George Santos (CPES)

George Santos (CPES)

“The CPES coordinators would like to nominate George Santos – who showed autonomy, professionalism and dedication while ensuring the key tasks of the development contract for an equivalent model of a PV park (Nisa), with a high level of detail and thoroughness.”

– CPES coordinators

Given the current context, what challenges did you face while carrying out your tasks?

The entire project was carried out during the state of calamity in Portugal, which substantially hindered the communication between the project’s agents (client/CPES), namely explaining to the PV park developer the need for additional data to carry out the required modelling. In addition, it became necessary to work with a network analysis tool that I had never used, the PSS/E, because all my previous experience had been with the software used by the Brazilian TSO. This was a great challenge, given the different elements of the tools, mainly concerning dynamic analysis.

How did you overcome these challenges?

Some people in the real estate business say that only three things matter in their sector: location, location and location. In my case, I’d say that only three factors matter: information, information and information. Information about the project, which I had to persistently request to the client; information about the operation and tools of the PSS/E – with a lot of help from the Internet, mainly on how to operate them, and from Bernardo Silva as well, since he supported me in more commercial questions; information about calculation of equivalent models for variable renewable energy plants, comprehending all their elements.

Which aspects of your job do you enjoy the most? In your opinion, what is the main differentiating aspect of the project?

Working at a renowned institute like INESC TEC, which is at the forefront of technology in the power and energy sector, is an honour and a pleasure. Having the opportunity to talk and share my experience with other researchers on the most diverse engineering subjects – from the most traditional concepts of protection, to the new economy that will advance thanks to the generation of green hydrogen – is fascinating.

The main differentiating factor of the project developing the equivalent model of the park for studies on static and dynamic regimes, with exceptional precision regarding projects with the same characteristics, i.e., with inverters distributed among the park and connections relatively distant from their respective transformers. The developed procedure was crucial to the high quality outcomes of the project.

How do you comment on this nomination?

I’d like to say that I am very happy with this nomination. It shows that I did a great job, and that INESC TEC acknowledge it; it shows that I’ve made all the right decisions thus far. I am also grateful for the fundamental work developed by other members of CPES within the scope of the project, like Francisco Fernandes, whose participation and thoroughness concerning certain modelling aspects were fundamental.