Regarding the mission and research areas, various activities are carried out by the EnSiEL Unit at the University of Trieste (UniTS). To mention the most important ones, eight different research areas can be highlighted. The first of these is related to the “Management and control of RES production plants.” In this regard, the working group has focused on the modeling and simulation of multi-MW scale photovoltaic and hydropower production plants. More specifically, the studies have focused on the operation of RES in the grid, including forecasting their participation in the regulation services required by grid operators. The second relevant activity concerns “Innovative Transmission Lines.” The group’s activity has focused on studying loadability curves, highlighting the possibility of increasing their limits by injecting reactive power at the receiving end of the line (parallel compensation). The third analyzed theme is related to “Transmission Line Instability,” particularly voltage instability phenomena on the border section between Italy and Slovenia. An area of interest for the EnSiEL Unit at UniTS is the one dealing with “Systems for Voltage Regulation in Distribution Networks.” In particular, researchers have focused their efforts on voltage control and fault management in alternating and/or direct current distribution networks, modeling, real-time analysis and control of microgrids, intelligent control of digital excitation control systems for synchronous generator start-up. The fifth theme is “Effect of High-Frequency Disturbances on High-Voltage Direct Current Cable Connections.” The research activity focused on analyzing the impact of harmonics injected into the network by power electronics systems in a medium-voltage direct current system. Another theme developed by the Trieste group is the “Electric Railway Traction,” with particular reference to the mechanisms by which corrosion phenomena occur due to dispersed direct currents. A distinctive theme for the Trieste Unit is that of “Naval Electrical Systems.” In this regard, the group has not only established collaborations with the most important universities/research centers worldwide but has also pursued numerous lines of research. To mention a few, these include the design, control, and functional integration of onboard electrical systems. Additionally, the study of the interaction between the electrical system and relevant onboard loads, control of electromechanical quantities (voltage, frequency), voltage stability, coordinated control of onboard power plants, and power management of active and reactive powers. Lastly, the integrated design of shipboard electrical systems and the impact of regulations (including safety) on the design and operation of the onboard electrical system. The eighth and final theme focuses on “Aspects of Electrical Service Quality,” referring to the case of the Synchrotron in Trieste. The analyses conducted aimed to examine the effects of disturbances in the supply of electrical energy on the operation of the Elettra synchrotron light machine.
The studies on the aforementioned themes are carried out at the Digital Energy Transformation & Electrification Facility (D-ETEF), which is a network of university laboratories and shared university/industry test demonstrators. The network comprises the following facilities:
- Naval Smart Grid (Center Of Excellence).
- ETEF – Electric TEst Facility (LV/MV-AC/DC flexible grid & test demonstrator.
- Microgrid Lab.
- Digital Twin Lab.
- Dependable & Dynamic Modeling Lab.
- Smart Campus test facility (MVAC ring electrical distribution grid).
