New approach paves the way for more resilient and efficient microgrid operations, contributing to a more sustainable and stable energy future
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As the world shifts towards using renewable energy sources (RESs), managing their inherent intermittency becomes crucial. This is particularly evident in hybrid microgrids that combine wind and solar power. A team of researchers from Khalifa University has developed a sophisticated control strategy that promises to enhance the stability and efficiency of these systems.
Dr. Muhammad Bakr Abdelghany, Prof. Ahmed Al-Durra and Prof. Hatem Zeineldin, with Prof. Fei Gao, University of Technology of Belfort-Montb茅liard, France, created a novel approach that integrates hydrogen energy storage with advanced model predictive control. They published their results in, a top 1% journal.
Hydrogen energy storage systems are central to this new strategy. Unlike traditional batteries, hydrogen storage offers high density and is suitable for long-duration storage, making it an ideal solution for balancing the fluctuating output of RESs. In this hybrid microgrid setup, hydrogen is produced when surplus energy is consumed when there is a deficit, ensuring a steady power supply.
The innovation lies in a dual-layer control architecture. One layer handles long-term operations, scheduling hydrogen production and consumption to meet daily energy demands. It also participates in the daily electricity market to maximize revenue and minimize operational costs. The other is focused on short-term operations, correcting deviations between forecasted and actual conditions in real-time. This layer optimizes power production and ensures smooth energy delivery to the grid based on a sophisticated control approach.
By coordinating these two layers, the system effectively balances long-term planning with real-time adjustments, addressing both economic and operational challenges.
To validate their approach, the research team conducted extensive numerical simulations and laboratory tests at the Energy Systems and Control Optimization (ESCO) Lab, Khalifa University. They demonstrated that their system effectively manages the hybrid microgrid, meeting energy demands while optimizing economic performance. They also saw a significant reduction in power fluctuations and fewer state switches for hydrogen devices compared to traditional control methods.
This innovative control strategy represents a significant step forward in managing hybrid microgrids. By integrating hydrogen energy storage with advanced predictive control, the system enhances the stability and efficiency of RESs. As the world transitions towards sustainable energy, such advancements are crucial for ensuring reliable and economically viable power systems.
Jade Sterling
Science Writer
25 Sep 2024
