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Overview
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Professor in the Department of Engineering+44 (0) 191 33 41734

Biography

I am a Professor of Electrical Engineering at Durham University, where I develop mathematical optimisation and physics-informed artificial intelligence (AI) methods for future power systems. My research combines power-system modelling, optimisation, machine learning and uncertainty quantification to develop fast, reliable and scalable computational methods for increasingly complex, renewable-rich and flexible electricity networks.

A major focus of my current research is the development of physics-informed AI and surrogate models for computationally intensive power-system optimisation and security assessment. This includes physics-informed neural networks (PINNs), machine-learning-assisted optimisation and data-driven models for problems such as optimal power flow (OPF), security-constrained optimal power flow (SCOPF), unit commitment, power-system stability and flexibility deployment. The aim is to exploit the speed and adaptability of AI while retaining the physical consistency and reliability required for engineering applications.

My research builds on a longstanding interest in the mathematical modelling and optimisation of complex power systems. I have developed advanced formulations for AC and hybrid AC/DC networks, including the Universal Branch Model and Convex Flexible Branch Model, and have investigated optimisation and decision-making under uncertainty in renewable-rich power systems. More recently, my work has expanded towards AI-assisted methods for accelerating optimisation, assessing operational security and enabling the effective integration of renewable generation and distributed flexibility.

My broader research interests include AI for power systems, power-system optimisation, active distribution networks, flexibility and resilience, hybrid AC/DC networks, renewable energy integration, reliability assessment, uncertainty quantification and power-system dynamics.

I welcome applications from prospective PhD students with backgrounds in electrical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, control, data science and related disciplines, particularly those interested in combining AI, optimisation and physical modelling to address challenges in future energy systems. Current research opportunities include physics-informed AI and surrogate modelling for OPF and SCOPF, AI-assisted power-system security and stability assessment, optimisation of flexible distribution networks, and computational methods for renewable-rich power-system planning and operation.

I also welcome opportunities for collaboration with academic and industrial partners working on the operation, planning and transformation of future electricity networks.

Research interests

  • Advanced Power Systems Modelling
  • Decision Making under Uncertainty
  • Flexibility and Resiliency in Future Power Systems
  • Optimal Power Flows
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning applied to Power Systems
  • Reliability Evaluation of Power Systems
  • Renewable Energy Integration (Wind Power)
  • Power System Dynamics

Publications

Authored book

Chapter in book

Conference Paper

Journal Article

Presentation

Report

  • KDOTS Position Paper
    Saxena, I., Troffaes, M., & Kazemtabrizi, B. (n.d.). KDOTS Position Paper. Durham University, Kinewell Energy.