Professor Xin Zhang

Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering

Professor in Control and Power Systems

xin.zhang1@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 25619

Amy Johnson Building

Full contact details

Professor Xin Zhang
Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering
Amy Johnson Building
Portobello Street
Sheffield
S1 3JD

Profile

My research is about electrical power and energy systems. Currently, I hold the prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship and EPSRC New Investigator Award. My research experience covers power system control, planning and operation, digital power systems, cyber-physical system modelling and co-simulation, smart grid and renewable energy, and transport electrification (land-air transport) with grid integration.

I lead the Sheffield Control and Power Systems Laboratory. This $5M+ research lab attracted the major research council grants including EPSRC Future Leaders Fellowship, EPSRC-UKRI Innovation Fellowship, as well as industrial support of Rolls-Royce, National Instruments, Texas Instruments, Siemens, ALSTOM, Turbo Power Systems, Chroma, Yokagawa, OPAL RT, etc.

My industrial experience (2011-19) was gained from National Grid ESO as the GB Electricity System Operator, where I was professionally trained as a power system engineer in planning and real-time operation, mainly in the GB Electricity National Control Centre. My specific industrial expertise includes power system modelling and operational tools development for energy balancing and system security, and real-time transmission network control. Previously I worked at Cranfield University as a directly appointed Senior Lecturer (2019-21) and Brunel University London (2021-23).

Qualifications

PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (2010), The University of Manchester
MSc (distinction) in Electrical Power Engineering (2007), The University of Manchester
B.Eng in Automation, Control Science and Engineering (2006), Shandong University

Research interests

My research is interdisciplinary across power, energy and digital aspects of system engineering. My primary research interest is in power systems, with wider research interests of cyber-security, machine learning, digital twins and their applications in power & energy industry.

Broadly, I investigate net-zero energy networks as critical infrastructure, integrating transport, information and communications, renewable, storage and hydrogen. I address energy resilience and flexibility challenges across Energy Theme.

Power system planning, operation and control (transmission, distribution, microgrid, renewables)
Cyber-physical system modelling and co-simulation (networked system control, power, energy, communications, transport)
Laboratory research platforms, hardware and facilities for simulation and control of power grid (real-time digital simulators, power electronics, intelligent computing)
Transport electrification (electric vehicle / aircraft charging, transport-energy nexus)

Publications

Journal articles

Guo Z, Lai CS, Luk P & Zhang X (2023) Techno-economic assessment of wireless charging systems for airport electric shuttle buses. Journal of Energy Storage, 64, 107123-107123.
Liu S, Cao Y, Ni Q, Xu L, Zhu Y & Zhang X (2023) Towards reservation-based E-mobility service via hybrid of V2V and G2V charging modes. Energy, 268, 126737-126737.
Wei X, Xiang Y, Li J & Zhang X (2022) Self-Dispatch of Wind-Storage Integrated System: A Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach. IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, 13(3), 1861-1864.
Hu Y, Bu S, Zhang X, Yung Chung C & Cai H (2022) Connection Between Damping Torque Analysis and Energy Flow Analysis in Damping Performance Evaluation for Electromechanical Oscillations in Power Systems. Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy, 10(1), 19-28.
Guo Z, Zhang J, Zhang R & Zhang X (2022) Aviation-to-Grid Flexibility Through Electric Aircraft Charging. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, 18(11), 8149-8159.
Zhang G, Zhang F, Wang X & Zhang X (2022) Fast Resilience Assessment of Distribution Systems With a Non-Simulation-Based Method. IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 37(2), 1088-1099.
Xiang Y, Zhou L, Huang Y, Zhang X, Liu Y & Liu J (2021) Reactive coordinated optimal operation of distributed wind generation. Energy, 218, 119417-119417.
Xiang Y, Cai H, Liu J & Zhang X (2021) Techno-economic design of energy systems for airport electrification: A hydrogen-solar-storage integrated microgrid solution. Applied Energy, 283, 116374-116374.
Zhao P, Gu C, Cao Z, Hu Z, Zhang X, Chen X, Hernando-Gil I & Ding Y (2021) Economic-Effective Multi-Energy Management Considering Voltage Regulation Networked With Energy Hubs. IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 36(3), 2503-2515.
Zhao P, Gu C, Xiang Y, Zhang X, Shen Y & Li S (2021) Reactive Power Optimization in Integrated Electricity and Gas Systems. IEEE Systems Journal, 15(2), 2744-2754.
Zhang G, Zhang F, Zhang X, Wu Q & Meng K (2020) A multi-disaster-scenario distributionally robust planning model for enhancing the resilience of distribution systems. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 122, 106161-106161.
Cui Y, Zhu J, Zoras S, Qiao Y & Zhang X (2020) Energy performance and life cycle cost assessments of a photovoltaic/thermal assisted heat pump system. Energy, 206, 118108-118108.
Zhang G, Zhang F, Zhang X, Wang Z, Meng K & Dong ZY (2020) Mobile Emergency Generator Planning in Resilient Distribution Systems: A Three-Stage Stochastic Model With Nonanticipativity Constraints. IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, 11(6), 4847-4859.
Zhang G, Zhang F, Zhang X, Meng K & Dong ZY (2020) Sequential Disaster Recovery Model for Distribution Systems With Co-Optimization of Maintenance and Restoration Crew Dispatch. IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, 11(6), 4700-4713.
Zhang G, Zhang F, Meng K, Zhang X & Dong ZY (2020) A Fixed-Point Based Distributed Method for Energy Flow Calculation in Multi-Energy Systems. IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, 11(4), 2567-2580.
Xiang Y, Hong J, Yang Z, Wang Y, Huang Y, Zhang X, Chai Y & Yao H (2020) Slope-Based Shape Cluster Method for Smart Metering Load Profiles. IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, 11(2), 1809-1811.
Xiang Y, Su Y, Wang Y, Liu J & Zhang X (2020) An Explicit Formula Based Estimation Method for Distribution Network Reliability. IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 35(4), 2109-2112.
Yan X, Gu C, Zhang X & Li F (2020) Robust Optimization-Based Energy Storage Operation for System Congestion Management. IEEE Systems Journal, 14(2), 2694-2702.
Wang H, Gu C, Zhang X & Li F (2020) Optimal CHP Planning in Integrated Energy Systems Considering Network Charges. IEEE Systems Journal, 14(2), 2684-2693.
Hu S, Xiang Y, Liu J, Gu C, Zhang X, Tian Y, Liu Z & Xiong J (2019) Agent-Based Coordinated Operation Strategy for Active Distribution Network With Distributed Energy Resources. IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, 55(4), 3310-3320.
Xiang Y, Hu S, Liu Y, Zhang X & Liu J (2019) Electric vehicles in smart grid: a survey on charging load modelling. IET Smart Grid, 2(1), 25-33.
Cai D, Ding L, Zhang X & Terzija V (2019) Wide area inter‐area oscillation control system in a GB electric power system. The Journal of Engineering, 2019(16), 3294-3300.
HU S, XIANG Y, ZHANG X, LIU J, WANG R & HONG B (2019) Reactive power operability of distributed energy resources for voltage stability of distribution networks. Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy, 7(4), 851-861.
Wang H, Gu C, Zhang X, Li F & Gu L (2018) Identifying the correlation between ambient temperature and gas consumption in a local energy system. CSEE Journal of Power and Energy Systems, 4(4), 479-486.
Zhang X, Bruce A, Rowland S, Terzija V & Bu S (2018) Modeling the development of low current arcs and arc resistance simulation. IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, 25(6), 2049-2057.
Yan X, Zhang X, Gu C & Li F (2018) Power to gas: addressing renewable curtailment by converting to hydrogen. Frontiers in Energy, 12(4), 560-568.
Liu J, Chai Y, Xiang Y, Zhang X, Gou S & Liu Y (2018) Clean energy consumption of power systems towards smart agriculture: roadmap, bottlenecks and technologies. CSEE Journal of Power and Energy Systems, 4(3), 273-282.
Xia SW, Bu SQ, Zhang X, Xu Y, Zhou B & Zhu JB (2018) Model reduction strategy of doubly-fed induction generator-based wind farms for power system small-signal rotor angle stability analysis. Applied Energy, 222, 608-620.
Gu C, Zhang X, Ma K, Yan J & Song Y (2018) Impact analysis of electricity supply unreliability to interdependent economic sectors by an economic-technical approach. Renewable Energy, 122, 108-117.
Zhang X, Zhu J, Bu S, Li Q, Terzija VJ & Rowland SM (2018) The Development of Low-Current Surface Arcs Under Clean and Salt-Fog Conditions in Electricity Distribution Networks. IEEE Access, 6, 15835-15843.
Bu SQ, Zhang X, Zhu JB & Liu X (2018) Comparison analysis on damping mechanisms of power systems with induction generator based wind power generation. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 97, 250-261.
Zhu J, Hu J, Hung W, Wang C, Zhang X, Bu S, Li Q, Urdal H & Booth CD (2018) Synthetic Inertia Control Strategy for Doubly Fed Induction Generator Wind Turbine Generators Using Lithium-Ion Supercapacitors. IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion, 33(2), 773-783.
Bu SQ, Zhang X, Xia SW, Xu Y, Zhou B & Lu X (2017) Reducing model complexity of DFIG-based wind turbines to improve the efficiency of power system stability analysis. Energy Procedia, 142, 971-976.
Zhang X & Rowland SM (2012) Stability and energy of low current surface discharges on wet surfaces. IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, 19(6), 2055-2062.
Zhang X, Rowland SM & Terzija V (2010) Increased energy in stable dry-band arcs due to length compression. IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, 17(2), 473-480.
Rowland S, Kopsidas K & Zhang X (2010) Aging of Polyethylene ADSS Sheath by Low Currents. IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 25(2), 947-952.
Wang C, Li J, Hu Y, Zhang X & Varga L () Load Frequency Control Based on Equivalent-input-disturbance Method for Isolated Small Hybrid Power System. DEStech Transactions on Environment, Energy and Earth Sciences(iceee).
() Chance-constrained optimal dispatch of integrated electricity and natural gas systems considering medium and long-term electricity transactions. CSEE Journal of Power and Energy Systems.
Liu J, Li J, Xiang Y, Zhang X & Jiang W () Optimal Sizing of Cascade Hydropower and Distributed Photovoltaic Included Virtual Power Plant Considering Investments and Complementary Benefits in Electricity Markets. Energies, 12(5), 952-952.
() Modeling agricultural load based on crop evapotranspiration and light integration for economic operation of greenhouse power system. CSEE Journal of Power and Energy Systems.

Conference proceedings papers

Li B, Guo Z, Yuan Y & Zhang X (2022) Study on the Impact of Aviation Electrification on Voltage Deviation of the GB Transmission System. 2022 57th International Universities Power Engineering Conference (UPEC), 30 August 2022 - 2 September 2022.
Guo Z, Zhang X & Zhang R (2021) A MULTI-AGENT MICROGRID ENERGY MANAGEMENT SOLUTION FOR AIR TRANSPORT ELECTRIFICATION. The 10th Renewable Power Generation Conference (RPG 2021)
Duan L, Zhang X, Balta-Ozkan N & Etminan S (2021) DESIGN AND OPERATION OF SOLAR-HYDROGEN-STORAGE INTEGRATED ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION IN SMART CITY. CIRED 2021 - The 26th International Conference and Exhibition on Electricity Distribution
Xiang Y, Liu J, Hu S, Gu C, Zhang X, Tian Y, Xiong J & Liu Z (2018) Agent-based Operation Strategy for Active Distribution Network Considering Energy Storage and Flexible Load. 2018 IEEE Industry Applications Society Annual Meeting (IAS), 23 September 2018 - 27 September 2018.
Zhang X & Rowland SM (2011) Modelling of low current surface discharges using PSCAD. 2011 Electrical Insulation Conference (EIC)., 5 June 2011 - 8 June 2011.
Zhang X & Rowland SM (2010) Modelling of dry-band discharge events on insulation surfaces. 2010 IEEE International Symposium on Electrical Insulation, 6 June 2010 - 9 June 2010.
Zhang X & Rowland SM (2009) Behaviour of low current discharges between water drops. 2009 IEEE Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena, 18 October 2009 - 21 October 2009.
Rowland SM, Zhang X & Kopsidas K (2008) Ageing of an ADSS Cable Sheath on a 132kV Overhead Transmission Line. 2008 Annual Report Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena, 26 October 2008 - 29 October 2008.
Rowland SM, Zhang X & Kopsidas K (2008) The Impact of System Voltage on the Ageing of All-Dielectric Self-Supporting Cables on Overhead Lines. Conference Record of the 2008 IEEE International Symposium on Electrical Insulation, 9 June 2008 - 12 June 2008.

Grants

Funder: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellowship (MR/W011360/1)

Project: Digitalisation of Electrical Power and Energy Systems Operation

Role: PI; Value: £1.8 million; Period: 2022 – 2026

Funder: EPSRC New Investigator Award (EP/W028905/1)

Project: Aviation-to-Grid: Grid flexibility through multiscale modelling and integration of power systems with electrified air transport

Role: PI; Value: £481k; Period: 2022 – 2025