Researchers at the National Institute of Technology-Rourkela (NIT-R) have unveiled a groundbreaking intelligent control system designed to manage the flow of electricity from diverse sources, including solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage. This advanced hybrid microgrid aims to provide a consistent and reliable supply of renewable energy to rural areas that are not connected to the main power grid.
According to NIT-R sources, hybrid microgrids are an area of active research globally, where renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, are combined with battery storage systems. However, integrating these technologies has proven challenging due to the potential for fluctuations, leading to unstable energy supplies and interruptions.
To tackle these issues, the research team at NIT-R has developed a dynamic power management strategy that allows for seamless coordination among various energy producers and storage solutions. This innovative approach enables batteries to store energy efficiently and safely, which in turn increases their storage capacity and lifespan while minimizing costs.
The system autonomously adjusts converters based on the available resources, optimizing energy use throughout the day. For instance, it utilizes solar energy in the morning and switches to wind, biomass gasifiers, and pico hydropower as needed during the day. This ensures a balanced power flow across multiple loads.
With the capability to generate around 10 kWh of reliable energy, the system is designed to meet the needs of approximately four households in remote rural settings. Arnab Ghosh and Krishna Roy, assistant professors in the Electrical Engineering department, emphasized that their work is centered on managing power across various sources, loads, and storage systems.
By implementing energy management techniques in microgrids that integrate renewable sources, this system provides significant social benefits, including improved access to reliable electricity in underserved communities. The project also fosters sustainable development, creates local job opportunities, and enhances living standards.
Furthermore, it reduces reliance on fossil fuels, bolsters energy security, and strengthens community resilience through cleaner and more equitable energy solutions. The researchers noted that their system performs effectively under various real-world conditions, including fluctuating solar radiation, changing wind speeds, and diverse electrical loads.
This microgrid technology holds promise for applications beyond rural electrification, such as in other microgrids, electric vehicle charging stations, and independent renewable energy systems. The research aligns with several sustainable development goals, including the promotion of clean and affordable energy, climate action, and the advancement of sustainable communities.
In addition to Ghosh and Roy, the research team also features graduate student Ananya Pritilagna Biswal.
