Technical Program SSIE 2012
Monday July 16, 2012 – 9:00 – 13:00
Prof. Paolo Tenti, University of Padova
Smart micro-grids – Properties, trends and local control of energy sources.
Abstract. After a general introduction of the main properties, benefits and challenges of the smart grid, the lecture focuses on low-voltage residential smart grids (smart micro-grids), which represent a new and huge potential market for ICT. In fact, the distributed energy resources acting in the micro-grids (renewable sources, storage batteries, etc.) interface with the distribution network by electronic power processors (EPP), whose synergistic operation may result in full exploitation of energy sources, increase of distribution efficiency and voltage stabilization across the micro-grid. This requires distributed cooperative control algorithms, which are implemented locally in each EPP and feature plug & play operation. The lecture analyzes some basic cooperative control principles which allow automatic integration of new energy resources, provide quasi-optimum operation of the micro-grid, and require only narrowband communication among neighbor units.
Tuesday July 18, 2012 – 9:00 -12:30
Prof. Antonio Liscidini, University of Pavia
RF building blocks and techniques for low power wireless transceiver
Abstract. The reduction of power consumption in modern wireless transceivers can be achieved following two main strategies: the power recycling and the power re-configurability. In the first case, a long-lasting battery life is obtained with a penalty in performances while in the second case with an increment of the complexity. Both these approaches will be discussed: current re-use techniques applied to GPS and WSN receivers, while power scalability concept applied to some RF blocks of a cellular transceiver.
Wednesday July 17, 2012 – 9:00 – 11:00
Prof. Sandro Zampieri, University of PadovaDistributed Control of the reactive power in smart microgrids.
Abstract. We consider the problem of optimal reactive power compensation for the minimization of power distribution losses in a smart microgrid. We first propose an approximate model for the power distribution network, which allows us to cast the problem into the class of convex quadratic, linearly constrained, optimization problems. We also show how this model provides the tools for a distributed approach, in which agents have a partial knowledge of the problem parameters and state, and can only perform local measurements. Then, we design a randomized, gossip-like optimization algorithm, providing conditions for convergence together with an analytical characterization of the convergence speed.
Wednesday July 17, 2012 – 11:30 – 13:00
Dr. Andrea Tonello, University of Udine
Power Line Communication Systems in the Smart Grid Context
Abstract. The seminar will focus on Power Line Communication (PLC) Systems: telecommunication systems that are among the most interesting in the Smart Grid context. PLC systems exploit the electrical wires to convey information data. This can translate into reduced installation time and cost for the telecommunication infrastructure that is necessary for the management of the grid through supervision and control mechanisms. The seminar will offer an overview of PLC applications. Then, we will discuss relevant aspects related to the channel characterization, channel modeling, and we will describe reliable transmission technologies and techniques. Finally, we will present some relevant PLC standards, both narrow band and broad band, and discuss their application in the Smart Grid.
Wednesday July 18, 2012 – 14:30 -18:00
Prof. Stephan Weiss, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, ScotlandSmart Grid Communications in Rural Areas — Wireless Access via TV White Space Spectrum
Abstract. Due to the hierarchical organisation of the electricity grid and the emergence of distributed generation particularly in rural areas where the communications infrastructure is poor, this seminar will focus on emerging wireless access techniques for areas which are currently underdeveloped or underserved. As an example, we will focus on a wireless trial running in the Western Isles of Scotland, where broadband access and 3G services are non-existent or limited at best. We will review the emerging idea of utilising ‘white space’ spectrum, which is being freed as part of the switch-over from analoue to digital TV broadcast. The freed UHF spectrum has benign propagation characteristics, and a comparison between wireless broadband access in UHF to 2.4GHz and 5.2GHz bands will be made. Results from the trial will be presented, and motivate novel transceiver designs that are capable of sampling at RF, have cognitive features and can interact with geolocation data bases in order to identify suitable transmission channels. The seminar will conclude by considering how TV white space communications can be best utilised to enable smart grid communications.
Thursday July 19, 2012 – 9:00 – 13:00
Prof. Ruediger Quay, Fraunhofer, Freiburg, Germany
Advanced devices for efficient power conversion for green applications
Abstract. Green applications have entered the news not only since the recent natural disasters. They have also changed our way of considering every modern commodity. Electronic power devices and circuits are the engines of this technical development which is steady, breathtaking, and still – progressing extremely dynamically. The tutorial will give an overview on electronic devices for power applications with a focus on the developments induced by recent progress in the wideband gap semiconductor world. This includes the discussion of trends such as higher conversion frequencies, more compact designs, and faster switching and related issues. The tutorial will be divided in three parts: in a first part it discusses material properties of group III-nitride semiconductors for power applications. In a second part advanced power devices and circuits are given for both group III-N as well as silicon technology including, e.g., FET, COOLMOS and IGBTs. The third part yields a mutual comparison and circuit examples are given for various green applications.
Friday July 20, 2012 – 9:00 – 13:00
Prof. Marco Tartagni, University of Bologna
Future Trends in Zero-Power Systems
Abstract. Zero-Power systems may contribute to many applications in various sectors. Among them portable autonomous systems could open new endemic scenarios for wireless sensor networks, in situ monitoring for mobile/moving systems, body area networks, biomedical devices, portable power generation for mobile electronics. Special attention has been given to the market drivers for adopting energy harvesting devices in different market segments, factoring the progress of competing technologies and cost constraints. This presentation is aimed at giving an overview of this emerging field where energy aware electronic design is of strategic importance. However, since the processes of scavenging, transforming and storing energy are strictly inter-dependent, design optimization procedures should be treated using an integrated approach from a system perspective.
Tuesday July 17, 2012 – 15:00 – 16:30
Case Study Analysis
Workshop on emerging topics
Thursday July 19, 2012 – 15:00 – 17:30
Nicola Delmonte, University of Parma, Wave energy converter: a brief review of WECs technology and some aspects of oscillating wave column converter.
Fabrizio Troni, University of Parma, Modeling of Thin-Film Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cells.
Cristina Rottondi, Politecnico di Milano, A Security Framework for Smart Metering with Multiple Data Consumers.
Sanaz Kianoush, University of Pavia, Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks.
Alberto Savioli, University of Pavia, Impact of Channel Access on Localization in Cooperative UWB Sensor Network: a Case Study.
Simone Vaccari, University of Padova, Current and temperature dependence of electroluminescence in InGaN-based LEDs with multi-wavelength emission.
Isabella Rossetto, University of Padova, Indirect Techniques For Channel Temperature Estimation Of Hemt Microwave Transistors: Comparison And Limits.
Carlo De Santi, University of Padova, Trapping in AlGaN/GaN Gate Injection Transistors: a combined electrical and optical investigation.