Dario Giannelli, 30, is currently working in the R&D department of ABB E-Mobility, based in San Giovanni Valdarno, Arezzo, Italy. He holds a Master’s degree in Electrical and Automation Engineering from the University of Florence, which he obtained in July 2023.
Dario joined ABB E-Mobility in October 2023, taking on the role of project lead for XL-CONNECT and providing support for various EU-funded projects in which ABB is involved. His responsibilities also include close collaboration with ABB’s dedicated Energy Management team, contributing to testing, adoption, and performance optimization of related technologies.
What was your original motivation to become a researcher/project manager?
I was motivated by the potential to make an impact on sustainability. As an electrical engineer, I know that energy management is crucial for reducing carbon footprints and enhancing energy efficiency. Being part of projects, that drive these advancements, is motivating me.
The interdisciplinary nature of energy management and simulation attracted me to this field. I enjoy tackling challenges that require a blend of electrical engineering, data analysis, and simulation skills. This role allows me to work at the intersection of technology and sustainability, which I find very rewarding.
What is your (main) research area today?
The research topic in which I’m mostly involved is related to the development of Mathematical Models for DC Chargers – for plant level simulation – using electrical CAD and simulation tools (e.g. SIMULINK/MATLAB and PSCAD) as to emulate the entire charging environment.
Additionally I’m involved for developing an Energy Management System at plant level, as to apply energy policies, charging strategies as to optimize the power flow and satisfy EV demand.
What is the main focus of your team in XL-Connect?
In the XL-CONNECT project, ABB aims to develop an AC microgrid that integrates Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), solar energy solutions, and ABB’s V1G and V2G chargers. A key component of this initiative is the development of an Energy Management System (EMS), designed to optimize power flow within the system.
From all your activities within the project, what are you the most proud of/keen to share with the public?
One of the activities that I’m proud to share is the Microgrid demonstrator itself and the physical infrastructure built to achieve XL-CONNECT goal.
Equally important is the data sharing system and the Site Device Manager, that is the “brain” of the entire system, allows to control and keep stable the grid during operations.
How do you expect the XL-Connect results will impact your organisation?
My contributions is focusing on managing a complex plant comprising V1G and V2G chargers, BESS (capable to work as to AC islanded grid or connected to main), PV solar system implementing the control functions of these devices into the Energy Management Device.
In the second phase we’ll validate and testing these function on XL-CONNECT microgrid infrastructure, as to obtain real data and measurements.
So Energy Management and V2G topics are very relevant in my company, especially for ABB’s next generation product, so XL-CONNECT results can benefit and increasing the know-how related to this topic.
