Integrated Low-carbon and Resilient Hierarchical Microgrids Framework for Energy-flexible Buildings

This project aims to train a talented researcher, Dr. Shunbo Lei, by an interdisciplinary research program which is focused on developing advanced modelling, operation and planning technologies to establish an Integrated low-Carbon And Resilient hierarchical microgrids framework for Energy-flexible buildings (I-CARE). I-CARE is urgently needed from scientific research in collaboration with industry to allow them to better integrate building energy systems and power grids for both decarbonisation and resilience enhancement. The Fellow's original interdisciplinary background in grids and buildings and expertise in optimization algorithms make him a unique asset to Europe for developing innovative I-CARE technologies. As demonstrated in his CV, he has proven track record in grid resilience and building energy efficiency, and his accomplishment has been outstanding for his career stage. The Fellow will be further trained through a series of technical skills and theories related to advanced building simulation and building microgrid technologies at the main host Loughborough University and co-host TU Delft. The technologies and skills he will master during I-CARE will significantly diversify his capability, including building microgrid modelling, energy hub methods, big data technologies, and model predictive control. Moreover, I-CARE will provide him opportunities to transfer the knowledge he gains in the project to the benefits of European hosts and the regional industrial liaison, together with his existing knowledge on low carbon resilience integration of buildings and grids. Starting from integrated building flexibility modelling, this project will develop a novel solution to achieve co-optimised and coordinated operation and planning of building microgrids and external microgrids. Fostered by I-CARE, a leading expert in low-carbon and resilient energy systems is expected and will contribute greatly to European and global industries and academic communities.