National Renewable Energy Laboratory - Golden, CO The transmission and grid integration group performs research Ｏn numerous topics related to the efficient, reliable, integration of variable renewable resources and other emerging technologies Ｏnto the bulk power system. This includes research Ｏn power system operations, power system planning, wholesale market design, dynamic modeling, bulk power system testing, renewable forecasting, and outreach to the utility industry. The successful candidate will conduct research Ｏn theories and algorithms of stochastic optimization for power systems applications. The research will focus Ｏn applying stochastic algorithms to power system operations and planning models. This will involve research in advancing the current state-of-the-art in production cost modeling, and generator and transmission expansion modeling to incorporate stochastic variables in the most efficient manner. The research will look at stochastic and robust commitment and dispatch models at multiple timescales and time horizons, for more efficient and reliable system operations. The goal of this work is to compare these advanced models with those of simpler enhancements to the existing tools used in industry, and recommend changes to the industry that improve efficiency yet are feasible within the practical limitations that exist within utilities and independent system operator procedures. The research may also look at incorporating stochastic variables into planning models so more efficient transmission and generator expansion plans can be built meeting multiple potential scenarios of fuel pricing, policies, and variable generation availability.
Job Duties
The job will include the development and advancement of new and existing power system operations and planning models commercially available or developed within NREL that incorporate the stochasticity of variable renewable energy, demand, and generation/network availability. The candidate will work closely with the transmission and grid integration group and its large set of industry stakeholders, including NERC, FERC, the ISO/RTO community, and university collaborations like PSERC, to disseminate this research into practical settings. The position will also include research Ｏn improvements of wholesale electricity market designs and how new operational paradigms may cause a need for evolving market designs. The position will include publishing technical reports and journal publications Ｏn the research conducted. It is expected this candidate will lead or co-lead the laboratory’s effort in new stochastic modeling efforts, with assistance from experienced senior researchers.
Required Education and Experience
Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.
Additional Required Knowledge, Skills and Attributes
Ph.D. in operations research, mathematics, electrical engineering, computer science, systems engineering, industrial engineering, or related field, received in the last three years. Expertise in stochastic optimization theories and software tools. Experience and record of publications in multi-timescale, multi-ob
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in stochastic optimization applied for power systems and smart grid applications, knowledge in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies at the transmission level. Experience with electrical, power-flow, such as: Matlab/Simuli
