EVs and Smart Grid Technologies

Objective: 

The EVs and Smart Grid Technologies Research Group is dedicated to developing and enhancing smart grid technologies to modernize and optimize power systems. Its mission includes addressing the critical challenges of energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in modern grids. The group fosters innovation by focusing on the integration of renewable energy, distributed generation, and energy storage systems into smart grid frameworks. It advances research in grid automation, monitoring, and control systems by leveraging state-of-the-art technologies. Additionally, the group provides a collaborative platform for researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals to work together in solving real-world grid challenges. Through these efforts, it contributes significantly to the national and global energy transition, supporting the deployment of intelligent, secure, and resilient grid solutions.

      II.            Rationale for Formation

National Perspective (Pakistan)

1.      Energy Crisis Mitigation: Addressing Pakistan’s energy challenges, such as frequent blackouts, reliance on imported fossil fuels, and inefficiencies in power systems.

2.      Harnessing Renewable Potential: Leveraging Pakistan’s abundant renewable energy resources (solar, wind, hydro, and biomass) to reduce dependency on non-renewable energy.

3.      Integration of Renewables: With increasing reliance on solar, wind, and other renewable sources, there is a need for advanced grid technologies to ensure seamless integration and operation.

4.      Digital Transformation: Pakistan’s power sector requires digitization and automation to meet future energy demands and improve system efficiency.

5.      Economic Impact: Implementing smart grids can reduce operational costs, optimize energy usage, and provide long-term economic benefits.

6.      Energy Access: Smart grid solutions can improve electricity access in remote and underserved areas through microgrids and distributed energy systems.

International Perspective

1.      Global Energy Transition: Smart grid technologies are central to the global shift towards sustainable and low-carbon energy systems.

2.      Technology Advancement: Staying at the forefront of innovations such as IoT, AI, and blockchain in energy systems to compete in global markets.

3.      Climate Goals: Contributing to international efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote green energy through smarter grid management.

4.      Collaboration Opportunities: Engaging with global research institutions and organizations to leverage expertise, funding, and joint development of smart grid technologies.

5.      Cybersecurity: Addressing emerging global concerns around the cybersecurity of power infrastructure in interconnected grids.

    III.            Organizational Structure

   IV.            Areas of Research

Integration of Renewable Energy

·         Grid Integration of Solar and Wind Energy

·         Demand-Side Management for Variable Renewable Energy

·         Hybrid Energy Systems in Smart Grids

Smart Grid Components and Architecture

·         Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)

·         IoT-based Monitoring and Control Systems

·         Microgrids and Nano-Grids for Decentralized Energy Systems

·         Distribution System Automation

Smart Grid Components and Architecture

• Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
• IoT-based Monitoring and Control Systems
• Microgrids and Nano-Grids for Decentralized Energy Systems
• Distribution System Automation

     V.            Name, Designation and Department of Group Head

1.      Dr. Asad Waqar, Professor Electrical Engineering.

2.      Number of foreign researchers: 4

3.      Number of local researchers: 6

   VI.            Group Members

a.      International Researchers

b.      Internal Researchers