Portrait of Hanane Dagdougui

Hanane Dagdougui

Associate Academic Member
Full Professor, Polytechnique Montréal, Department of Mathematical and Industrial Engineering
Research Topics
Deep Learning
Distributed Systems
Optimization

Biography

Hanane Dagdougui is a Full Professor at Polytechnique Montréal and Associate Academic Member of Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute. She received the Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering of Genova and the Mines Paris-Tech in France, as part of an international joint program in 2011. Prior to joining the Polytechnique Montreal in 2017, she was a research assistant at the department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering at the University of Genoa in 2013. From 2013 to 2016, she was an institutional researcher at the department of Electrical Engineering, ÉTS Montreal.

Her research interests are in the distributed optimization theory and applications of mathematical optimization. She is particularly interested in the applications of mathematical optimization and machine learning techniques to problems of smart grids, microgrids, and smart buildings. Her research interests include also the techno-economic modeling and planning of renewable energy-based systems, demand response and electric transportation.

Current Students

Postdoctorate - Polytechnique Montréal
Principal supervisor :
PhD - Polytechnique Montréal
Master's Research - Polytechnique Montréal
Co-supervisor :

Publications

Accelerated green material and solvent discovery with chemistry- and physics-guided generative AI
Eslam G. Al-Sakkari
Marzouk Benali
Olumoye Ajao
Daria C. Boffito
A Deep Learning and Inertia-Aware Load Shedding Framework for Mitigating Load-Altering Attacks
Anoosh Dini
Keyhan Sheshyekani
The widespread integration of information and communication technologies into modern power systems has increased their vulnerability to cybe… (see more)r-physical threats, such as load-altering attacks (LAA). These attacks can cause rapid load changes, potentially triggering protective mechanisms like under-frequency load shedding (UFLS). Existing approaches for mitigating these attacks are limited, and they mostly rely on preventive measures or neglect system dynamics. In this paper, we propose a novel online framework for the detection and mitigation of LAAs that addresses these limitations. The detection component employs a convolutional neural network–long short-term memory autoencoder (CNN-LSTM AE) architecture to capture anomalies in load consumption data. For mitigation, we propose an inertia-aware load shedding scheme that dynamically adjusts the shedding amount based on the real-time frequency and the magnitude of the attack. This approach prevents overshedding caused by predefined UFLS relay settings and mitigates undershedding by considering the system’s real-time inertia. To this end, a variable forgetting factor recursive least squares (VFF-RLS) algorithm is proposed, which can track inertia variations within a few seconds. The proposed framework is compatible with both synchronous generator-based and converter-interfaced generator-dominated grids. Simulations indicate the effectiveness of the proposed framework in maintaining frequency stability under a wide range of attack scenarios.
Simulate intelligently: Causal incremental reinforcement learning for streamlined industrial chemical process design optimization
Eslam G. Al-Sakkari
Mohamed Ali
Daria C. Boffito
A Comprehensive Review of Transmission and Distribution Optimal Power Flow Problems for the Integration of Distributed Energy Resources
Samuel M. Muhindo
Hussein Suprême
This paper presents a comprehensive review of coordination methods for addressing large-scale transmission and distribution optimal power fl… (see more)ow (TDOPF) problems involving distributed energy resources. With distinct objectives, each transmission and distribution system operator (TSO/DSO) independently seeks to solve its own optimal power flow (OPF) instance. First, iterative methods are reviewed, in which the central OPF is solved recursively by decomposing the full problem into smaller, more manageable sub-problems or by replacing peripheral portions of the network within the central OPF with reduced equivalent grids. Generally, the convergence to an optimal solution of the full problem when all sub-OPFs are coordinated is not guaranteed as iterative methods repeat procedures until the changes in control variables of the central OPF are minimal. Second, sequential methods are reviewed, in which the central OPF is solved sequentially in a fixed, nonrepeating procedure by considering previous results. Achieving a fair balance between TSO and DSO interests in sequential methods might adversely affect the performance of a largescale central OPF. The advantages and the limitations of the two coordination methods are presented based on the operation mode of TSO-DSO network. Future research opportunities for coordination methods of TSO-DSO network are drawn using the Kron reduction method and mean-field games.
A Novel Sequential Framework for Transmission Network Expansion Planning: Benders Decomposition Preceding Semidefinite Programming
Elmira Fathipasandideh
Hussein Suprême
Dalal Asber
The transmission network expansion planning (TNEP) problem is inherently complex because of its nonlinear and nonconvex nature, arising from… (see more) the inclusion of AC power flow constraints, discrete investment decisions, and multiple operating scenarios. These characteristics make the problem computationally challenging, particulary when scaling to larger systems with multistage planning horizons. Addressing this complexity requires advanced methodologies that balance the solution accuracy and computational efficiency. This paper presents a novel two-step framework for TNEP that first applies Benders decomposition to separate investment and operational decisions, followed by semidefinite linearization to reformulate the operational subproblems. The proposed approach enhances the solution quality by ensuring convexity in the subproblems and improves computational efficiency through decomposition. Numerical results for 6- , 10-, and 24-bus test systems demonstrate that the proposed method achieves superior performance compared to existing approaches in terms of solution accuracy and computational efficiency.
Adaptive Inertia Estimation of a Power System Area Using Variable Forgetting Factor Recursive Least-Squares
Anoosh Dini
Keyhan Sheshyekani
The increasing use of converter-interfaced generators (CIGs) in modern power grids has affected system inertia and posed challenges to grid … (see more)stability. In this regard, accurate and real-time monitoring of inertia is crucial for maintaining system stability, especially in low-inertia grids where even small disturbances can lead to rapid frequency deviations. This paper proposes a novel approach for inertia estimation using a variable forgetting factor recursive least squares (VFF-RLS) algorithm, which dynamically adapts to time-varying conditions in power systems. By using ambient measurements provided by the widearea measurement system (WAMS), the proposed approach can capture inertia variations of areas in power systems. The method is validated through simulations on the IEEE 39-bus system, demonstrating higher accuracy compared to existing approaches under both time-constant and time-varying inertia conditions.
A Comparative Analysis of AI Models for Short-Term Solar Irradiance Forecasting
Saad Benbrahim
Abdelaziz Berrado
Enhancing Hybrid Model for Photovoltaic Power Prediction: A Case Study of Morocco
Samira Abousaid
Abdelaziz Berrado
Ensemble machine learning to accelerate industrial decarbonization: Prediction of Hansen solubility parameters for streamlined chemical solvent selection
Eslam G. Al-Sakkari
Mostafa Amer
Olumoye Ajao
Marzouk Benali
Daria C. Boffito
Mouloud Amazouz
Multi-agent deep reinforcement learning with online and fair optimal dispatch of EV aggregators
Anoosh Dini
Keyhan Sheshyekani
The growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) and the unpredictable behavior of EV owners have attracted attention to real-time coordina… (see more)tion of EVs charging management. This paper presents a hierarchical structure for charging management of EVs by integrating fairness and efficiency concepts within the operations of the distribution system operator (DSO) while utilizing a multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL) framework to tackle the complexities of energy purchasing and distribution among EV aggregators (EVAs). At the upper level, DSO calculates the maximum allowable power for each EVA based on power flow constraints to ensure grid safety. Then, it finds the optimal efficiency-jain tradeoff (EJT) point, where it sells the highest energy amount while ensuring equitable energy distribution. At the lower level, initially, each EVA acts as an agent employing a double deep Q-network (DDQN) with adaptive learning rates and prioritized experience replay to determine optimal energy purchases from the DSO. Then, the real-time smart dispatch (RSD) controller prioritizes EVs for energy dispatch based on relevant EVs information. Findings indicate the proposed enhanced DDQN outperforms deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) and proximal policy optimization (PPO) in cumulative rewards and convergence speed. Finally, the framework’s performance is evaluated against uncontrolled charging and the first come first serve (FCFS) scenario using the 118-bus distribution system, demonstrating superior performance in maintaining safe operation of the grid while reducing charging costs for EVAs. Additionally, the framework’s integration with renewable energy sources (RESs), such as photovoltaic (PV), demonstrates its potential to enhance grid reliability. • Introduces a scalable MADRL framework for real-time EV charging and energy distribution. • Ensures fairness via an Efficiency-Jain Tradeoff (EJT) strategy at the DSO level. • Enhances agent convergence with DDQN using adaptive learning rates and prioritized replay. • Preserves stakeholder privacy with decentralized control and minimal data sharing. • Balances grid reliability with equitable energy allocation under dynamic uncertainties.
A Distributed ADMM-based Deep Learning Approach for Thermal Control in Multi-Zone Buildings
The surge in electricity use, coupled with the dependency on intermittent renewable energy sources, poses significant hurdles to effectively… (see more) managing power grids, particularly during times of peak demand. Demand Response programs and energy conservation measures are essential to operate energy grids while ensuring a responsible use of our resources This research combines distributed optimization using ADMM with Deep Learning models to plan indoor temperature setpoints effectively. A two-layer hierarchical structure is used, with a central building coordinator at the upper layer and local controllers at the thermal zone layer. The coordinator must limit the building's maximum power by translating the building's total power to local power targets for each zone. Local controllers can modify the temperature setpoints to meet the local power targets. The resulting control algorithm, called Distributed Planning Networks, is designed to be both adaptable and scalable to many types of buildings, tackling two of the main challenges in the development of such systems. The proposed approach is tested on an 18-zone building modeled in EnergyPlus. The algorithm successfully manages Demand Response peak events.
Mixed-Integer Second-Order Cone Programming for Multi-period Scheduling of Flexible AC Transmission System Devices
Mohamad Charara
Martin De Montigny
Nivine Abou Daher
With the increasing energy demand and the growing integration of renewable sources of energy, power systems face operational challenges such… (see more) as overloads, losses, and stability concerns, particularly as networks operate near their capacity limits. Flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) devices are essential to ensure reliable grid operations and enable the efficient integration of renewable energy. This work introduces a mixed-integer second-order cone programming (MISOCP) model for the multi-period scheduling of key FACTS devices in electric transmission systems. The proposed model integrates four key control mechanisms: (i) on-load tap changers (OLTCs) for voltage regulation via discrete taps; (ii) static synchronous compensators (STATCOMs) and (iii) shunt reactors for reactive power compensation; and (iv) thyristor-controlled series capacitors (TCSCs) for adjustable impedance and flow control. The objective is to minimize active power losses using a limited number of control actions while meeting physical and operational constraints at all times throughout the defined time horizon. To ensure tractability, the model employs a second-order cone relaxation of the power flow. Device-specific constraints are handled via binary expansion and linearization: OLTCs and shunt reactors are modelled with discrete variables, STATCOMs through reactive power bounds, and TCSCs using a reformulation-linearization technique (RLT). A multi-period formulation captures the sequential nature of decision making, ensuring consistency across time steps. The model is evaluated on the IEEE 9-bus, 30-bus, and RTS96 test systems, demonstrating its ability to reduce losses, with potential applicability to larger-scale grids.