A recent study led by Ahmet Aktas from the Vehicle Power Electronics Research Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has unveiled a promising approach to optimizing hybrid energy storage systems (HESS) for wave energy harvesting. Published in IEEE Access, the research highlights the potential of combining battery packs with ultracapacitors to enhance the reliability and efficiency of energy output from ocean wave energy systems, which are known for their unpredictable power generation.
Wave energy systems often face challenges due to their intermittent and stochastic characteristics, which can lead to sudden fluctuations in power supply. By integrating a HESS, the study demonstrates how these fluctuations can be mitigated, allowing for smoother energy transfer to the grid. The innovative aspect of this research lies in its use of a genetic algorithm (GA) to identify the most cost-effective sizing for the battery and ultracapacitor components of the system.
Aktas’s research shows that while a conventional setup would require 15,936 battery cells for a 625-kW ocean wave energy converter, the optimized design can achieve the same performance with only 5,548 battery cells and 2,125 ultracapacitor cells. This significant reduction in the number of components not only lowers system costs but also enhances the longevity and efficiency of battery usage, which is crucial for commercial viability.
“The proposed optimally sized, cost-effective HESS can be utilized at a lower cost while maintaining the same performance and functionality,” Aktas explained. This finding opens up new commercial opportunities in the energy sector, particularly in the development of wave energy technologies that are more economically feasible and sustainable.
The implications of this research extend beyond just wave energy systems. By demonstrating the effectiveness of GA optimization in energy storage, it sets a precedent for similar applications across various renewable energy sectors. Companies looking to invest in wave energy or enhance their energy storage capabilities may find this study particularly relevant as they seek to balance performance with cost.
In summary, Aktas’s work represents a significant advancement in the field of energy storage for wave energy applications, highlighting the potential for reduced costs and improved efficiency. As the energy sector continues to explore renewable sources, innovations like this could play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future. The findings are detailed in the article published in the journal titled “IEEE Access.”
