Portland State University’s Power Engineering Lab develops technologies and methods for creating a smarter, more reliable, and more sustainable electric power grid. Located in the Fourth Avenue Building, the lab brings together students, faculty, electric utilities, and industry partners to solve real-world power system challenges. Research focuses on integrating renewable energy, electric vehicles, energy storage, and other distributed energy resources into the power grid.
Power and Energy Research
The Power Engineering Lab studies how emerging energy technologies affect the electric grid and how they can be coordinated to improve its performance.
Research areas include:
- Distributed energy resource aggregation
- Electric distribution system modeling
- Electric vehicle charging and grid impacts
- Grid-service dispatch using aggregated energy resources
- Volt/VAR control
- Conservation voltage reduction
- Smart grid monitoring and control
- Energy storage
- Renewable energy integration
Learn About Power and Energy Research
Smart Grid Research
A smart grid uses monitoring, communication, automation, and control technologies to respond to changing electricity demand and operating conditions.
Researchers in the Power Engineering Lab study how distributed energy resources—such as electric vehicles, batteries, water heaters, solar energy systems, and other connected devices—can communicate with and support the electric grid.
One area of research examines how electric vehicle charging affects local distribution transformers. Researchers explore how monitoring, communication, and control systems can manage charging during periods of high electricity demand, helping utilities reduce stress on grid equipment while meeting drivers’ needs.
Learn About Smart Grid Research
Student Research Opportunities
Undergraduate and graduate students participate in applied research addressing challenges facing the modern electric grid. Students gain experience with power engineering tools and contribute to projects with real-world applications.
Projects may involve:
- Power system modeling and simulation
- Distributed energy resources
- Electric vehicles and charging systems
- Renewable energy and energy storage
- Grid monitoring and control
- Programming and hardware prototyping
- Data collection and analysis
Useful skills may include:
- Python
- Raspberry Pi
- Data analysis
- Electrical power systems
- Modeling and simulation
Students do not need experience in every area to participate. Specific opportunities and requirements depend on current projects.
Explore Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Utility and Industry Collaboration
The Power Engineering Lab works with regional utilities and energy organizations to investigate emerging technologies and prepare students for careers in the power and energy sector. Portland General Electric has supported the lab and helped create a hands-on environment where students can contribute to industry-relevant projects. PSU’s broader power and energy research also includes collaboration with Portland General Electric, the Bonneville Power Administration, and other energy-sector partners. These collaborations allow students to work on practical power engineering challenges while helping utilities and other organizations evaluate technologies for a more flexible, reliable, and sustainable electric grid.
Learn About PSU's Partnership with PGE
Explore Power & Energy at Maseeh College