In the heart of Tamil Nadu, India, a groundbreaking study is set to revolutionize the way we think about renewable energy integration. Manimekalai Maradi Anthonymuthu Prakasam, a researcher from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, has developed an innovative approach to enhance the performance of microgrids using a hybrid photovoltaic (PV)-wind energy system. This cutting-edge research, published in the journal Engineering Proceedings, could significantly impact the energy sector’s commercial landscape.
The global demand for power is surging, driven by population growth and expanding commercial activities. Traditional power plants are struggling to keep up, making the search for alternative energy sources more critical than ever. Prakasam’s work focuses on harnessing the power of solar and wind energy, two of the most promising renewable energy sources (RES). However, the intermittent nature of these sources poses significant challenges. “The availability of RESs fluctuates due to differences in natural resources,” Prakasam explains. “This makes it difficult to maintain a consistent power supply.”
To address this issue, Prakasam has developed an improved deep neural network (IDNN)-based voltage source controller. This intelligent system is designed to track the maximum power point (MPPT) of both PV cells and wind energy systems, ensuring optimal power generation even in varying weather conditions. The IDNN-based controller not only improves power quality but also reduces total harmonic distortion (THD) values, making it an ideal solution for microgrid environments.
The integration of PV and wind energy systems into microgrids has long been hindered by issues such as load disparities, voltage fluctuations, and frequency deviations. Prakasam’s IDNN-based controller tackles these challenges head-on, offering a more reliable and efficient solution. “The proposed IDNN system yields better performance in different operating situations,” Prakasam states. “It achieves lower mean square error (MSE) rates, lower THD, and lower computational complexity compared to existing methods.”
The commercial implications of this research are vast. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the demand for efficient and reliable renewable energy solutions is set to skyrocket. Prakasam’s IDNN-based controller could play a pivotal role in this transition, offering energy companies a way to integrate PV and wind energy systems more effectively. This could lead to reduced operational costs, improved power quality, and a more stable energy supply.
Moreover, the use of hybrid energy storage systems (HESS), which combine batteries and ultracapacitors, could further enhance the performance of battery modules. This could extend the lifespan of energy storage devices, making them a more viable option for long-term energy storage.
The research published in Engineering Proceedings, which translates to Engineering Transactions, marks a significant step forward in the field of renewable energy integration. As the energy sector continues to evolve, Prakasam’s work could shape the future of microgrid technology, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape. The potential for this technology to disrupt the energy market is immense, and it will be fascinating to see how it develops in the coming years.
