Modeling & Analysis of Energy Systems

view of a hydroelectric power facility

The Ohio State University hosts a unique program in the modeling and analysis of energy systems that bundles world-class expertise in energy-system modeling, operation research tools, microeconomic analysis, and regulatory and policy expertise. This broad transdisciplinary skill set provides our graduates with a deep understanding of engineering, economic, regulatory, and policy issues that pertain to operating and planning energy systems. This approach enables use develop models and solutions that are applicable to real-world energy systems.

Scope

Modeling and analysis of energy systems provides an integrative perspective that links energy system engineering (e.g., control, operations, and planning) with broader social and behavioral considerations (e.g., economic, regulatory, and policy frameworks that impact energy systems).

Approach

To accomplish this, we take a highly interdisciplinary approach that combines methodologies such as system analysis, stochastic programming, robust optimization, optimal control, large-scale optimization, simulation, and forecasting. These methodologies are adapted and employed in ways that consider the social and behavioral frameworks that impact energy systems.

Our contributions to the basic science of modeling and analysis of energy systems are concerned with understanding how energy system should be built, operated, and controlled, how energy markets should be designed, operated, and monitored, and how the behavior of individual agents (e.g., consumers and producers) impact these questions. We have a particular focus on studying sustainable energy systems. Our research is grounded in the real world and serves the needs of the energy industry and society as a whole.

Methodologies Applications
Stochastic programming Decarbonization
Robust optimization Renewable-energy integration
Large-scale optimization

System adequacy, security, and reliability

Complementarity and equilibrium modeling

Smart grids

Decision making under uncertainty

Electric vehicles

Optimal control

Integration of multiple energy systems (e.g., electricity & natural gas)

Microeconomics

Energy-infrastructure planning

Energy economics

Energy-market, -policy, and -regulatory design

Energy policy  
Energy regulation  

 

Directing Faculty