Imperial and technology firm, ABB, exploring new potential for collaboration

Energy Futures Lab is working with ABB to develop a power systems demonstrator facility at Imperial College London.

Imperial College London has signed a letter of understanding with ABB, the world's largest builder of electricity grids, to develop a rich portfolio of research activities to understand the complexities of integrated energy systems. The collaboration will explore the potential of building a new power systems demonstrator facility at Imperial College for research and teaching purposes.

Energy supply systems like electricity, gas, heat and transportation are undergoing a radical transformation. As the energy system evolves, demonstration models are key to exploring these key components and interactions at various scales, from building to national level.

“We are building on an already strong partnership with ABB spanning over 15 years," says Professor Nick Jennings, Vice-Provost (Research) at Imperial College, "And I am very pleased to see our partnership expanding further. The unique facility and other activities will enable highly realistic technology testing for the electricity sector.”

ABB and Imperial College have worked together on a number of projects including the unique Carbon Capture Pilot Plant and ABB Control room, which is housed in the Department of Chemical Engineering.

“This is a really exciting step for Energy Futures Lab, Imperial College and our work on integrated energy systems. This demonstrator will really help our understanding of the latest technologies across the total electrical system from generation, transmission, distribution, storage and consumption.", says Professor Tim Green, Director of Energy Futures Lab an research lead for the proposed demonstrator, "We will be able to test operational systems to see how the elements of the energy system interact and can be controlled and also to see what effect real-life events will have on the system. For example, changing weather conditions, shifting demand patterns, unexpected equipment outages etc.”

The agreement, which was signed by ABB’s CEO, Ulrich Spiesshofer and Porfessor Nick Jennings, means that Imperial College and ABB will work closely together using their experience and expertise. As part of the agreement, ABB will provide equipment, systems engineering, software and ongoing support. It will allow Imperial College London to further their research into understanding integrated energy systems and smart grids.

The programme of activities is part of a wider initiative on  the Integrated Development of Low-Carbon Energy Systems (IDLES), which is a planned multi-disciplinary programme that will help further knowledge around whole energy system analysis to support strategic planning for governments and industry.

Core funding for IDLES is being sought from the EPSRC but it is also intended to encourage collaborations between academia and industry to build a consortium of partners to advance the area of research.

If you are interested in the IDLES programme please contact:

• Dr Francesca Pietra (f.pietra@imperial.ac.uk)
  Dr Nic Hylton (n.hylton@imperial.ac.uk).