About the laboratory
The scope of our work covers mainly the strategies in the electricity market, generation planning in energy systems, development of energy solutions, renewable energy sources implementation and smart grids. As a research institution, we impart our knowledge through postgraduate studies, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral theses and conferences, seminars and workshops. In scientific work, we follow the principle of practical applicability of scientific methods that we develop.
Our scientific work is published in both foreign and domestic scientific journals and we also try to participate as much as possible in scientific and professional conferences around the world. Many bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral theses have already been written under our mentorship. Every year some foreign students join us for a study exchange or internship and they always leave us full of new knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for Slovenia.
Traditional MV/LV distribution networks are being transformed into an extremely complex system, also called smart grids, with the integration of the latest technologies in the field of metering, production from renewable (dispersed) energy sources, installation of batteries and other modern devices.
Smart grids help to optimize and adapt the operation of electrical networks. Their goal is to create a system of production, transport and distribution of electricity that will meet the changing requirements of users.
In addition to electricity, smart grids also contain a communication network that takes care of communication between production units and consumers.
Energy storage is one of the principal challenges of the electricity grid. The need for storage stems from fluctuations in consumption and storage is especially needed in the production of energy from renewable sources, which is subject to large daily and seasonal changes.
Battery systems can prevent power outages by recharging them when different power plants are producing surplus electricity or by extracting electricity from them when production energy sources do not meet demand.
Energy markets represent an economic agreement between generation and consumption (demand). DSOs/TSOs are generally in charge of operating the demand response in an efficient way with less possible interruptions of electrical supply.
The main goal of asset management is to increase the availability, reliability and performance of assets, while reducing the total cost of ownership of these resources. Today, asset management often also includes a sustainability aspect that focuses on energy efficiency.
In the field of energy systems, the goal of the economy is to achieve the best possible results at the lowest possible cost. Namely, economic theory can be used to analyse energy markets and environmental activities related to energy activities.
An important factor in planning electricity generation is the energy market. Planning is carried out based on various factors, including, for example, operational availability, current market conditions and, in the case of hydropower plants, the current hydrology.
Energy policy is a public policy to operate in areas related to energy supply, namely energy production from energy sources, energy conversion, energy transmission, energy storage and energy trading. Also, energy policy deals with energy use, in particular the possibility of influencing energy use. National energy policy is largely a reflection of European legislation.
At the beginning of 2020, Slovenia adopted the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), following the European regulation on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action. This strategic document sets out the goals, policies and measures of Slovenia in the five dimensions of the Energy Union.
The essence of energy efficiency is energy-saving and consequently the orientation towards achieving the goals of sustainable development. Energy-efficient devices use less energy to attain the same goal. However, savings in the field of energy can be achieved either by saving or increasing its efficiency.
Demand side management means encouraging customers to be more flexible in their electricity consumption. Namely, customers adjust their consumption to different electricity prices in time intervals or decide to adjust consumption because they are encouraged to do so by programs aimed at reducing consumption at times of higher wholesale prices or at a time when the electricity system is exposed. Demand side management, therefore, contributes to balancing the electricity system.
The integration of renewable energy sources (RES) into the grid is strongly linked to the development of innovative energy storage solutions. With diversified sources of electricity production, the readapting of the electricity system is needed.
One of the risks in energy systems is interrupted supply. Risk management enables the safe and profitable operation of energy systems, with a sophisticated information system and support being key.
With the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the industrial revolution, the extremely rapid development of devices connected to the Internet began. What these devices have in common is that they can connect to the internet. It is a concept that connects devices to the Internet and allows them to communicate with each other. IoT is a very wide network of connected devices that collect information about how they are used and the environment in which they operate. IoT technologies are emerging in many areas, including energy.
The electricity that powers the vehicle is usually obtained from the rechargeable battery packs in the vehicle. Simultaneously with the development of internal combustion engines, the capacities of electric batteries and the usability of electric motors also increased.
Energy solutions extend to both private consumers and industry. It is mainly about increasing energy efficiency, using renewable resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. If we include them already in the construction phase, we are talking about sustainable construction, which not only reduces energy consumption but also reduces the need for it.
Wind energy is one of the fastest growing types of renewable energy. It refers to the process of generating electricity using wind or air currents that occur naturally in the Earth’s atmosphere. Modern wind turbines generate electricity with the help of kinetic wind energy.
Currently, we are involved in five research projects which are all part of the EU program Horizon 2020.
We are constantly striving to connect with the industry and follow the latest technological solutions. With the help of industrial projects, we expand not only our knowledge but also partnerships and cooperation.
International projects enable us to connect with many recognized foreign institutions and keep up to date with innovations in the main areas of our activities.