Digital Solution
Fields of our research Digital SolutionAs the Fourth Industrial Revolution continues, advanced ICT technologies such as AI, IoT, Big Data, and Cloud Computing are coverging with the traditional power industry to drive transformational changes across power services. In addition, the technological environment is rapidly chainging to the era of carbon neutrality with the energy transition, and the traditional power supply system is also changing as the efficient production and supply of electricity is changing from a one-way supply-driven market to a customer-centered, two-way demand-driven market. In response, the Digital Solution Laboratory is promoting the development of the following technologies from a D.N.A(Data, Network, AI) perspective to create digital core competencies and value. First, we are developing IoT infrastructure-based wireless communication and sensor·image analysis technologies. Second, we are researching AI-based security technology for major infrastructure and blockchain and information model technology. Third, we are develooping integrated power market analysis solutions for the introduction of new power markets. Fourth, we are developing an intelligent power distribution system for future power system operations and generative AI-based business process automation technology. Fifth, we are developing performance evaluation technology for securing operational reliability and stable operation of power facilities. Sixth, we are developing renewable data platform and energy cloud patform to respond to the rapid increase in renewable power generation facilities. Finally, we are developing AI predictive models to intelligentize and streamline power operations. In order to respond to the rapidly chainging environment of the power industry, we are promoting technology development to integrate new technologies into the entire power business, and are leaping forward as a solution provider that provides core technologies for digital change.
IoT Infra Technology
It is conducting reliable IoT infrastructure technology R&D to safely collect large amounts of data in real time and process commands in a timely manner from various power facilities that make up the nationwide power grid. In order to secure an end-to-end cycle solution, field demonstration and extended application are being promoted for the following trends. Collect and transmit data based on wired and wireless communication security network technology(e-WSN/e-um 5G wireless communication, IoT security) → Intelligent platform technology-based sensor and image data processing and analysis(e-VIEW Imaging Diagnostics) → Develop core data diagnosis technology based on realistic service technology, utilize power services, and operate infrastructure(e-IoT worker monitoring, iLearn ultra-realistic training for safety ). From the creation of a technology ecosystem through standardization and open lab operation to the stabilization of operational technologies through the establishment of an educational demonstration system, it will take the lead in securing future power ICT technologies with great influence and ripple effects not only in the power industry but also in other related industries.
Power Market Solution Technology
Our company is experiencing continuous growth primarily due to the fact that electricity purchases from the power market account for over 90% of our total operating costs. Additionally, rising oil prices, system uncertainties, and the expansion of renewable energy sources contribute to this trend. Therefore, implementing a price stabilization policy and restructuring the power market system to ensure minimal increases in Spot Market Prices (SMP) and purchasing costs are crucial. Our power market solution research team has developed technologies capable of forecasting mid- to long-term prospects and analyzing the impact on government power policies. These technologies include assessing the introduction of new power markets (such as real-time and auxiliary service markets), expanding carbon power, and embracing competitive markets (e.g., Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and power brokerage). Moreover, we possess the capability to monitor power market prices, identify operational abnormalities, and detect unfair practices among market participants (such as excessive bidding and dismissal of Demand Response (DR)). Furthermore, we are developing a Power MIX simulator for cost analysis, real-time market analysis simulators, and a government power MIX plan for SMP decision-making. These technologies will be integrated into our next-generation power market total analysis system (MTAS). Leveraging this system, our company aims to significantly reduce power purchase costs by preventing SMP increases and establishing a systematic verification process for market design and operation, ultimately minimizing our electricity purchase ratio.
Securing the operational reliability of power facilities and advancement of operational technology
We are developing performance evaluation technologies for securing operational reliability and stable operation of power facilities for power plant, transmission, distribution. By developing a high-precision power plant simulator, we are carrying out a leading mission in researching flexible operation control technology of thermal power plant. In addition, we secured the reliability of control algorithm, field devices before start-up and by developing a gas turbine control verification system using a neural network algorithm, as a result, we achieved non-fault start-up in the view of control. By developing performance test technology for frequency regulation, we have contributed to improving the reliability of operating facilities and resolving the problems from power system instability due to the increased renewable energy. And we are developing power conversion technology for driving and regenerating synchronous condenser in order to contribute to securing power system inertia. In the future, by developing power plant automatic control technology, inverter deterioration diagnosis technology and solar power performance test technology for the distribution network, we will secure the operational reliability for power facilities and have a plan to occupy operational technology in advance.
AI Solution Technology for Power Secter
We provide core AI solutions for the power sector, focusing on intelligent prediction models to enhance efficiency and intelligence in power operations. In the field of renewable energy prediction AI, we research solar and wind power generation forecasts for achieving carbon neutrality, along with studying grid impact. In equipment operation AI, we focus on intelligent facility operation, fault diagnosis, and risk assessment for stable operation and planning. The demand analysis AI field supports participation in power bidding markets through demand and AMI analysis. In the field of management AI, we support optimal decision-making through data analysis and prediction in HR, management, and energy policy. In natural language and video analysis, we develop solutions for equipment fault detection, on-site safety, and biometric security, contributing to accident prevention. Moving forward, we’ll continue to address various on-site needs, swiftly analyzing problems through data analysis and providing solutions to tackle management challenges.
Information Security Technology
The cybersecurity research team in KEPCO Research Institute is conducting research projects aimed at the safe operation of information and communication infrastructure, monitoring and securing renewable energy, blocking threats to security systems, activating power transactions based on blockchain technology, and spreading economical and secure data modeling. Cyber threats are becoming more intelligent and diverse, so the team is focused on quickly applying the best methods for detecting, defending against, and recovering from these threats. Additionally, as the spread of renewable energy increases and the scope of the power market expands, the range of information our company creates, manages, and exchanges is rapidly growing. To effectively respond to these changes, we are planning not only to enhance security control but also to strengthen the security of connections between renewable energy operators, develop a tamper-proof digital asset-based energy trading platform, and develop an organized information model for economical data communication systems. As safe information exchange is a prerequisite for business among energy market participants, we are also working on developing commercialization packages of our technology, including national certification security modules and specialized control for the energy sector.
Digital Platform Technology
By utilizing ICT convergence technology for the power sector, ADMS(Advanced Distribution Management System) platform for future electric power system operation and the electric power R&D cloud platform (HUB-PoP) and artificial intelligence (AI) engine to support the development of efficient energy services, were developed as digital platform technologies. Currently, a Web-ADMS platform has been developed and applied to secure integrated control of renewable energy and flexibility of electric power distribution system. And in order to improve work productivity, digital assistants and AI work processes automation technologies are being developed using Generative AI technology, a next-generation artificial intelligence technology. Through a digital platform that provides a development environment from data collection to meaningful information extraction from numerous business systems in the future, it is supporting the revitalization of cooperative ecosystems and promoting the development of new business models for various energy industries.
Renewable Data Platform and Industrial Complex Energy Cloud Platform Technology
Domestic renewable energy capacity has grown rapidly from 10.7 GW in 2016 to 30.2 GW in 2021, tripling in just five years. It is expected to reach 78 GW by 2034. To cope with this growth, the KEPRI is developing a platform for integrating renewable energy data nationwide and a technology for an energy cloud platform to achieve energy self-sufficiency in industrial complexes. The renewable data platform collects and manages power generation data from renewable energy facilities that are being monitored across the country. For renewable energy facilities that are not monitored, AI-based prediction is used to generate virtual power generation data, allowing for the prediction of the total power generation of all renewable energy facilities. This data will be used to change the method of allowing renewable energy capacity from being based on the capacity of renewable energy facilities to being based on the actual power generation of renewable energy facilities. This change is expected to contribute to increasing the allowing capacity for renewable energy connections. The industrial complex energy cloud platform aims to increase the energy self-sufficiency rate of industrial complexes by providing monitoring and control of power generation and consumption resources within the complex to improve energy efficiency. The platform will also offer additional services such as greenhouse gas emission credits and RE100. Furthermore, by linking the platform with distribution system operators (DSOs), it will be possible to improve power quality management in industrial complexes, reduce grid expansion costs, stabilize power supply, and minimize losses.