“Korea Electro Technology Research Institute (KERI) will focus its study on the development of next-generation power grid, high voltage and direct current (HVDC) technology this year,” a top official of the institute said.
KERI has set the three topics (low carbon, high confidence and convergence) as its strategic direction. Kim Ho-yong, president of KERI, stated, "The institute will actively push for development of converged medical equipment technology, electricity propulsion, test certification of electric apparatus, and Nano-based electric new material technology in 2012.”
"In particular, we will actively cope with the recent trend of technology convergence, smart grids and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology research and developments (R&Ds) through reform of research organization and propulsion for strategic tasks with relevant institutions."
Kim said, "By doing so, we will research and develop a top-tier global technology in the fields where most universities and enterprises do not engage."
Kim commented that the convergence trend in the science technology field, including electro technology, is expected to accelerate further in the future. "Accordingly, new types of technologies and services will appear in the sector. In keeping with the expanded supply of smart grids and new, renewable energy, efficiency of power systems, confidence and stable power supply will become more important tasks.”
"In accordance with this, KERI will make a strong push for HVDC technology development to enhance efficiency and confidence in the power system."
The top manager said that KERI will also place emphasis on R&D projects in the power propulsion sectors, including electric cars and ships.
"KERI already started the technology development project related to electric cars in 1988 and now has secured the three core technologies - secondary cell, rapid charging/ discharging system, and control system technology. At the same time, it is also developing power storage technology considering the characteristic of electric energy, which accompanies demand and supply simultaneously," said the president.
Six major fields for study
KERI has decided to concentrate its R&D efforts on the development of the following six technologies - next-generation power grids, electricity propulsion technology, HVDC technology, electric equipment test certification technology, convergence medical instrument technology and Nano-based electric technology.
"Based on our excellent R&D power in the power system and electric equipment sectors, KERI will emerge as a world-class institute in the near future with its outstanding research achievements," Kim said.
"For instance, KERI possesses such advanced technology in the power system as K-EMS and KODAS, boasting of its global-level power equipment analysis design technology and function appraisal technology," he explained.
Since its establishment in 1976, Korea Electro technology Research Institute (KERI) has been carrying out R&Ds on electro technology, testing and certification business on power apparatus as a government-sponsored institute as well as internationally accredited testing and certification body.
For the last 30 years, KERI has also achieved a variety of technological achievements for power systems, power industries, electric materials and electronics for medical instruments including IT convergence technologies as well.
"Moreover, KERI has made itself a top-notched testing and certification organization for covering diverse electric apparatuses manufactured at home and abroad," he said.
KERI is now playing the leadership role for the enhancement of electric industry and its business in this globe through R&Ds and testing & certification with excellent researchers, engineer’s technicians including a 30-year long accumulated expertise and brand new dedicated facilities.
"We are also making efforts to meet domestic and international needs of our shareholders. KERI is giving a solemn promise to our customers and shareholders to research and develop the leading, cutting edge technology for enhancing public welfare and for improving the international economy year after year," he noted.
Acquisition of STL Membership
In the first half of 2011, KERI acquired a regular membership from the Short-circuit Testing Liaison (STL), which is called as the G10 in the world's electric equipment industry.
Korea became the 10th country to win the STL regular membership in the world. Britain was next followed by Italy, Netherlands, France, Germany, Scandinavia, the U.S., Japan and India. China is still a preliminary member.
Meanwhile, Russia, Rumania, South Africa, Poland, Hungary and Czechoslovakia are participating members.
"After winning STL membership, Korea has secured a firm foothold for the domestic heavy electric equipment industry to enhance its export competitiveness. The nation is also expected to increase its foreign currency revenue through attraction of overseas test certification services," he said, adding that test report cards issued by KERI are to be accepted abroad officially.
"Along with this, KERI plans to expand the 4000MVA test facilities at a cost of KRW 160 billion for globalization of facilities, technology and services. Through globalization of the KERI brand, we can catch up with Italy in 2015 and the Netherlands in 2020 in terms of globally-recognized test and certification," he said.
The following questions are the main contents of an interview with Kim Ho-yong, president of KERI.
Q: Would you introduce core future-oriented technologies that KERI aims to possess in the near future
A: We will focus on the development of HVDC technology, next-generation power grids, technology and electric car technology.
HVDC technology makes it inevitable for Korea to introduce a direct current transmission network. Related to this, we will make active investment in the development of power converter technology and superconductivity by utilizing direct current cable system technology.
KERI will also develop the national power grids, energy management system, and a system to stabilize national power grids in a bid to prevent power outage.
To accelerate a supply of electric cars, we are also moving to develop key technologies necessary for building infrastructure, including a charging system.
Q: Would you comment on KERI's relations with relevant institutions and a method to activate its technology transfer
A:Since the end of 2011, KERI concluded a business cooperation pact with 31 domestic industrial, academic and corporate institutions, while keeping a cooperation tie with 42 overseas institutions in 14 countries.
Through the Technology Licensing Office (TLO), KERI is also actively pushing ahead with transferring its advanced technology to enterprises with its royalty revenue to soar at an annual average of over 18 percent to KRW 5.5 billion won in 2011 from KRW 2.8 billion in 2007.
Q: Are there any significant achievements you attained last year
A: To raise Korea's technology to the highest level in the world, KERI selected 11 future promising electric confusion technologies early 2011.
On Feb. 24, it also established Russia Science Seoul. This included five Russian research centers armed with advanced technology in the optical, Nano and bio field. Some universities and Seoul Metropolitan City are participating.
Along with this, it attained outstanding achievements such as a development of a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) system, design technology of integrated operating system, and green energy-based low pressure electric power supply system.
As part of its efforts for organizational reform, it established and reinforced the next-generation power grids, HVDC, the electricity propulsion research headquarters and the battery research center.
