Internship: Fast and Robust Security Constrained AC Optimal Power Flow – Track mathematical optimization

Introductie

At TenneT, you will have the opportunity to carry out your graduation research in an environment where you can make a real impact. As a student intern in the System Operations & Market Development team, you will work on relevant and current challenges related to AC Optimal Power Flow (OPF) calculations.

OPF calculations play an important role in facilitating efficient transport of electric power. In the simplest definition, OPF involves determining operating setpoints for controllable assets in the grid such as generators, shunts and transformers that lead to minimal operational costs while satisfying demand and operational constraints.

As the electricity grid is predominantly based on Alternating Current (AC), the underlying physics of the grid is non-linear, making the AC-OPF problem non-linear and possibly non-convex. Hence, solving the AC-OPF problem is non-trivial, computationally expensive and prone to divergence. Furthermore, when security constraints are imposed over time, solving the AC-OPF problem can become prohibitively slow. This stimulates the use of approximate methods that compromise on accuracy for speed.

The project involves developing a fast and robust calculation framework for solving security constrained AC-OPF problems for the Dutch transmission grid along two tracks – mathematical optimization and machine learning.

Jouw rol

This graduation project is along the mathematical optimization track where you will:

• Do a literature review on classical solutions OPF problems.
• Develop classical optimization techniques to speed up security constrained AC-OPF calculations.
• Build on the work of a previous master student who designed a robust & flexible framework for AC-OPF calculations for the Dutch grid.
• Add security constraints to the framework and speed up calculations.
• Design a calculation framework that is fast and robust enough to be used close to real-time grid operation.
• Investigate convergence problems.

You will be supported by the ODINA team, where you will have plenty of room to work independently and collaborate with colleagues.

Waar kom je terecht

System Operations secures the reliability by continuity of transport services, system services and market facilitation 24/7. Our reliability ranks among the highest in the world. This can only be sustained if we are a well-designed process driven unit. Process management, development and continuous improvement of processes and systems is therefore relevant.

Jouw profiel & achtergrond

• Currently enrolled in a master’s program in one of the following or a related field: computing sciences, mathematics, machine learning, physics, engineering.
• Good programming skills in Python.
• Knowledge on power flow analysis or network calculations is helpful, but not a must.
• Interest in the energy transition is a big plus.
• Curious, eager to learn, and proactively seek contact when needed.
• Enjoy working collaboratively and are open to feedback.

Arbeidsvoorwaarden

• A monthly gross internship allowance of 500 euros based on a 40-hour work week
• Travel and remote working allowance
• Hybrid working: we enjoy working together at the office, but working from home is also possible
• A laptop provided by TenneT for the duration of your internship