About
I am a Power System Researcher and SCADA/DCS specialist with over 8 years of academic and industrial research experience. My work spans smart grids, electrification, SCADA/EMS systems, and EV‑grid integration. I am currently a PhD candidate and research assistant at NTU, contributing to the EU‑UKRI‑funded DriVe2X project, developing EV‑grid interaction models for large‑scale EV integration and supporting the Isle of Wight demonstrators. Previously, I led software development engineering and protocol compliance for national‑scale SCADA/EMS platforms at MNC, delivering automation, cybersecurity, and grid modernisation projects across substations, control centres, and renewable sites. I have authored peer‑reviewed publications and presented my research internationally.
Research Interests:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Research Experience
Research Assistant
Feb 2024 – Present
Nottingham Trent University (NTU), Integrated Energy Grids Laboratory (GRIDLAB), Nottingham, UK
- Developed an EV‑grid integration tool for smart‑charging (V2H/V2B/V2G) impact analysis with real‑time load flow, voltage, and harmonic studies in OpenDSS.
- Designed market‑player interactions to activate V2X flexibility aligned with Ofgem’s emerging frameworks.
- Collaborated on DriVe2X Isle of Wight demonstrator: G98/G99/G100 studies, smart‑charging algorithms, and flexibility services.
- Supervisor: Prof. Vahid Vahidinasab
Research Assistant
Jan 2022 – Jun 2023
Tehran Regional Electricity Company (TREC), Research & Planning Deputy, Tehran, Iran
- Built a multi‑scenario cascading failure analysis tool using TRELSS and an optimised William Fine Risk Assessment, integrated with the TSO’s SCADA snapshots.
Awarded by Iran National Elite Foundation.
Research Assistant & Consultant (Part‑Time)
Jan 2018 – Apr 2023
Electric Networks Research Institute (ENRI), Shahid Beheshti University (SBU), Tehran, Iran
- Led feasibility studies for a secondary reserve market; defined infrastructure and mechanisms.
- Consulted on WAMS platform architecture (IEEE C37.118, CIM), PMU data pipeline, and interoperability.
- Advised on IEC 60870‑5‑104 and Modbus stack integration for a national SCADA platform.
- Supervisor: Prof. M.T. Ameli
Placement
Apr 2017 – Sep 2017
Niroo Research Institute (NRI), Power System Studies Group, Tehran, Iran
- Performed transient stability and fault analysis for Zanjan REC; evaluated TRV in 230/63 kV substations.
- Studied line uprating with HTLS conductors using DIgSILENT PowerFactory.
- Supervisor: Dr. Javad Olamaei
R&D in Industry & Professional Experience
Demonstrator in Engineering
May 2024 – Present
Nottingham Trent University (NTU), School of Science & Technology (SST), Nottingham, UK
- Organized Python Programming and Power System Simulation Workshops for the Sustainable Energy Management Course.
- Developed and led interactive Python workshops covering coding fundamentals, data analysis, and visualization for energy management applications.
- Facilitated practical sessions using OpenDSS, PowerFactory, and Typhoon HIL for power system modeling and RTDS simulation.
- Enhanced engagement through real-world scenarios involving renewable energy integration, grid flexibility, and sustainability.
- Supervisor: Dr. Nuh Erdogan
Software Development Engineering Lead
Mar 2020 – Oct 2023
Modje Niroo Co. (MNC), Engineering & Development Deputy, Tehran, Iran
- Led development, testing, and integration for SCADA/EMS, DCS, and SIEM platforms for critical infrastructure.
- Implemented protocol integration (IEC 61850, 104, OPC-UA), CIM compliance, high-load validation, and EMS module R&D.
- Developed secure vendor-agnostic gateways using IEC 61850/103 for communication with numerical relays.
- Delivered Iran’s first OT-specific SIEM integration, improving system availability and reducing incident response time by 20%.
- Directed integration of operational data into asset management dashboards for substations and industrial sites.
- Built multi-protocol converters for SCADA interoperability (IEC 101/103/104, DNP3, TASE 2.0).
- Delivered SCADA, SAS, and control solutions for multiple large-scale projects including WRDC, Farhangian and Mahyar substations, national generation dashboards, TMS Arak–Khorramabad, and regional RDC integrations.
SCADA Systems Engineer
Jun 2018 – Mar 2020
Modje Niroo Co. (MNC), Automation Deputy, Tehran, Iran
- Provided engineering support at regional RDCs and transmission AOC dispatching centres.
- Developed intelligent load-shedding schemes for unmanned dispatch centres.
- Led migration to Iran’s first virtualized control centre, deploying new infrastructure and virtualizing legacy systems.
- Delivered O&M for over 70 substations, including HMI design, point-to-point testing, and modifications.
- Designed SCADA interfaces for wind farms, hydropower plants, CHP DGs, and protection systems.
Junior Power System Engineer & BMS Integrator (Part-Time)
2016 – 2017
Nikaman Consulting and Engineering Co., Tehran, Iran
- Performed power factor correction and cable sizing studies using PowerFactory.
- Conducted power quality analysis and THD evaluation with Fluke Scopemeter.
- Designed ATS and capacitor bank panels in EPLAN and AutoCAD.
- Operated and maintained BMS using KNX protocol at Bank Day.
Electrical Engineering Trainee (Part-Time)
2015 – 2016
Sina Engineering Co., Tehran, Iran
- Produced detailed LV electrical drawings in AutoCAD, including SLDs, cable routing, and containment systems.
- Coordinated electrical layouts with architectural and MEP plans.
Education
PhD Candidate in Engineering
Oct 2023 – Present
Nottingham Trent University (NTU), School of Science & Technology (SST), Nottingham, UK
Thesis: A Human‑Centric Approach to Transport Electrification and Mass EV Integration Considering Flexibility Services Provision
M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering
Sep 2017 – Jun 2020
Shahid Beheshti University (SBU), School of Electrical Engineering, Tehran, Iran
- Major: Power Systems; Planning & Management of Electrical Energy Systems; GPA: 17.43/20 (Distinction)
Thesis: Present an appropriate operation framework for PEVs to participate in the energy and ancillary services market, considering traffic patterns and renewable penetration
B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering
Sep 2013 – Sep 2017
Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch (IAUSTB), Tehran, Iran
- Major: Power Systems; GPA: 17.18/20 (First Class Honours)
Publication
Under Review
M. Firouzi, N. Erdogan, J. Aghaei, “Assessing EV Flexibility Savings under Different UK Tariff Structures With Diverse EV Characteristics and Travel Behaviour.”
Under Review
O. Homaee, V. Vahidinasab, M. Firouzi, C. Essayeh, “Precise Battery and Charger Modeling for Charging Optimization of Bidirectional EVs: A Linearized Approach to Exact Constraints.”
2025
M. Firouzi, V. Vahidinasab, N. Erdogan, Z. Zakeri, J. Aghaei, “A Data-Driven Electric Vehicles Clustering for Sustainable Human-Centric Grid Planning,” 60th International Universities Power Engineering Conference (UPEC), London, United Kingdom, 2025 (Accepted).
2024
M. Firouzi, V. Vahidinasab, Z. Zakeri, J. Aghaei, “Electric Vehicle as a Mobile Storage: Market Analysis and Grid Integration Challenges,” 21st International Conference on the European Energy Market (EEM), Lisbon, Portugal, 2024. (Top-five PhD student paper). [Link]
2024
M. Firouzi, V. Vahidinasab, N. Erdogan, J. Aghaei, “National Travel Statistics Data Processor (Open-Source Dataset).” [Link]
2023
M. Firouzi, M. Setayesh Nazar, M. Shafie-khah, J. P. S. Catalão, “Integrated framework for modeling the interactions of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles aggregators, parking lots and distributed generation facilities in electricity markets,” Applied Energy, vol. 334, p. 120703, Mar. 2023. doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.120703.
2019
M. Firouzi Nezamabadi, S. A. Radi, M. Hajivand, “Energy Management in Smart Grid Residential Homes Using Demand Response,” in 4th National Conference on Technology in Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2019. [Link]
Contact
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Email:
info@mahdifirouzi.com