and improved micro-grid reliability. Funded by: Australian Research Council - Grant-Linkage Projects ($274,000); Regen Power Pty Ltd ($67,700); Go Solar Group Pty Ltd ($38,300); University of Tasmania ($177,405).

Project Total: $1,061,652; There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that combining offshore wind and wave technologies and sharing common infrastructure can significantly reduce the cost of offshore renewable energy. Both Australia and China are well-positioned to develop combined offshore wind and wave power generation because of their economic capacities, vast wave and wind resources, and strong expertise in the field. The collaboration between the two nations on this task will benefit both the wave and wind energy industries in the long run, with complementary skill-sets. The aims of the proposed Australia-China Joint Research Centre on Offshore Wind and Wave Energy Harnessing are: * Address the scientific challenges in developing efficient, cost-effective and reliable technology of combined wind and wave power generation, as well as the translational challenges in commercialising the research outcomes, via close academia-industry collaboration. * Enhance research collaborations between Australian researchers and Chinese researchers on offshore wind and wave energy harnessing. * Encourage resource, expertise and facility sharing between Australian and Chinese renewable energy communities. * Train early-career researchers in the field for the long-term development of wave and wind energy capability in both nations, as well as globally. * Accelerate the commercialization of wave energy converter technologies and the next stage development of offshore wind turbine technologies in both China and Australia. Funded by: Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources - Grant-Australia-China Science and Research Fund; University of Adelaide; University of Tasmania ($30,000).

Project Total: $687,096; Add on to diesel generator to allow it to operate at variable speed, and thus operate much more efficiently. Funded by: Office of Naval Research - Grant- Navy and Marine Corps Program ($687,096); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $821,582; The proposed project will develop technology for optimal scheduling and dispatch of distributed energy resources (DER) to facilitate provision of power system frequency stability services at least cost, within the constraints of distribution networks and while simultaneously respecting the motivations and primary functionality desired by DER owners. The outcomes of the project will be the demonstration of software for optimally coordinating a fleet of DER to provide a desired level of automatic frequency response capacity while remaining within network capabilities for all feasible frequency response scenarios. This capability will become critical for successful integration of high penetration of DER in networks, even more so in power systems with increasing renewable generation. The project will run over 2 years, and will be led by the University of Tasmania's (UTAS) Centre for Renewable Energy and Power Systems (CIs Franklin & Negnevitsky), in partnership with researchers from The Australian National University's (ANU) Research School of Computer Science (CIs Thiebaux & Scott), and with support from Tasmania's distribution network service provider TasNetworks (CI Fraser). The project will develop a detailed understanding of the role, requirements and potential of DER in providing power system frequency stability services, and will develop and demonstrate distributed optimisation software, solving the constrained optimal power flow problem, to fulfil that potential. The project will thus provide a means to discover the FCAS hosting capacity of distribution networks. The approach builds on the Network Aware Coordination (NAC) software currently being developed and tested as part of the ARENA-funded CONSORT project, which has ANU and UTAS as key partners. The project will be demonstrated in the context of Tasmania's power system and electricity network which, owing to its size, nature and innovation shown by industry participants and related projects to date, is an excellent platform for developing this technology. Funded by: Australian Renewable Energy Agency - Grant-Research and Development ($527,582); Australian National University ($254,000); Tasmanian Networks Pty Ltd ($40,000); University of Tasmania ($90,000).

Project Total: $6,000; Funded by: University of Tasmania; University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $570,242; This project aims to develop variable speed diesel technology to improve energy resilience and power security. Typically, the research work will involve experimental and theoretical study and then pilot test on site. The expected project outcomes include reductions in cost and complexity for high renewable energy penetration, reduce emissions and improve grid reliability. The details can be found in the proposal. Funded by: Office of Naval Research - Grant- Navy and Marine Corps Program ($570,242); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $18,694; Funding for a conference only. All funding will be provided to a subcontractor for services for event management. Funded by: Office of Naval Research - Grant- Navy and Marine Corps Program ($18,694); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $451,000; The project aims to investigate and optimise no load diesel application within remote area renewable hybrid power systems. While hundreds of remote Australian communities rely on expensive and polluting diesel for power generation, this project will increase penetration of alternative renewable sources into remote and isolated power systems. Using dual thermodynamic and electrical modeling, this project will specifically investigate low to no load diesel threshold capability, reducing diesel consumption at minimal costs. The project will return immediate benefits to remote mining, defence and tourism based communities, providing a pathway to reduce diesel usage and increased renewable penetration. Funded by: Australian Research Council - Grant-Linkage Projects ($295,000); Hydro Electric Corporation ($156,000); University of Tasmania ($96,864).

Project Total: $19,673; Remote and isolated power system utility and isolated power system workshop. Funded by: Office of Naval Research - Grant- Navy and Marine Corps Program ($19,673); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $50,000; Development of a novel power system model to investigate the performance of isolated renewable power systems. Funded by: Energy Networks Association Ltd ($50,000); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $749,146; The proposal will investigate and optimise low load operating thresholds in modern multi-cylinder diesel generators. Operating thresholds will be established via controlled operation of a remote power system integrated diesel generator. Optimisation of the units low load capabilities will subsequently be explored via modification to the engine, possibly including cooling, injector, cylinder, exhaust and/or charge air cooling sub-system refinement. This work is motivated by a need to explore low load capabilities of modern diesel engines, primarily concerned with integrating maximum renewable penetration into any remote power system. Diesels accounts for the vast majority of new and existing generation into off-grid and remote power systems, yet renewables offer cost competitive supply alternatives (Frischknecht, 2014). A key roadblock to greater renewable penetration remains the performance of the diesel engines and their inability to run at low loads. The lower you can run your diesel, the more renewable penetration can be achieved. Just how to achieve sustained low load operation, while maintaining power quality is the problem addressed within this proposal. Funded by: Office of Naval Research - Grant- Navy and Marine Corps Program ($584,146); Hydro Electric Corporation ($165,000); University of Tasmania.