In a small Romanian town of around 8,000 inhabitants, a pioneering energy efficiency system is making waves in the renewable energy sector. Developed by Otilia Elena Dragomir, a researcher at the Automation, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Department of Valahia University of Târgoviște, this intelligent system is optimizing energy consumption in public institutions by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and renewable energy.
The system, detailed in a recent study published in the *Journal of Sensor and Actuator Networks*, focuses on integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems with the local electrical grid. By employing a hybrid neuro-fuzzy approach combined with scheduling techniques, the system intelligently shifts loads to maximize the use of locally generated green energy. This means that appliances, particularly those that can be scheduled or scheduled without interruption, operate during peak PV production hours, reducing reliance on the national grid and improving overall energy efficiency.
“Our goal was to create a system that could intelligently manage energy consumption based on the availability of renewable energy,” Dragomir explained. “By doing so, we not only reduce the cost of electricity consumption from the national grid but also promote the use of clean, renewable energy sources.”
The impact of this research on the energy sector is significant. By optimizing energy consumption and reducing reliance on the national grid, public institutions can achieve substantial cost savings. Moreover, the system’s scalability and potential for integration with energy storage systems open up new avenues for future developments in the field.
One of the key aspects of the study is its comprehensive power quality analysis. The research highlights that while PV systems can introduce some harmonic distortion and flicker, proper inverter controls and grid parameters can maintain overall voltage quality. This ensures that the integration of renewable energy sources does not compromise the stability and reliability of the electrical grid.
The implications of this research extend beyond the small Romanian town where it was initially implemented. As the world increasingly turns to renewable energy sources, the need for intelligent energy management systems becomes ever more pressing. Dragomir’s work provides a blueprint for how AI and renewable energy can be combined to create more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable energy solutions.
“This research is a step towards a more sustainable future,” Dragomir said. “It shows that with the right technology and approach, we can make significant strides in optimizing energy consumption and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.”
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the integration of AI and renewable energy sources will play a crucial role in shaping the future of energy management. Dragomir’s work is a testament to the potential of these technologies and their ability to transform the way we consume and generate energy.