WORKSHOP

Modelling and Real Time Simulation of Microgrid using Typhoon HIL

Workshop Summary

The aim of this workshop is to illustrate the real-time simulations of a microgrid developed through the MiDiNA project, funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe Partnership scheme and UEFISCDI national agency.

This workshop seeks to emphasize a multidisciplinary approach that facilitates the implementation of microgrids (MGs) designed to enhance power supply and integrate renewable energy sources (RES).

The analysis will encompass a sophisticated residential microgrid, which features a wind turbine and a solar photovoltaic system for energy generation, a lithium-ion battery with its converter for energy storage, and a load that represents the power user. This entire system is modeled using the Typhoon HIL real-time target, with the ultimate goal of evolving this platform into the sole controller for the actual hardware system. As we develop the hardware system, various components from the simulation will be replaced incrementally to ensure a smooth integration process.

By leveraging the capabilities of simulation software and real-time targets, we can rapidly develop innovative solutions. It is crucial that these tools allow for real-time analysis and facilitate swift transitions from pure simulation testing to Hardware in the Loop (HIL) testing. This transition will be accelerated through direct communication between the real-time platform and hardware devices, utilizing a plug-and-play concept.

Target Audience

This session holds significant relevance for a diverse audience, including researchers, professionals, students, industry experts, and interdisciplinary scholars engaged in the fields of microgrid development, embedded systems, batteries, and renewable energy sources such as wind and photovoltaic (PV) panels. Participants will have the opportunity to acquire practical insights into the real-time simulation of a microgrid using Typhoon HIL technology. This engaging experience promises to enhance understanding and foster innovation in the applications of microgrid systems. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or new to the field, this session is designed for everyone interested in pushing the boundaries of energy solutions. Join us for an exciting workshop where we will explore innovative solutions in sustainable energy!

SPEAKERS

Adrian Augustin POP is Senior Lecturer at the Technical University of Cluj Napoca, within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Romania. He possesses a robust engineering background, holding a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, which he earned from both Ecole Centrale de Lille in France and the Technical University of Cluj Napoca, Romania. With extensive industry experience, Dr. Pop has held various management roles in the automotive and renewable energies domain. His expertise encompasses the design of Electrical Machines & Drives (Wind power generators, automotive electrical machines), and the development of Microgrids. Additionally, he is proficient in working with Microcontrollers, FPGAs, Battery Management Systems (BMS), as well as conducting testing in Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments using advanced hardware tools such as Typhoon HIL and dSPACE. He is the local leader of LEAP-RE, project intitled “A comprehensive methodological approach on the development potential of microgrids and the integration of renewable energies in North Africa-MiDiNA.” www.leap-re.eu/midina

Mircea RUBA currently serves as a Associate Professor at UTCN in the Department of Electrical Machines. He is also a member of CAREESD, in charge of the Real-Time System Modelling and Testing Lab (RTsymLab) laboratory. His research interests primarily revolve around electric vehicle (EV) drives, power electronics, and their real-time FPGA-based simulation and Hardware in the Loop (HiL) testing. Having been involved in more than 22 research projects, Dr. RUBA has contributed significantly to the development of electrical motors, power inverters, controllers, and battery supply units for EVs. Noteworthy projects include WheelEE, EMDA_LoOp (FP7), ARMEVA (FP7), DEMOTEST-EV (FP7), and URBIVEL (POC). Additionally, he has led 5 projects as a coordinator, and 2 as project manager: Dr. RUBA has expertise in designing, modeling, and controlling propulsion drives and storage solutions for EVs through numerous publications. His research has led to the development of complete EV drivetrains designed for real-time simulators.

He has also focused on Li Ion battery identification, simulation, and testing, resulting in a patented ultra-fast and efficient battery cell voltage balancing unit. With a significant background in fault-tolerant drives solutions, converters, and controllers, Dr. RUBA’s research has yielded patent-worthy innovations, including a novel fault detection and compensation strategy and a modular fault-tolerant motor design. His patents have been recognized in 13 international exhibitions. Dr. RUBA’s contributions extend to being an invited editor for the Applied Electromechanical Devices and Machines for Electric Mobility Solutions book published by INTECH since 2020.

Caio OSÓRIO is the Global Manager of Academia Programs at Typhoon HIL, dedicated to advancing digital power technologies by supporting research, teaching, and training initiatives through model-based engineering and Hardware-in-the-Loop technologies. Caio earned his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Brazil, with research stays at the University of Oviedo, Spain, and Fraunhofer IZM, Germany. In 2021, he joined Typhoon HIL as an Applications Engineer, developing high-fidelity testing solutions for industrial and academic partners worldwide.

He has collaborated on numerous research projects and co-authored over 50 papers and three book chapters in areas such as real-time simulation, robust control of power converters, renewable energy integration, and electrical machine control. Caio is a member of IEEE IAS, IES, and PELS.

WORKSHOP

Smart Energy Systems of the Future: AI, Resilience, and Digital Solutions for Renewable Integration

Workshop Summary

This workshop brings together emerging voices in energy research to explore the transformative role of digital solutions, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced modeling in ensuring the resilience, stability, and efficiency of future power systems.

This workshop will explore IEC 61850-based centralized protection schemes, focusing on their implementation and applications. With the increasing relevance of digitalization and the green transition, this session aims to equip participants with fundamental knowledge of IEC 61850, essential for implementing digital substations and centralized protection schemes. The discussion will also cover the challenges and opportunities associated with these schemes, particularly their advantages in addressing modern power grid challenges that traditional protection methods fail to overcome.

The workshop will feature a combination of presentations, discussions, case studies, and a short video demonstrating the schemes implemented during the Business Finland-funded CIRP-5G project at the University of Vaasa. This ensures an engaging and interactive experience for attendees. Our goal is to promote a collaborative environment where researchers, industry professionals, and academics can exchange insights and practical solutions.

Target Audience

This session is particularly relevant for researchers, professionals, students, industry experts, and interdisciplinary researchers working on the applications of machine learning, cloud computing, and edge computing in power systems. Attendees will gain practical knowledge of IEC 61850 and virtualized centralized protection schemes, exposure to cutting-edge research, networking opportunities, and access to presentation materials.

We invite all interested participants to join us for this insightful session at the FES 2025 Conference, where we will explore IEC 61850-based centralized protection schemes in depth and discuss their future impact on the power industry and the green transition.

SPEAKERS

Eng. Mahmuda Rahman is a PhD candidate at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania. She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Hungary, and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy from Beijing Jiaotong University, China.

She currently serves as an Assistant Project Engineer at Keeway Energy, Hungary, and has professional experience across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Her research focuses on integrating renewable energy into buildings through Energy Management Systems (EMS) to enable optimized efficiency, demand response, and smart control.

Eng. Bahaaldeen Mohammed is PhD candidate in Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, specializing in cyber-physical systems for resilient power distribution networks. He holds an M.Tech in Power System Engineering from IIT Roorkee, an M.Sc in Transportation Engineering from Central South University, China, and a B.Eng (Honors) in Electrical Engineering from Al-Zaiem Al-Azhari University, Sudan. He has served as a lecturer at both the University of Khartoum and Al-Zaiem Al-Azhari University in Sudan. Bahaaldeen is actively involved in student affairs and international collaborations, serving as the Convener of the International Students Affairs Council (ISAC) at IIT Roorkee. He has also participated as a moderator and panelist in various international events, including IEEE Entrepreneurship Week 2025, AEE Renewable Energy Week 2025, and IEEE PES Day in 2024 and 2023.

As a Graduate Student Member of IEEE and the IEEE Power & Energy Society, his research focuses on enhancing the resilience of power distribution systems against extreme weather events, contributing to the development of robust and sustainable energy infrastructures.

Mohammed Elmubarak Adam a PhD scholar in Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, specializing in power system dynamics and renewable energy integration. He earned his M.Tech in Power System Engineering from IIT Roorkee, graduating with distinction (Ranked 3rd), and a B.Sc (Honors) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Bahri, Sudan.

His professional background includes roles as an Electrical Maintenance Engineer at Rotana Flour Mills and an Electrical Engineer at Geo Tech Co. Ltd in Sudan. He also served as a Teaching Assistant at both Al-Zaiem Al-Azhari University and the University of Bahri. His technical expertise covers inertia estimation in low-inertia systems, PMU-based oscillation analysis, and the use of AI and signal processing tools in power system monitoring. His research contributes to enhancing grid stability in the era of renewable energy transformation.

WORKSHOP

IEC 61850-Based Virtualized Centralized Protection Schemes: Practical Implementation, Applications, and Lessons Learned from the CIRP-5G Project

Workshop Summary

This workshop will explore IEC 61850-based centralized protection schemes, focusing on their implementation and applications. With the increasing relevance of digitalization and the green transition, this session aims to equip participants with fundamental knowledge of IEC 61850, essential for implementing digital substations and centralized protection schemes. The discussion will also cover the challenges and opportunities associated with these schemes, particularly their advantages in addressing modern power grid challenges that traditional protection methods fail to overcome.

The workshop will feature a combination of presentations, discussions, case studies, and a short video demonstrating the schemes implemented during the Business Finland-funded CIRP-5G project at the University of Vaasa. This ensures an engaging and interactive experience for attendees. Our goal is to promote a collaborative environment where researchers, industry professionals, and academics can exchange insights and practical solutions.

Target Audience

This session is particularly relevant for researchers, professionals, students, industry experts, and interdisciplinary researchers working on the applications of machine learning, cloud computing, and edge computing in power systems. Attendees will gain practical knowledge of IEC 61850 and virtualized centralized protection schemes, exposure to cutting-edge research, networking opportunities, and access to presentation materials.

We invite all interested participants to join us for this insightful session at the FES 2025 Conference, where we will explore IEC 61850-based centralized protection schemes in depth and discuss their future impact on the power industry and the green transition.

SPEAKERS

Mazaher Karimi is an Associate Professor of Electrical Power Engineering at the School of Technology and Innovations, University of Vaasa, Finland. He is a senior member of the IEEE, and he specializes in substation automation systems and wide-area monitoring, protection, and control schemes for power system networks integrating renewable energy sources. His research actively contributes to the advancement of green electrification, with a focus on smart grid applications, distributed generation, power system stability, frequency control, and multi-energy systems.

He has extensive experience in academia and collaborating with industries on cutting-edge technologies and projects related to power system resilience and renewable energy integration. He has worked closely with international research teams and industry partners to develop innovative solutions for the evolving energy landscape. His expertise extends to advanced control strategies for modern power grids, with a particular emphasis on enhancing system reliability and efficiency.

Meysam Pashaei (Senior Member, IEEE) is a Project Researcher at the School of Technology and Innovations, University of Vaasa, Finland. His expertise lies in power system protection and control, with a particular focus on IEC 61850-based digital substations and centralized protection schemes. He has over eight years of experience in this field, actively contributing to industry collaborations, including the Business Finland-funded CIRP-5G and Smart Grid 2.0 projects in partnership with industry leaders like ABB.

Meysam’s research explores the practical implementation of IEC 61850-based centralized protection schemes, smart grid applications, and earth fault management. As a Senior Member of IEEE Finland Section and an The Finnish National Committee of CIGRE, he is committed to advancing power system digitalization. His work supports the green transition by promoting more efficient and resilient protection solutions for modern power grids.

WORKSHOP

Business Innovation and Green Entrepreneurship in the Energy Sector

Workshop Summary

This workshop will delve into innovative and sustainable solutions designed to meet evolving market demands, with a particular focus on business models, their implementation strategies, and real-world applications. In light of the growing significance of digitalization and the green transition, the session seeks to provide participants with practical insights and case studies that have been successfully implemented across specific sectors of green energy. Additionally, it will offer a critical examination of how products and services can be selected and refined in alignment with market expectations and demand.

The discussion will further address the dynamic challenges and emerging opportunities within the green energy market, offering a comparative perspective on existing competitive offerings. Participants will benefit from a structured format combining expert presentations, moderated discussions, and case studies delivered by both multinational and Romanian companies actively engaged in sustainable energy initiatives. This format is intended to foster an interactive and stimulating learning environment.

The primary objective of this workshop is to cultivate a collaborative platform that facilitates knowledge exchange among researchers, industry professionals, and academics, ultimately contributing to the advancement of practical and scalable solutions in the field of sustainability.

Target Audience

This session is particularly tailored for researchers, professionals, students, and interdisciplinary experts engaged in the development of sustainable solutions. Attendees will gain exposure to proven business models adapted to diverse contexts, innovative technologies, and current industry trends. The workshop also offers valuable opportunities for networking and access to all presentation materials.

We warmly invite all interested participants to join us at the FES 2025 Conference for this insightful session, where we will explore emerging market opportunities and trends shaping the future of the green transition.

SPEAKERS

Mihaela COROIU is Director – Development & Marketing Strategy at Energobit Romania, Sustainable Energy Projects Manager, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Senior Expert, Sustainable Energy Consultant Romania.

She has over 15 years of experience in managing and implementing large-scale energy projects across the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors, with a focus on energy management, sustainability, and decarbonisation.

Leadership in EU Funded Projects, remarkable achievements in business development, strategic planning, and market expansion, including origination of new business opportunities, partnerships, and financial support for energy projects across Romania and internationally.

Sergiu MAN, PhD, is the Director of Projects for Systems and Software at Emerson Cluj. He leads the team that delivers automation and control solutions for the power, chemical, and life sciences industries. With a strong background in engineering leadership, automation, signal processing, and software development, Sergiu helps drive improvements in productivity, innovation, and project execution across global centers. He has over 12 years of experience in power systems engineering.

Sergiu also teaches the Industrial Applications course at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, sharing his knowledge in DCS and SCADA systems, process optimization, and plant automation. His work focuses on advancing technologies that improve energy efficiency and support sustainable solutions in critical industries.

Andrei CECLAN serves as the urban energy manager at the engineering and energy services company Servelect, in relation to several localities in Romania, starting from 2016: Cluj-Napoca, Oradea, Alba Iulia, Satu Mare, Sfântu Gheorghe, Brăila, Târgoviște, Turda, Târnaveni, Câmpia Turzii, Sighetu Marmației, Vulcan, Târgu Lăpuș, etc. In this role, he provides technical assistance in initiating and materializing projects for increasing energy efficiency and introducing local renewable sources, inventorying consumption and local energy production, and operational management of energy flows.

Professionally, Dr. Andrei Ceclan is serving his second term as president of the Association of Energy Auditors and Managers in Romania (SAMER), the only professional association for energy auditors and managers in the industry, as well as for energy managers for localities. He also served for 4 years as president of the Board of Directors of the Romanian Energy Efficiency Fund (FREE). Additionally, he is employed as a university lecturer at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca.