In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, a team of researchers led by Hoai Phong Nguyen from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering Technology at the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City has developed a novel three-phase energy storage system designed specifically for laboratory research. This system, detailed in a recent paper published in the journal HardwareX, could have significant implications for the energy sector, particularly in the realm of grid-connected energy storage and educational applications.
The hardware design, which includes a bidirectional DC/DC buck-boost converter and a bidirectional 3-phase 6-switch DC/AC converter, is connected to the grid through a safe isolation transformer. This setup allows for a modular design that can be easily upgraded or reconfigured, making it an ideal tool for testing and developing control algorithms for energy storage systems.
One of the standout features of this research is the use of the Texas Instruments DSP F28379D for control. The charging and discharging control program, written in C and compiled with Code Composer Studio, enables precise control over the energy storage system. “The modular design allows for quick and easy upgrades and changes to the configuration and power capacity,” Nguyen explains. This flexibility is crucial for educational settings where experimentation and innovation are key.
The system was tested on a 3-phase 380V power grid through an isolation transformer and a simulated battery bank powered by the APS1000 amplifier. The results were promising, with the hardware model demonstrating its effectiveness in both charging and discharging modes. “The hardware model can be used effectively in laboratory settings to serve educational needs,” Nguyen notes, highlighting the practical applications of this research.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. As the world moves towards renewable energy sources, the need for efficient and reliable energy storage systems becomes increasingly important. This research could pave the way for more advanced and flexible energy storage solutions, ultimately contributing to a more stable and sustainable energy grid.
Moreover, the educational aspect of this research cannot be overlooked. By providing a practical and flexible tool for laboratory research, this system can help train the next generation of engineers and researchers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle the energy challenges of the future.
In a field where innovation is constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, this research stands out as a testament to the power of modular design and precise control. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights and technologies developed in this research could play a crucial role in shaping the future of energy storage.