Energy, Power, Control, and Networks

The Energy, Power, Control, and Networks (EPCN) program, managed by the National Science Foundation, supports innovative research in modeling, optimization, learning, adaptation, and control of networked multi-agent systems. The program focuses on higher-level decision-making processes, dynamic resource allocation, and risk management in the presence of uncertainty, subsystem failures, and stochastic disturbances. EPCN emphasizes advancing technologies across key areas, including energy systems, transportation, robotics, and biomedical devices. The program also promotes the integration of renewable energy sources into power grids, the development of energy-efficient systems, and a better understanding of the interplay between power systems, regulatory structures, and consumer behavior. The program’s primary research areas are categorized into control systems, energy and power systems, power electronics systems, and learning and adaptive systems. In control systems, EPCN supports research in distributed control, networked multi-agent systems, stochastic systems, dynamic data-enabled decision-making, and cyber-physical control systems, with applications spanning biomedical technologies, transportation systems, and robotics. Research in energy and power systems focuses on integrating solar, wind, and energy storage devices into grids, improving grid resilience and cybersecurity, studying microgrids, and analyzing energy-efficient buildings and communities. Topics in power electronics systems include advanced power electronic converters, electric and hybrid electric vehicles, energy storage devices, and grid-tied converters. The learning and adaptive systems area emphasizes neural networks, neuromorphic engineering, data analytics, and intelligent machine-learning algorithms. Research in this category focuses on creating systems capable of real-time learning, adaptation, and decision-making in complex and dynamic environments. EPCN also encourages cross-disciplinary research projects that address real-world challenges through collaboration across these areas. Proposals submitted to the EPCN program must address novelty and transformative potential in advancing knowledge and must demonstrate broader impacts on society, including education, workforce development, and industry applications. Researchers are encouraged to discuss their proposals with program directors before submission, particularly for specialized grant types such as Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER), Rapid Response Research (RAPID), or supplemental funding. Proposals can be submitted at any time via Research.gov or Grants.gov, following the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide guidelines. The EPCN program operates within the Directorate for Engineering and the Division of Electrical, Communications, and Cyber Systems. Researchers can contact program directors Eyad Abed, Aranya Chakrabortty, Yih-Fang Huang, Mahesh Krishnamurthy, and Anthony Kuh for further guidance. More information, including previously funded projects and updates, is available on the NSF EPCN program webpage.