Bruno C o r t e s

This initiative combined renewable energy planning and industrial power quality research. Early work focused on hydrothermal operation optimization with wind generation integration, demonstrating the economic benefits of renewable participation in Brazil’s energy sector. Subsequent studies investigated the effects of harmonic distortion and voltage unbalance on induction motor performance through detailed simulations. The research identified important relationships among power quality disturbances, torque oscillations, current distortion, and equipment reliability, providing a solid foundation for optimization measures to advance energy efficiency in sustainable energy systems.

Supported by PETROBRAS and ANP research programs, this initiative advanced the reliability and performance of Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) systems used in offshore oil production. Detailed electromechanical models were developed to represent induction motors, centrifugal pumps, power electronic drives, and long subsea cables. Research activities investigated startup dynamics, voltage-drop compensation, harmonic mitigation, converter topologies, and mechanical torque estimation. The resulting methodologies improved operational understanding and supported more reliable, efficient, and robust oil lifting systems.

Major contributions included the development of methodologies for voltage stability assessment, network reduction, multiphase power-flow analysis, and the identification of multiple operationally-stable solutions in unbalanced distribution networks. Additional research advanced DSTATCOM control strategies for voltage regulation and power quality enhancement. The resulting analytical tools support utility planning, operational analysis, and the reliable integration of increasingly complex distributed energy resources.

Conducted through ANEEL-funded projects in partnership with CPFL Energia, this initiative investigated the integration of battery energy storage systems, distributed energy resources, and electromobility into modern distribution networks. The work combined technical, regulatory, and economic analyses to evaluate deployment opportunities, operational impacts, and implementation challenges. Research activities encompassed energy storage applications, electric vehicle charging infrastructure planning, distributed energy resource integration, and smart city solutions. The resulting studies supported utility decision-making on operational flexibility, regulatory adaptation, and emerging business models for a more decentralized and low-carbon energy system.

Developed at UNICAMP’s Center for Energy Transition Studies (CPTEn), this initiative leveraged statistical modeling, machine learning, artificial intelligence, transformer thermal analysis, and regulatory assessment to advance asset management in modern distribution systems. Key contributions included methodologies for technical loss estimation, transformer criticality assessment, asset replacement prioritization, photovoltaic impact analysis, synthetic load profile generation, and asset lifetime evaluation. The resulting tools provided utilities with actionable insights to improve reliability, optimize investments, and support grid modernization under increasing distributed energy resource penetration.