Within this strategic sector of electric power, the Research Group on Electric Power Systems (GISEL) focuses its activity on three interrelated lines of research:

- Line 1. Integration of Renewable Energies in the Electric System, FACTS and HVDC. The group focuses its activity on the integration of renewable energies in the electrical system both on a small scale, through research in microgrids, and on a large scale, through research on FACTS (Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems) and HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) as enabling technologies.

- Line 2. Microgrids, Electric Vehicle and SmartGrids. The group investigates in the coordinated management of loads, generation and storage systems to constitute microgrids that allow to improve energy efficiency using cogeneration and trigeneration systems. In this area, it is also investigated the integration of the electric vehicle, through the analysis of smart recharging methodologies to be applied to large recharging volumes. Both developments converge in the so-called smartgrids, within which the concepts of V2G (Vehicule to Grid) and V2H (Vehicule to Home) are also investigated.

- Line 3. Protection of Electrical Systems. The group focuses its activity on the detection and location of faults in transmission and distribution systems (including distributed generation); analysis of the behavior of electrical protections through testing and simulation; development of island situation detection methods; and faults in HVDC systems, in coordination with the investigation developed in line 1.

It is a consolidated line of research with nearly a decade of work developed. In the area of ​​integration of renewable energies, the following tasks are proposed:

• Modeling and analysis of electrical systems with high penetration of renewable generation. Development of models of renewable generation systems, including high-level controls, aimed at their use in a generic way for static and dynamic studies.
• Development of weak grid operation scenarios to improve the generation connection based on renewable energies.
• New high-level control algorithms to improve the integration of renewable generation connected by VSC converters (improved response to dips and voltage recovery, damping of oscillations, etc.).
• In the area of ​​FACTS and HVDC, the tasks to be carried out are the following:
• Development of new models of FACTS devices for integration of renewable energies. Application to the solution of problems of operation of the electrical system.
• Development of models of high voltage direct current (HVDC) networks and study of their interaction with existing alternating current (HVAC) networks.
• Development of high-level control algorithms for VSC-type HVDC converter stations to improve their integration into HVAC networks.
• Analysis of the interaction of FACTS devices with HVDC systems in the electrical networks of the future.
• Analysis of the feasibility of increasing the capacity of the electric power distribution system, replacing AC lines. by DC lines The solution that is intended to be analyzed in depth has a promising application in electrical networks with technologies from renewable sources, which are increasingly found in current electrical networks (e.g. wind, solar, etc.).
• Expansion of the capabilities of the real-time simulation laboratory for modeling and simulation of HVDC and FACTS networks.
• Development of a test bench to analyze the interaction, in real time, between HVDC, FACTS and HVAC networks.
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It is a consolidated line of research with nearly a decade of work developed. In the area of ​​microgrids, the tasks to be carried out are the following:

• Development of models of interconnection systems for microgenerators.
• Expansion of the capacity of the real-time simulation laboratory to model and simulate a microgrid in real time and carry out "hardware in the loop" tests of small power distributed generation equipment. Carrying out tests.
• Development and verification of simulation models of the tested equipment, to subsequently perform analysis of multiple operating and management situations, both in stationary conditions and in abnormal operating situations.
• Analysis of the capacity of microgrids to cope with the connection of electric vehicles, as a storage / consumption element. Once this influence is known, propose solutions that optimize said integration.
• Analysis of smart charging methodologies for electric vehicles that may be applicable to large charging volumes.
• Analysis of the existing needs to be able to develop business models in the field of electric vehicles and their integration into the network.
• Analysis of the possibility of increasing the efficiency of the entire Microgrid through cogeneration, from the heat generated by the PEM fuel cells.
• Analyze the problem of managing smartgrids, which incorporate Distributed Generation electrical equipment using renewable energies.
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It is the group's longest-running line of research, in which several members of the group have extensive experience and experience, to which they incorporate the resolution of new current problems that appear as a result of the great changes that the electric systems. The following works are proposed, among others:

• Design of new algorithms for detecting and locating high impedance faults in electrical distribution systems, with Distributed Generation.
• Performance analysis of fault location algorithms in distribution networks based on real measurements of equipment in the field. Characterization of the measurement needs and existing limitations from the waves stored in the protection equipment. Proposal for improvements
• Design of new fault detection and location algorithms in mixed transport lines (air-underground). Synchrophasor application
• Development and validation of island detection methods, in the event of failures in the network or in the GD, to manage the proper transition from one mode of operation to another. Identification of protection strategies.
• Analysis of existing network protection and control systems for their possible application in electrical microgrids, as well as establishing new design and operation guidelines, which help to achieve the penetration objectives of Distributed Generation established both nationally and internationally.
• Analysis of the behavior of VSC-HVDC systems in the face of internal (DC) and external (AC) faults.
• Analysis and proposal of new busbar topologies in HVDC systems to optimize protection against faults in the network and maintenance of supply continuity.
• Definition of the range of application and optimization of a fault limiting equipment, in electrical systems based on VSC-HVDC technology, for which two patents have recently been applied for.
• Analysis of the problem of protection of multiterminal HVDC networks. Definition of the fault current detection and breaking requirements. Development of technical protection proposals.
• Real-time simulation of various phenomena using the RT-LAB simulator (recently acquired by the group). Integration of the simulator within the new electrical protection laboratory to carry out a "hardware in the loop" test bench.