Note: There is a virtual option available for this seminar. Title: Research challenges of a transition from synchronous machine-based to power electronics-based power systems Abstract: Increased penetration of wind and solar PV plants and batteries changes fundamental characteristics of the power system as those devices are connected to the grid by means of power electronics (inverters) rather than synchronous machines (SMs). It means that power system characteristics are no longer fixed by the physics of SMs but can be (almost) freely shaped by programmable inverters. This represents the biggest change to power system operation and control since AC power systems were first developed at the end of the 19^th Century. The presentation will discuss the differences between SM-based and power electronics-based power systems, the challenges for power system modelling and analysis, limits to what extent power electronics can replace synchronous machines, and finish with discussing frequency control and system stability. Bio: Janusz Bialek (FIEEE) is Principal Research Fellow at Imperial College London. Previously, he held Chair Professor positions at the University of Edinburgh, Durham University, Newcastle University and Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech, Moscow). He resigned from Skoltech when Russia invaded Ukraine. Janusz has been PI and CoI of multi-million research grants funded by UK Research Councils and the industry, and a consultant to the UK government, European Commission, and International Energy Agency. He has published widely on integration of renewable generation in power systems, smart grids, power system dynamics, preventing electricity blackouts and power markets.

ROSEI is hosting an information session for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing JHU’s Energy Minor, which ROSEI is affiliated with, on March 28 from 12 – 1:45 PM in Malone G 33/35. Students who have already declared the minor and those considering it are welcome to attend. Students are welcome to stop by anytime during the event. Susanna Thon, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Director of the minor for WSE, will lead a discussion with topics ranging from useful resources for pursuing the minor, as well as advice about classes related to energy at Hopkins. She will also lay out how the energy minor works and answer any related questions. Free lunch will be provided, and there will also be an opportunity for students to socialize and network. If you plan to attend, please register below. You must register by March 24 to receive a free lunch.

Note: This seminar is being hosted by the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Title: Sustainable water and mineral resources: Development of new data and methods for evaluating costs and environmental effects Abstract: Increasingly, technology and policy developers seek insights into which emerging technologies that can address societal challenges are most cost competitive and offer environmental advantages compared to baseline technologies. Multiple analysis tools can serve to answer these questions. They can often be used in concert to provide holistic insights to support decision making. This presentation will explore data and methods used in developing greenhouse gas inventories, life cycle assessments (attributional and consequential), and integrated assessment models. It will emphasize the application of these methods to address resource recovery from wastewater and expanding mining operations to satisfy growing minerals demands. Bio: Jennifer Dunn is a professor of chemical and biological engineering at Northwestern. Her research group evaluates the sustainability and cost competitiveness of emerging energy, material, and water systems. She also leads the Midwest Nuclear Direct Air Capture Hub and the Sustainable, Resilient, Responsible Global Minerals Supply Chain. Dunn has served on two National Academies committees, contributing her expertise on life-cycle assessment for the evaluation of sustainable fuels and carbon capture and utilization technologies. Prior to coming to Northwestern, she worked in government, in consulting, and at Argonne National Laboratory. Dunn holds a PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan.

The Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute (ROSEI) is tentatively planning to host its next Earth Day lunch and birthday celebration for the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) community on April 22, 2025. Please check this page in the future for more updates about event. And feel free to click here, here, and here to read about the previous three celebrations.