The research team at the Renewable Energy and Smart Grid Laboratory develop power system simulators for dynamic stability and steady-state studies. The focus of this research is large-scale (>10000 bus) power networks with integration of renewable power and dynamic loads. A variety of simulation environments are employed to create simulators including Matlab, C++, and Python. Advanced controller are verified through simulation environments for large-scale networks. 

A T&D co-simulation is developed by Dr. Mehraeen and his team that performs asymmetrical steady-state and dynamic studies for power grids with penetration of distributed energy resources at both transmission and distribution levels.

   The IEEE 14-bus benchmark power system is replicated at a low 230V three-phase voltage to include four 7.5 kW, 230V conventional synchronous generators, 1.5kW solar power system with both in-house-made and commercial dc-dc and dc-ac converters, power line impedances (replicated via resistors and inductors), and loads. The circuit works as a micro grid and is controlled via dSpace controllers. The lab has been designed by Dr. Mehraeen and his research team and was supported the Entergy corporation of Louisiana, the National Science Foundation (through Career grant), and the Division of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

 The synchronous generators are coupled with induction motors that are driven by variable speed drives. They are equipped with industrial automatic voltage regulators and generator protection relays. A flywheel is designed for the generators in order to mimic an actual power plant generator inertia.

 In another line of research, we develop and study hybrid dc circuit breakers for low voltage dc systems (<1000V) that mitigate the arc at high dc currents and voltages inherent to the available technologies.