Cookies Policy
The website need some cookies and similar means to function. If you permit us, we will use those means to collect data on your visits for aggregated statistics to improve our service. Find out More
Accept Reject
  • Menu
    About

    About

    I graduated in Electrical Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto - FEUP (2003), and completed his PhD in Power Systems in November 2008, also in the University of Porto.

    I am with the Centre for Power and Energy Systems of INESC TEC since September 2003, being senior researcher since 2009. I am also the “Network Studies and RES & DER Integration” Area leader in the Centre for Power and Energy Systems of INESC TEC since September 2015. In February 2009 I joined the Department of Electrical Engineering of FEUP as Assistant Professor, being involved in the lecturing activities in the Integrated Master in Electrical and Computer Engineering as well as in the Doctoral Programs (Doctoral Program in Sustainable Energy Systems and Doctoral Program in Electrical and Computer Engineering). 

    I have been involved (either as a technical leader of research teams or as a Researcher) in several EU-funded projects, namely:

    1.      MICROGRIDS: Large Scale Integration of Micro Generation to Low Voltage Grids;

    2.      MORE-MICROGRIDS: Advanced Architectures and Control Concepts for More Microgrids;

    3.      MERGE: Mobile Energy Resources for Grids of Electricity;

    4.      TWENTIES: Transmission system operation with large penetration of Wind and other renewable Electricity sources in Networks by means of innovative Tools and Integrated Energy Solutions;

    5.      HYPERBOLE: HYdropower plants PERformance and flexiBle Operation towards Lean integration of new renewable Energies;

    6.      EU-SysFLEX: Pan-European system with an efficient coordinated use of flexibilities for the integration of a large share of RES.

    I have been also involved in technical consultancy activities regarding wind farms connection to the grid. Additionally, I have been also providing technical consultancy regarding large-scale integration of renewable energy sources in isolated power systems while adressing system dynanmic and transient stability. 

    The main domains of my current research activities are related with large scale integration of renewable power sources in isolated and interconnected power systems, power system dynamics and microgrids operation and control.

    Interest
    Topics
    Explore Interest Topics
    Details

    Details

    • Name

      Carlos Moreira

    • Role

      Senior Researcher

    • Since

      01st March 2003
    095
    Publications
    View all Publications

    2025

    Multi-criteria placement and sizing of utility-scale grid forming converters

    Authors
    Fernandes, FS; Lopes, JP; Moreira, CL;

    Publication
    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ELECTRICAL POWER & ENERGY SYSTEMS

    Abstract
    This work proposes a robust methodology for the location and sizing of grid forming (GFM) converters that simultaneously considers the solution costs and the security gains while accounting for the TSO nonlinear cost-security sensitivity. Such methodology, which includes a collection of techniques to reduce the problem dimensionality, formulates the placement problem as a non-linear multi-criteria decision support problem and uses a solution-seeking algorithm based on Bayesian Optimisation to determine the solution. To ease comprehension, a modified version of the IEEE 39 Test System is used as a case study throughout the method's detailed explanation and application example. A sensitivity analysis of the GFM converter's over-current capacity in the solution of the formulated placement problem is also performed. The results show that the proposed method is successful in finding solutions with physical meaning and that respect the decision agent preferences.

    CloseRead Abstract

    2025

    Location of grid forming converters when dealing with multi-class stability problems

    Authors
    Fernandes, F; Lopes, JP; Moreira, C;

    Publication
    IET GENERATION TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION

    Abstract
    This work proposes an innovative methodology for the optimal placement of grid-forming converters (GFM) in converter-dominated grids while accounting for multiple stability classes. A heuristic-based methodology is proposed to solve an optimisation problem whose objective function encompasses up to 4 stability indices obtained through the simulation of a shortlist of disturbances. The proposed methodology was employed in a modified version of the 39-bus test system, using DigSILENT Power Factory as the simulation engine. First, the GFM placement problem is solved individually for the different stability classes to highlight the underlying physical phenomena that explain the optimality of the solutions and evidence the need for a multi-class approach. Second, a multi-class approach that combines the different stability indices through linear scalarisation (weights), using the normalised distance of each index to its limit as a way to define its importance, is adopted. For all the proposed fitness function formulations, the method successfully converged to a balanced solution among the various stability classes, thereby enhancing overall system stability.

    CloseRead Abstract

    2024

    Extending AC Security Constrained Optimal Power Flow for Low Inertia Systems with Artificial Neural Network-based Frequency Stability Constraints

    Authors
    Alizadeh, MI; Capitanescu, F; Barbeiro, PP; Gouveia, J; Moreira, CL; Soares, F;

    Publication
    2024 IEEE PES INNOVATIVE SMART GRID TECHNOLOGIES EUROPE, ISGT EUROPE

    Abstract
    Frequency stability in inverter-based renewable energy sources (RES)-dominated, low-inertia, power systems is a timely challenge. This paper employs a systematic approach, utilizing an artificial neural network (ANN) and dynamic simulation, to infer two key frequency stability indicators: nadir and rate of change of frequency (RoCoF). By reformulating the ANN mathematical model, these indicators are then integrated as mixed-integer non-linear constraints into a classical AC security-constrained optimal power flow (AC SCOPF), resulting in the proposed AC-F-SCOPF problem. The results of the proposed AC-F-SCOPF on the IEEE 39-bus system show that the problem identifies accurately the synchronous condensers which must run to ensure the frequency stability.

    CloseRead Abstract

    2024

    SYSTEM STUDIES FOR LARGE-SCALE INTEGRATION OF PV-BATTERY HYBRID POWER PLANTS IN AZOREAN ISLANDS

    Authors
    Castro, V; Sousa, P; Moreira, L; Lopes, P;

    Publication
    IET Conference Proceedings

    Abstract
    This paper discusses the assessment of integrating photovoltaic-battery hybrid power plants into the electrical grids of the Azores islands and their ability to comply with advanced network services. To ensure the hybrid power plant supports the grid operational requirements, a methodology was devised through steady-state and dynamic numerical simulations. On one hand, the steady-state analysis generated active-reactive power diagrams for different voltage levels at the plant’s interconnection point with the island’s grid, demonstrating that the internal grid of the PV-battery hybrid power plant allows a significant range of reactive power modulation in different operating conditions. On the other hand, dynamic analysis highlighted the plant’s crucial role in modulating reactive current production during grid faults. Additionally, it showed the plant’s capability to automatically reduce active power injection during over-frequency events and, as a result, lessening the frequency regulation effort for synchronous generators and fast energy storage system. © Energynautics GmbH.

    CloseRead Abstract

    2024

    Vehicle electrification and renewables in modern power grids

    Authors
    Tavares B.; Rodrigues J.; Soares F.; Moreira C.L.; Lopes J.;

    Publication
    Vehicle Electrification in Modern Power Grids: Disruptive Perspectives on Power Electronics Technologies and Control Challenges

    Abstract
    This chapter presents key insights for the planning and operation of distribution power grids integrating high shares of renewable generation and charging capacity for electric vehicles (EVs). Case studies are presented to illustrate the impact of expected trends for vehicle electrification in the operation and future expansion of distribution power grids. The potential of innovative approaches is also exploited. The smart-transformer concept based on solid-state-transformer architectures as well as hybrid AC/DC distribution grids is qualitatively evaluated as a suitable solution for the massive integration of EV charging.

    CloseRead Abstract