Multi-energy System Planning and Operation

Multi-energy System Planning and Operation (MESPO) group: https://mespoteam.github.io/, established at Aalto University in 2023, leads pioneering research focused on advancing carbon neutrality and energy intelligence goals. The planning and operation of multi-energy systems (MES) such as (industrial, commercial, Agri-cultural) microgrids, ships & seaports, buildings, flights & airports, etc., involves the coordination of diverse energy forms, including electricity, heat, and gas, green hydrogen, water, transportation, etc. MES aims to optimize energy production, storage, and consumption to ensure efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. These systems often incorporate renewable energy sources like solar, wind, tidal energy, biomass, etc., as well as advanced storage technologies, to meet the growing demand for clean and reliable energy. Further, in recent years, AI development has accelerated rapidly, driven by advancements in computational power, data availability, and algorithmic innovation. Machine learning techniques, particularly DRL and large language model, are being employed in complex environments to handle uncertainty, automate control processes, and improve system reliability. 

Key research topics include:

1. Multi-Energy Coordination: Optimal operation of MES, i.e., microgrids, ships & seaports, virtual power plants (VPPs), flight & airports, buildings, etc., with power, heat/cooling, water, transportation and hydrogen networks, power to X techniques, and demand response. 
2. AI + Energy: Online data-driven (AI) prediction and operation with machine learning methods such as deep reinforcement learning, large language model, transfer learning, federate learning, etc.
3. Uncertainty Management: Tackling uncertainties from renewables, prices, outdoor temperature, etc., via methods such as robust or stochastic programming methods.
4. Resilience Enhancement: Improve the system's ability to withstand and recover from natural disasters or supply interruptions by implementing robust and adaptive strategies such as reconfiguration.
5. Market mechanism: achieve effective energy trading with game theory methods.

The MESPO group is led by Assistant Professor Zhengmao Li.