2017 Yearbook - Universidad ORT Uruguay

60 2017 Yearbook PROJECTS INITIATED OR APPROVED IN 2017 School of Engineering Biosynthetic cascade for the conversion of glycerol to L-lactic acid Glycerol is an unavoidable byproduct of biodiesel production. The excess supply and limited demand for this product directly affect biodiesel production costs. However, glycerol can be converted into higher-value-added products. This project proposes a novel biosynthetic pathway for the synthesis of L-lactic acid from crude glycerol. Principal Investigator: Lorena Betancor Funding: National Agency for Research and Innovation (ANII) Duration: 24 months Optimal operation of smart loads, renewable generation, and storage resources in electrical grids The objective of this project is to conduct research, train personnel, and facilitate technology transfer regarding the operation of future electrical systems. Taking into account the presence of renewable energy, the challenge of integrating it with demand, and the opportunities arising from smart grids and storage, the project proposes to study optimal grid operation through mathematical modeling. This project proposes two lines of work: active load management, in collaboration with research groups at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Johns Hopkins University in the United States, and the optimal operation of storage systems, in collaboration with CSI Ingenieros and UTE. Project Leaders: Fernando Paganini and Andrés Ferragut Funding: National Agency for Research and Innovation (ANII) Duration: 24 months