Imagine a world powered entirely by clean, renewable energy. While the sun and wind offer limitless potential, their inherent variability poses a significant challenge. Like trying to fill a water tank with a hose that sometimes gushes and sometimes trickles, integrating these fluctuating sources into our existing power grids requires a smart and reliable storage system. Battery storage is key, but current systems often suffer from inefficient energy distribution and rapid battery wear.
Researchers at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) are tackling these challenges head-on with a novel approach: a large-scale, interconnected renewable energy network optimized for energy storage and distribution. This system strategically positions battery storage facilities to smooth out the peaks and valleys of renewable energy production, acting as a buffer against unpredictable weather patterns. At the heart of this innovation is a sophisticated priority charging algorithm. Informed by real-time weather forecasts and load monitoring, this algorithm intelligently determines which battery systems are best suited for charging under specific conditions.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Within each storage facility, a secondary algorithm kicks in to minimize battery degradation. By continuously monitoring critical parameters like a battery’s state of health (SoH) and state of charge (SoC), the system intelligently decides which batteries to prioritize for charging. This ensures that no single battery bears the brunt of the workload, extending the overall lifespan and efficiency of the storage system.
The impact of this research is significant. By optimizing energy storage and distribution, this system paves the way for a more reliable and resilient renewable energy infrastructure. This means a cleaner, more sustainable future, where renewable energy can truly power our world. The next steps involve further refining the algorithms and testing the system in real-world scenarios, bringing us closer to a future powered by clean, efficient, and long-lasting renewable energy. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexus.2025.100448
