Prithwiraj Purkait's research while affiliated with Jadavpur University and other places

With rapid urbanization, the need for energy usage has become more dominant than any other demand in modern society. With rapidly depleting fossil fuel sources, seconded by the need for environmental protection, the search for new and renewable energy (RE) sources has gained immense importance as sustainable alternatives. However, because of the intermittent and unpredictable nature of many of these RE sources, it has become imperative that their greatest benefit can only be harnessed when they are integrated into existing electric power networks. In this context, the greatest impetus toward comprehending a sustainable future is evolution of technology for integration of RE sources in electric power network and its control. There are various issues to be addressed while integrating RE sources to the power grid, including technical, economic, societal, and other challenges. This chapter begins by introducing the opportunities of integrating RES into the power grid, followed by their scopes and benefits. The various challenges faced while integrating RE into the power grid are further explained with specific case studies. Possible solutions to these issues are discussed in the next sections. Progress in the area of development of mathematical models of RE systems for studies related to grid integration is highlighted. Simulation tools that are being used by the research community for RE integration and control applications are introduced. Finally, some recent research works on RE integration-related activities are presented. This book chapter thus aims to enrich the knowledge base in green energy systems and opens up new horizons for simulation and experimental studies to address the crucial need of power industry in exploring power electronics, control technology, information and communication technology (ICT), and smart grid technology for supporting RE integration to grid.