Aggregate Models for Simulating Dynamic Processes in Electromechanical Energy Systems (AMSES)

Aim of the research project "Aggregate Models for Simulating Dynamic Processes in Electromechanical Energy Sysems"  (AMSES) is to provide the scientific basis for understanding the effects that arise from the interaction of individual components of a complex system in the field of electrical power engineering. AMSES provides the knowledge and fundamentals for a new focus of research and for proposals for coordinated support programs, like for a collaborative research centre (CRC).

The transformation of the electical energy system is characterised among others by an increased integration of decentralised regenerative and volatile power generation plants into the electric grid,  replacing large-scale power plants with their turbines and generators at the same time. Since an increasing number of consumers and generation plants is connected via converter systems to the grid, this leads to changing interactions between grid resources and the larger complexity of the dynamic transient phenomena in the electrical energy system.  This complexity will even be increased when further enhancing volatile energy carriers like wind and solar energy and energy efficiency measures taking effect. During transient phenomena, the electrical, magnetical and mechanical system quantities show very different rates of change and spatial extensions. In principle, the system is nonlinear and stiff with so-called multiple time scale properties. An appropriate dynamic simulation of the electromechanical energy supply system including all relevant electromechanical interactions between grid, generator and turbine of a thermal power plant is beyond today's state of research.

Within the scope of five subprojects (SP),  AMSES aims at pursuing an interdisciplinary approach and finding solutions for the simulaton and prediction of complex electromechanical energy systems.  For this purpose, interaction-capable models in the mechanical, electromagnetical and electrical field including control are developed and tested with respect to interactions. In this way, effects and interactions generated by different interacting grid resources shall be predicted by simulations. On the other hand, it shall be investigated which approaches and methods are suitable for a systematic reduction of the overall system model or of models allowing an efficient simulation of the complete system without suppressing the aforementioned interactions.  For some aspects, the models shall be verified by exeriments.

The focus of the subprojects SP2, SP3 and SP4 of AMSES is on fundamental methodological problems and on the creation of effective models for individual components of the energy system. These are important preliminary studies for the subsequent modeling and simulation of dynamic interactions between the single components or within complex overall or subsystems, being subject of SP1 (overall system) and SP5 (aggregate model of a subsystem) .

Within the framework of the newly founded Leibniz Research Centre Energy 2050 (LiFE 2050), the results of AMSES will be used as a basis for establishing the interdisciplinary field of research to control dynamic processes in electromechanical energy systems and for allowing proposals for coordinated support programs. Due to the scope and duration of the project, it will not be possible to completely solve all problems brought up so far. Further research questions will be identified and dealt with by preliminary studies to pave the way for a proposal for a joint research project funded for example by DFG with great prospect of success.