Clarkson University Develops New Solutions for the Power Grid

• Home >
• News & Events >

As the power industry moves toward a cleaner, more complex energy system of the future, Clarkson University is leading research to help utilities and grid operators solve real-world challenges and improve system reliability.

A portfolio of projects led by Leo Y. Jiang, an associate professor and director of the Center for Electric Power System Research at Clarkson University, is underway to address these challenges.

As more renewable energy sources come online and electricity use rises across homes, transportation, and industry, power systems are becoming harder to plan and operate. Clarkson's research helps utilities and grid operators respond to these changes with practical, data-driven solutions.

These projects are supported by Avangrid, the New York Independent System Operator and the New York Power Authority.

"Power systems are changing quickly," Jiang said. "We want to give industry partners the tools they can use to make better decisions, keep the lights on, and improve the energy efficiency of the grid."

Helping Utilities Plan Smarter Investments

Clarkson is working with Avangrid to help utilities shift from reactive upgrades to long-term planning of electricity infrastructure.

The rapid growth of rooftop solar, battery storage and electrification is making it harder to predict future energy demand. Utilities risk investing in electricity infrastructure upgrade too early, which can waste money, or too late, which can limit growth.

Jiang's team is developing tools that evaluate grid upgrades, energy storage and electrification together rather than separately. These tools use data to guide investment decisions under uncertain conditions and help utilities identify when and where upgrades are needed the most. The result is more efficient spending, lower risk, and a more reliable grid that keeps our lights on at reasonably lower electricity rates for customers.

"New York's energy future depends on strong collaboration between utilities, academia, and regulators," said José Antonio Miranda, Avangrid CEO. "Our collaboration with Clarkson University is one of many critical research partnerships statewide turning advanced research into real world tools that improve grid reliability and provide communities with smarter, more cost-effective energy solutions."

Updating Electricity Markets for a Changing Grid

Clarkson is also working with the New York Independent System Operator to improve how electricity markets should be designed and operated.

The electricity market systems were designed decades ago for large fossil fuel plants that could run at any time. Today's grid relies more on renewable energy, which varies with the weather, and battery energy storage, which has a limited duration.

Jiang's research focuses on updating these systems to better manage uncertainty of renewable energy and improve reliability. The team is refining how markets plan ahead and respond in real time, while also improving how flexible resources like battery storage are valued. These changes can lower costs, improve efficiency and support a more stable grid.

"NYISO greatly values its long-standing partnership with Dr. Leo Jiang and Clarkson University preparing the next generation of engineers for the critical work of building the future grid. Through applied research and the active involvement of his students, Dr. Jiang and his team have helped translate academic insight into valuable analysis that supports how we study reliability, markets, and system performance in New York. These collaborations provide an important pipeline of innovative thinking and emerging talent that directly supports NYISO's mission," said Pradip Kumar, Senior Manager of Market Solutions Engineering at the New York Independent System Operator.

Advancing Hydropower Reliability on the St. Lawrence River

In partnership with the New York Power Authority, Clarkson is tackling a long-standing challenge affecting hydropower generation along the St. Lawrence River.

During winter, a condition known as anchor ice forms underwater and attaches to the river bed. This can result in a higher water table, disrupt water operations, reduce power output, and damage critical infrastructure, leading to millions of dollars in losses each year for facilities operated by NYPA and Ontario Power Generation.

To address this, Jiang's team is developing advanced predictive tools that use artificial intelligence and machine learning to forecast when and where ice will form. By combining weather data with real-time operational information, the system provides early warnings that allow operators to take action before problems occur.

These insights also support better water flow decisions, helping maintain efficiency while protecting equipment in extreme conditions. The work shows how advanced analytics can strengthen the performance of existing renewable energy systems while reducing risk and improving reliability.

"Industry-academic collaborations are critical to addressing the real-world challenges facing today's energy infrastructure. By applying advanced analytics and AI to complex operational issues such as ice formation in hydropower systems, this work provides actionable insights that improve reliability, reduce risk, and support more informed decision-making. These types of innovations are essential to ensuring resilient and efficient operation of critical generation assets under increasingly dynamic conditions," said by Dr. Ahmed Mohamed, Senior R&TD Engineer II from New York Power Authority.

Supporting the Future of Energy

Clarkson University is helping power companies adapt to a rapidly changing energy system by connecting research with real-world solutions.

"Dr. Jiang's work is not only advancing the power grid, but also giving our students direct experience with real-world challenges," said Michelle Crimi, Dean of the Graduate School and Interim Vice Provost for Research and Technology Transfer. "These industry partnerships help prepare our students with the skills they need to succeed in tomorrow's energy workforce."