Lab Info | GML

1. Background

The Nepalese power grid is moving towards the scenario of having sufficient surplus generation compared to the electrical local load demand. This has removed loadshedding from the country and allowed the grid to look forward to new and exciting technologies adoption such as smart-grid, digital substation, optical fiber communication for power systems, phasor measurement units installations etc. All of these new technologies will help to make the Nepalese grid stronger, reliable and effective.

This lab proposes to develop tools and software using state of the art techniques to strengthen the Integrated Nepal Power System (INPS). The developed tools aim to be more accurate, computationally efficient and robust compared to the existing tools used by Nepal Electrical Authority (NEA) and Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Similarly, the lab will do highly relevant and important research such as application of storage (pumped hydro and others), wide area monitoring and control that could be highly beneficial for the future INPS scenario. Finally, the lab will develop technologies with collaboration with industries for enhancement of power system that will help to reduce import of similar products from abroad.

2. Objectives

GML lab aims to develop the tools for strengthening and modernize the power system and so the main objectives of it are as follows:

To develop tools using state of the art techniques for enhancement of the electric grid.
To demonstrate cutting edge technologies for grid enhancement through real world implementations.
To serve as a hub for academicians and industrialists in the field of grid modernization.

Tool
Development

Technology
Demonstration

Figure 1: Objectives of GML lab

3. Scope of the Lab

This lab aims to conduct research and provide tools to analyze the power system. Furthermore, it also aim to develop technologies that can strengthen the power systems.

Tool Development

Data driven methods
Probabilistic and stochastic methods
Optimization
Efficient power flow algorithms...

Technology Demonstration

Wide area monitoring, protection and control
Digital twins
Grid visualization

Figure 2: Scope of the lab

4. Lab Team Organization

GML Lab aims to be a pioneer in smart-power system and have a strong team. It will be headed by the lab leader who will be guided by the Head of Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Dean of School of Engineering, Kathmandu University. The lab will be supported by both the internal faculties of the concerned department as well as by different industrial partners. Furthermore, it will also guided by foreign experts.

Dean of Engineering &
Head of Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Lab Leader

Experts National/ International Universities
Industrial partners

Student/Researchers PhD
Master
Bachelors

Staffs

Figure 3: Structural Organization of the GML Lab

Table 1: Details of the lab personnel

No.	Name	Role	Affiliation	Specialization
1	Dr. Samundra Gurung	Lead	Asst. Professor, KU	Expert in power system analysis & stability
2	Dr. Kamal Chapagain	Lab Advisor	Asst. Professor, KU	Expert in AI for energy
3	Prof. Petr Korba	Lab Advisor	Zurich University	Expert in Power Systems
4	Prof. Dr. Francisco Jurado	Lab Advisor	Univ. of Jaen, Spain	Expert in power system policy
5	Er. Ashish Shrestha	Lab Advisor	Mailung Khola Hydro	12 years experience in hydropower
6	Dr. Sushil Aryal	Lab Advisor	NEA	15+ years experience in power systems

5. Impacts of GML Lab

Benefit Category	Community	University	Industry
Research	Develop power system solutions for a better, smart and reliable power grid Fabrication of technologies which can improve various rural off-grid	More hands on training for subjects: EPEG 317: Measurement & Instrumentation, EPEG 315: Power Systems-I, EPEG 318: Power Electronics, EPEG 413: Power Systems-II, MEPE 503: Power System Analysis, MEPE 510: Power System Dynamics and Control Publication of papers in Internationally-reviewed journals and proceedings Patent Training of researchers in the field of power electronics, machine learning, and IOT	Solve urgent and important existing problems in the field of power systems. Develop prototype technologies which can benefit the Nepalese Power System Technology transfer Better cooperation and trust between Industry and University
Socio-economic	Increased reliability of electricity	Better cooperation and trust between Industry and University Collaboration between different institutes and university with KU	Sustainable income due to overhead cost and patent Possible increase in revenue due to locally manufactured product

6. Expected Outcomes

                This lab will conduct high quality researches for Nepalese power systems which will help to strengthen our country power grid.
This lab aims to develop tools for grid strengthening which can potentially bring revenue to the university.
The lab will collaborate with various national and international research partners, industries and universities thus will help to improve the quality of teaching, upgrade the department and research environment.
The lab will bring funds from internal and external sources providing employment opportunities and ultimately will help to enhance the reputation of the university.

            

7. Projects

D-VA Grid: Distribution Automation Tool for Visualization and Control of Automated Devices for a Reliable and Efficient Electric Distribution System. (Funded by Energize Nepal)
REDS: Smart Urban Electric Distribution for a Reliable and Efficient Electric Power Supply to all Consumers. (Funded by NAST Nepal)
Net Zero: Strategies for a Secure Operation of Net Zero Power Systems. (Funded by Leading House for Research Collaboration)

8. Development and Sustainability Plan

Stage I

Lab Idea

Stage II

Incubation

Stage III

Demonstration

Stage IV

Promotion

Stage V

Sustaining

	Stage I Lab Idea	Stage II Incubation	Stage III Demonstration	Stage IV Promotion	Stage V Sustaining
Strategies	Identification of critical and key problems in Nepalese power systems Consultation and collaboration with experts and industrial partners	Laboratory setup Hiring of researchers and office staff Search and apply for different internal and external funding sources Apply for internal and external funding resources	Provide solutions to beneficiaries Apply for patent	Use sales, tools and promotional material such as brochure, website Advertising and communication through exhibition, seminars etc Provide training to students, researchers and collaborators	Collaborate with other laboratories and research centers Develop technologies according to the Nepalese power system demand Incorporating new technologies according to advancement and market requirement to product Extend the lab to a center Provide training to stakeholders
Expected Outcome	Cutting edge research applied to significant power system problems	Laboratory setup Funding	Research results and product development	Lab will be well-known in the power system field	A sustainable and leading lab in the field of power system