Energy Systems and Control Optimization (ESCO) Lab

ESCO Lab Description

Energy Systems and Control Optimization (ESCO) Lab is a state of the art facility conducting research in the field of power systems. As the world is increasingly moving towards utilization of alternative energy systems such as wind and solar, integrating these resources into the power grid comes with several challenges in terms of control and stability of the grid. ESCO lab is striving to modernize the UAE’s power infrastructure by developing technologies to utilize the potential of vast natural and sustainable resources endemic to the country which is conventionally relied on oil. The center was initially started as a small group to support ADNOC to provide cost-effective energy solutions to its OPCOs and evolved over the years as a dedicated research center working in a broad spectrum of topics related to grid modernization. The lab boasts to be one of the largest research facility in the region for energy and power systems research.

ESCO lab is fully equipped with the most advanced facilities to conduct simulation as well as experimental research in broad areas of energy and power systems. The research facility has several sub divisions namely Power System Analysis, Power System Protection, Real Time Digital Simulation, Smart-grid, Photovoltaic System, Energy Storage System, Fuel cell/Hydrogen, Electric Machines/VFDs, and Electric Vehicles. ESCO lab is well established with dedicated workspaces for each of the sub groups. The lab has procured several state-of-the-art equipment to help researchers in doing practice-oriented study in these fields, which were procured from several projects funds, in addition to the support of ADNOC group of companies over the years. The facility is capable of testing large scale power systems using real time simulators and realistic grid conditions can be synthesized within the lab in a controlled environment with the help power amplifiers and grid emulators. Researchers can easily test their controllers under several complex grid conditions so that controllers can be tuned robustly. Dedicated workbenches are provided for full functionality testing of PV/ solar systems, battery storage systems, fuel cells, and electric vehicle chargers up to several tens of kW of power. All the necessary software tools and hardware equipment are available for smart grids, SCADA, relay testing and many other areas.

ESCO Lab Capabilities and Services

The lab can provide various services to industries, institutions, and opcos in the fields related to energy utilization, energy recovery and energy efficiency. For energy providers, the lab can provide services on planning and optimization of renewable energy systems for their size and location. Consultancy services can be provided for SCADA and smart grid systems including the system security and stability under different cyber-attacks. The lab can also study the effect of Plug-in Hybrids to the grid systems and simulate different scenarios with optimization solutions.

The key facilities in ESCO Lab include but not limited to the following:

Real-time simulators and controllers