FAN NEWS
March 2023
FAN project highlighted in the NZ Media
Professor Neville Watson spoke to media about how University of Canterbury and NZ researchers are contributing to Aotearoa New Zealand reaching its energy goals by 2050. Prof Watson. As Science Leader for FAN, he is now two years into leading a seven-year project to integrate renewable energy into Aotearoa New Zealand’s century-old electrical grid.
Highlighting the importance of FAN, he says "If we don’t do anything, in future we will be using band-aid solutions to address problems as they occur, such as system constraints, equipment malfunction and premature component failure. This will result in a sub-optimal system. We need to be working on cohesive and enabling solutions for achieving low emissions, for which electricity will be our primary energy medium.” Read more
February 2023
FAN sponsors CIGRE NZ 2023 Summer Workshop
CIGRE NZ 2023 Summer Technical Workshops bring together experts and key players from within the power system industry to share experiences and technical expertise on practical issues and methodologies as our sector is transitioning into the future. This year, the event was hosted by the University of Canterbury and supported by FAN. Key FAN researchers took part in leading workshops and giving presentations.
CIGRE NZ 2023 Summer Technical Workshops bring together experts and key players from within the power system industry to share experiences and technical expertise on practical issues and methodologies as our sector is transitioning into the future. This year, the event was hosted by the University of Canterbury and supported by FAN. Key FAN researchers took part in leading workshops and giving presentations.
January 2023
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DC Injection testing at Haywards
Workstream 4 leader Andrew Lapthorn and his team did several DC injections using the HVDC link into Haywards substation at the end of January 2023. Data processing is ongoing over the next few months but expect this work to be presented at a future conference and in several journal papers. Photos are from student projects and onsite testing. This research is a collaboration between FAN and Solar Tsunamis programmes. |
DeceMber 2022
FAN highlighted at eGRID 2022
FAN sponsored eGrid 2022. FAN researchers presented during the Hybrid AC/DC Grid Day at the Conference, held in Auckland on 2 Dec 2022.
Day 4 of the conference included FAN-sponsored panel sessions.
Speakers included:
Modelling the AC-DC Hybrid Grid
EGrid Advances: Power Electronics in Transmission and Distribution
Chair: Tek Tjing Lie, Speakers: Neville Watson (University of Canterbury, NZ), Georgios Konstantinou (UNSW Sydney, Aus) and Tobias Massier (TUM-CREATE, Singapore)
Topologies and Projection for Hybrid AC-DC Grid
EGrid Advances: Power Electronics in Transmission and Distribution
Chair: Ramesh Rayudu. Speakers: Abhisek Ukil (University of Auckland, NZ), Aleksandra Lekić (TU Delft, Netherlands), Tran The Hoang (University of Auckland, NZ)
Enabling Technologies for Hybrid AC DC Grid
EGrid Advances: Power Electronics in Transmission and Distribution
Chair: Andrew Lapthorn Speakers: Frede Blaabjerg (Aalborg, Denmark), Bernd Wunder (GFZ Potsdam, Germany) and Tek Tjing Lie (AUT, NZ)
SEPtember / OCtober 2022
CICED 2022
Tek Li delivered a keynote speech entitled “Hierarchical Management Strategies for DC Microgrids Clusters in Distribution Systems” in the 10th China International Conference on Electricity Distribution (CICED 2022) which was held in Changsha on 7-8 September, 2022.
Tek Li delivered a keynote speech entitled “Hierarchical Management Strategies for DC Microgrids Clusters in Distribution Systems” in the 10th China International Conference on Electricity Distribution (CICED 2022) which was held in Changsha on 7-8 September, 2022.
STEM Outreach
Tek Lie from Workstream 3 attended the AUT STEM Camp, with a session titled Future Architecture of the Network and Renewable Energy Resources. Presentations by Tek Lie, Kosala Gunawardane and Nishita Padmawansa (PhD student). The STEM camp was an outreach activity focused on Māori and Pasifika students. https://www.aut.ac.nz/study/aut-stem-camp-2022
Tek Lie from Workstream 3 attended the AUT STEM Camp, with a session titled Future Architecture of the Network and Renewable Energy Resources. Presentations by Tek Lie, Kosala Gunawardane and Nishita Padmawansa (PhD student). The STEM camp was an outreach activity focused on Māori and Pasifika students. https://www.aut.ac.nz/study/aut-stem-camp-2022
August 2022
CIGRE Paris 2022
Nirmal Nair was a keynote speaker at CIGRE Paris Tutorial in August 2022, Tutorial on Protection, Automation and Control (PAC) of the Evolving Grid. CIGRE Paris, a biennial conference, is a global platform to share and showcase the work we are doing to vendors, utilities and engineers. Nirmal received Outstanding Service award in recognition of his contribution, commitment and dedication to CIGRE Study Committee B5: Protection and Automation. Andrew Lapthorn, WS4 leader, attended Cigre Paris session as part of WG B1.82 MVDC cables and as part of A3 Transmission and Distribution.
Nirmal Nair was a keynote speaker at CIGRE Paris Tutorial in August 2022, Tutorial on Protection, Automation and Control (PAC) of the Evolving Grid. CIGRE Paris, a biennial conference, is a global platform to share and showcase the work we are doing to vendors, utilities and engineers. Nirmal received Outstanding Service award in recognition of his contribution, commitment and dedication to CIGRE Study Committee B5: Protection and Automation. Andrew Lapthorn, WS4 leader, attended Cigre Paris session as part of WG B1.82 MVDC cables and as part of A3 Transmission and Distribution.
JULY 2022
MECON 2022
Tek Lie was a keynote speaker at Multimedia University Engineering Conference (MECON 2022) in July 2022, relevant to WS3 work in FAN, on Technologies and Control Mechanism for DC Microgrids Clusters.
Tek Lie was a keynote speaker at Multimedia University Engineering Conference (MECON 2022) in July 2022, relevant to WS3 work in FAN, on Technologies and Control Mechanism for DC Microgrids Clusters.
June 2022
FAN Mātauranga Māori Workshop
The first annual FAN Mātauranga Māori Workshop was held in Wellington on 21 June 2022, hosted by Ramesh Rayudu, WS5 leader (Vision Mātauranga), at
Victoria University of Wellington. The workshop was attended by all members of FAN's research leadership team and associate investigators in person. The goals were to have demonstrated greater capability in Vision Mātauranga and Mātauranga Māori for the FAN team. The workshop was led and
facilitated by Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Mātauranga Māori), Dr Meegan Hall from Victoria University of Wellington.
The first annual FAN Mātauranga Māori Workshop was held in Wellington on 21 June 2022, hosted by Ramesh Rayudu, WS5 leader (Vision Mātauranga), at
Victoria University of Wellington. The workshop was attended by all members of FAN's research leadership team and associate investigators in person. The goals were to have demonstrated greater capability in Vision Mātauranga and Mātauranga Māori for the FAN team. The workshop was led and
facilitated by Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Mātauranga Māori), Dr Meegan Hall from Victoria University of Wellington.
APRil 2022
INDUSTRY/ACADEMIA COLLABORATION
The launch of our Industry/Academia Collaboration began, with a postgraduate student starting in June 2022 (partnership with PowerCo). Providing an opportunity for collaborative research, this arrangement will prepare your organisation for future challenges by arming your employees with cutting edge knowledge through industry-academic postgraduate studies.
Read more about our Industry/Academia Collaboration opportunities here https://www.fan.ac.nz/uploads/1/3/2/8/132808079/fan_-_an_opportunity_for_collaborative_research.pdf
The launch of our Industry/Academia Collaboration began, with a postgraduate student starting in June 2022 (partnership with PowerCo). Providing an opportunity for collaborative research, this arrangement will prepare your organisation for future challenges by arming your employees with cutting edge knowledge through industry-academic postgraduate studies.
Read more about our Industry/Academia Collaboration opportunities here https://www.fan.ac.nz/uploads/1/3/2/8/132808079/fan_-_an_opportunity_for_collaborative_research.pdf
December 2021
FAN at TENCON 2021
FAN held at workshop on 21 Dec 2021 at TENCON. TENCON is a premier IEEE international technical conference which has been conducted in region 10, to bring exciting discoveries, knowledge & understanding together. TENCON 2021 has been themed inspired by the IEEE Future Directions platforms both graduated & ongoing.
The TENCON Welcome was presented by Assoc Prof Nirmal Nair. A FAN Introduction was given by Prof. Neville Watson. Presentations on each workstream were given by Prof. Aniruddha Gole (WS1), Prof. Frede Blaabjerg (WS2), A/Prof. Ioannis Lestas (WS3), and Dr. Dan Martin (WS4). Panel session opening pitches were moderated by Andrew Lapthorn, and included Babak Badrzadeh (Aurecon, Australia), Ram Adapa (EPRI, USA), Bernd Wunder (Germany), Hamish Laird (ELMG Digital Power, New Zealand) and Tipene Merritt (New Zealand). Read more here: https://tencon2021.com/fan/
NOVEMBer 2021
EEA Forum 2021
Professor Neville Watson presented the FAN project to 70+ at EEA Asset Management Forum. The 2021 forum was held online over three half days, the focus was on Asset Management and Asset Planning for Climate Change in electricity business.
Professor Neville Watson presented the FAN project to 70+ at EEA Asset Management Forum. The 2021 forum was held online over three half days, the focus was on Asset Management and Asset Planning for Climate Change in electricity business.
August 2021
FAN at EEA 2021 Conference
Dr Radnya Mukhedkar introduced the FAN programme at the 2021 EEA Conference in Wellington on the 2nd to 4th of August.
The programme: “Architecture of the Future Low-Carbon, Resilient, Electrical Power System” also known as Future Architecture of the Network (FAN) or Te Whatunga Hiko, aims to develop the knowledge and understanding of the extent of DC technology and circuit penetration within the existing AC network. It will also address a suitable transition pathway for the New Zealand (NZ) context. The programme has a long time horizon of 2050 and beyond.
Dr Radnya Mukhedkar introduced the FAN programme at the 2021 EEA Conference in Wellington on the 2nd to 4th of August.
The programme: “Architecture of the Future Low-Carbon, Resilient, Electrical Power System” also known as Future Architecture of the Network (FAN) or Te Whatunga Hiko, aims to develop the knowledge and understanding of the extent of DC technology and circuit penetration within the existing AC network. It will also address a suitable transition pathway for the New Zealand (NZ) context. The programme has a long time horizon of 2050 and beyond.
FAN supports Māori at LUMO
To encourage Māori-led innovation as we look to the future of our power system, the Future Architecture of the Network (FAN) | Te Whatunga Hiko programme is offering support to Māori participants wanting to attend the LUMO Symposium this November. Support will be in the form of tickets, and in some circumstances, assistance to attend.
We invite you to apply in email to futurearchitecturenetwork@canterbury.ac.nz with subject “LUMO support” describing yourself, why you would like to attend and what benefits you might gain from the LUMO Symposium.
Applications close midnight on the 5th of September and successful applicants will be notified by the 10th of September.
To encourage Māori-led innovation as we look to the future of our power system, the Future Architecture of the Network (FAN) | Te Whatunga Hiko programme is offering support to Māori participants wanting to attend the LUMO Symposium this November. Support will be in the form of tickets, and in some circumstances, assistance to attend.
We invite you to apply in email to futurearchitecturenetwork@canterbury.ac.nz with subject “LUMO support” describing yourself, why you would like to attend and what benefits you might gain from the LUMO Symposium.
Applications close midnight on the 5th of September and successful applicants will be notified by the 10th of September.
July 2021
FAN at the Transpower Asset Owner Industry Forum 2021
Workstream One lead, Dr Radnya Mukhedkar presented at the 2021 Asset Owners Industry Forum on the FAN project. You can find the slides of the presentation here
Workstream One lead, Dr Radnya Mukhedkar presented at the 2021 Asset Owners Industry Forum on the FAN project. You can find the slides of the presentation here
May 2021
The Research team has been busy planning the next steps and meeting with potential partners and international research collaborators, including the 2 following meetings or workshops:
- 11 March 2021: First meeting with the Advisory Board made of New Zealand industry representatives including Stephen Jay (Transpower), Peter Berry (EEA), Gareth Wilson (MBIE), Neville Goodwin (Powerco), Craig Wong (Orion), Dan MArting(ETEL), Bhaba Das (Hitachi ABB PowerGrids) and Warren Poh.
- 20 May 2021: Presentation of the programme to about 15 researchers from the UK, Germany, Denmark, France, USA, Canada, Japan and Singapore.
- 11 March 2021: First meeting with the Advisory Board made of New Zealand industry representatives including Stephen Jay (Transpower), Peter Berry (EEA), Gareth Wilson (MBIE), Neville Goodwin (Powerco), Craig Wong (Orion), Dan MArting(ETEL), Bhaba Das (Hitachi ABB PowerGrids) and Warren Poh.
- 20 May 2021: Presentation of the programme to about 15 researchers from the UK, Germany, Denmark, France, USA, Canada, Japan and Singapore.
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Other updates:
- The Maori name of the programme has been confirmed - Learn more Te Whatunga Hiko - FAN - Te Whatunga Hiko has now a logo! - We have a strong focus on recruitment (Postdoc and postgraduate students) at the moment. This page with all opprtunities is updated on a regular basis. |
FAN Project presentation to Industry at NZPSC Showcase - 11 December in Wellington
New Zealand Power Systems Collaborative (NZPSC) - Hiko in collaboration with MBIE’s SSIF AETP programme on Future Architecture of the Network (FAN) and Victoria University of Wellington cordially invites you to join (both online and in-person) for a showcase of power systems related projects and an industry lunch to introduce the FAN programme.
Download the programme.
Download the programme.
20 October 2020 - Professor Neville Watson on RadioNZ
Professor Neville Watson explains on RNZ Nine to Noon how his research project, which has received $13mil MBIE funding, will look at where best to change the electrical grid to future-proof the power supply and benefit New Zealanders.
Listen here.
Listen here.
29 September 2020 - Hon Dr Megan Woods meets the Research team
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The future-proof NZ electrical grid research team led by Professor Neville Watson, and UC PVC College of Engineering Jan Evans-Freeman and UC Deputy VC Research Ian Wright, were delighted to welcome Hon Dr Megan Woods on University of Canterbury (UC) campus. |
16 September 2020 - MBIE funds $13m UC research to future-proof NZ electrical grid
MBIE announced the programmes funded through the Advanced Energy Technology platform, included the “Architecture of the future low-carbon, resilient, electrical power system” programme.
More information about the programme.
More information about the programme.
