In an era where renewable energy is rapidly transforming our power grids, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems face a persistent challenge: the sun doesn't always shine when we need electricity most. Researchers at Aalborg University have developed an innovative solution that could significantly advance how we store and manage solar energy, making renewable power more reliable and cost-effective.
The research team has created a dual-level design approach for hybrid energy storage systems (HESS) that combines lithium-ion batteries with supercapacitors in solar installations. This breakthrough addresses one of the most significant barriers to widespread solar adoption – the intermittent nature of sunlight and the resulting stress on batteries that store solar energy.
The study's results demonstrate remarkable improvements in system performance:
- Battery cycling reduced by up to 13% over a one-year period, significantly extending battery lifespan
- Maintained optimal self-sufficiency of the solar system while reducing operational costs
- Successfully managed power ramp-rate constraints, ensuring grid stability
- Balanced energy throughput between the PV system and the grid for maximum cost-effectiveness
"By intelligently combining lithium-ion batteries with supercapacitors, we're leveraging the strengths of each technology," explains the research team. "Supercapacitors handle the rapid power fluctuations that typically degrade batteries, while the batteries manage longer-term energy storage needs."
The system employs an innovative adaptive filter that dynamically distributes power between batteries and supercapacitors based on real-time conditions. This approach ensures that each component operates within its optimal parameters, extending the overall system life and reducing replacement costs.
The researchers are now looking to expand their work to include additional battery aging factors and validate their findings with real battery cells in field conditions. Future research will also quantify economic benefits more precisely, providing a comprehensive techno-economic analysis. This dual-level design represents a significant step forward in making solar energy more practical and economically viable. By addressing the fundamental challenges of energy storage in renewable systems, the research contributes to accelerating the global transition to clean energy.
As solar installations continue to grow worldwide, innovative approaches to energy storage like this will be crucial in building a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure. The combination of smart sizing methodology and adaptive power management demonstrates how thoughtful engineering can overcome the inherent challenges of renewable energy, bringing us closer to a future powered by the sun.
Reference
Author: Xiangqiang Wu, Zhongting Tang, Daniel-Ioan Stroe, Tamas Kerekes
Title of original paper: Dual-level design for cost-effective sizing and power management of hybrid energy storage in photovoltaic systems
Article link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S277315372400046X
Journal: Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation
DOI: 10.1016/j.geits.2024.100194
Affiliations:
Department of AAU Energy, Aalborg University, Aalborg 9220, Denmark
Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation
Experimental study
Not applicable
Dual-level design for cost-effective sizing and power management of hybrid energy storage in photovoltaic systems
6-May-2025