Graduation Assignment Observability Analysis for Power Grid State Estimation

The energy transition needs you as an intern

Due to the energy transition and digitalization, the Dutch electricity grid is becoming increasingly complex and full. To operate the grid securely, State Estimation (SE) is essential but SE only works when the network is observable. Today, there is no automated tool that can assess observability for arbitrary networks and measurement sets. Your challenge is to develop such a tool.

The goal of this project is to design, implement, and validate an algorithmic observability analyzer that:

• Determines if a network (or parts of it) is observable.
• Identifies observable islands.
• Detects missing reference buses.
• Provides actionable recommendations to achieve full observability.

You will leverage advanced algorithms and work with the open source Power Grid Model library (Python/C++) to test and validate your solution. This way, we make grid operation smarter and more secure.

We are creating the energy grid of the future, for everyone, with everyone. And as an intern at the System Operations Team, you can play your part in this. Your role will involve:

• Learning, developing, and getting to know the business world.
• Researching smart ways to assess grid observability.
• Designing and implementing algorithms for observability analysis.
• Working with Python/C++ and the Power Grid Model library.
• Thinking about how we can make the power grid smarter and more efficient.

You complete our network

Did you know that Alliander is made up of different business units? With our large group of talented professionals, we develop and manage the energy grid for millions of people and businesses in the Netherlands. Everything we do, we do with an eye on the people who rely on us: our customers. And thanks to our talents, we have the utmost confidence in the energy future of the Netherlands. Together with you, we make the energy transition possible, for and with our customers.

You will be part of the IT chapter Advanced Data Professionals with over 40 Data Scientists and Data Engineers. People in this chapter are spread out in different multidisciplinary scrum teams and they work on challenges like:

• Where is the greatest chance of a power failure?
• Which households will probably be placing solar panels on their roof in the coming years?
• Can we estimate the difficulty of a task for a contractor from a photo of the customer’s meter cabinet with image recognition?

We offer you the experience to be part of one of these scrum-teams at least part-time. It's also fine to work more independently in close relation with your internship supervisor.

You energise our network

We will help you get to know the world of business while also working on your personal development. You will learn from us and we will learn from you innovative solutions, especially if you combine this with:

• A university education in the direction of Mathematics, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering.
• Good programming skills in Python and preferably C++.
• Knowledge about software engineering (e.g. GIT, version control, unit test, etc.)
• An independent, eager to learn, and analytical attitude.
• Strong communication skills.
• Interest in the energy transition.

Attractive intern allowance and benefits package

What’s in it for you?

• An internship allowance of €550.00 per month based on a 40-hour workweek.
• A laptop and, if necessary, a phone.
• An NS Business Card, allowing you to travel sustainably. If you use your own transport to get to work, you will receive a kilometre allowance.

More information for you

Together, we are making our energy network better. For everyone, with everyone. And you can be part of that!

Want to find out more about this internship? Contact Peter Salemink, Product owner & Scientific Software Engineer via peter.salemink@alliander.com.

Stagebureau Alliander
stage@alliander.com