Development, Implementation & Evaluation of an optimized operation algorithm for a Li-Ion battery Energy Management System (EMS) at Tezpur University

Background

The E4T microgrid pilot project in the state of Assam in the North-East of India is a joint research project involving Pamoja Cleantech AB (Stockholm, Project Management), Modio AB (Linköping, IoT Expert), KTH (Stockholm, Academic Partner) and Tezpur University (TU) (Tezpur, Academic Partner and Location for the pilot plant).

The project aims at extending the local electricity grid at TU to reduce the dependency on Diesel fuel during times of grid outages. The installed system includes a 2MW micro-grid, combined with 1MWp of distributed solar PV and diesel generators. The system is also connected to the utility grid. Additionally, a 90kW Li-Ion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) was installed in 2022 to balance generation and consumption and to improve the utilization of renewable energy on the campus. The development of a smart Energy Management System (EMS) stands in the center of attention to innovate the way hybrid microgrids can be controlled considering the specific local demands and circumstances. The EMS monitors and controls all production and consumption units. Additionally, a retrofittable Demand Side Management (DSM) system for air conditioning units and residential appliances was developed by Modio AB.

Task description

The proposed Master thesis project focuses on the Development, Implementation and Evaluation of an optimized operation algorithm for the BESS at TU. The project is the follow-up of a Master thesis performed in spring 2022 during which an initial operation algorithm was developed to improve the control of the BESS. Since the end of the thesis project, a new bidirectional meter was installed at the grid connection point of the micro-grid allowing the real-time monitoring of the import/export of electricity at TU. The data from this new meter can be integrated in the operation algorithm of the EMS and offers new possibilities to optimize the use of the BESS.

The proposed scope of the Research Project contains the following points:

• Assessment of current BESS operations and EMS:
  1. Assessment of micro-grid configuration at TU
  2. Assessment of the existing integration of the BESS in the grid at TU
  3. Assessment of the existing monitoring data and EMS (ELINA system)
  4. Assessment of the current operation modes of the EMS/BESS
  5. Assessment of operation algorithms developed in 2022

Evaluating operational performance data from the BESS through the EMS data log:

1. 1. Amount of energy charged from Solar
   2. Amount of energy charged from Grid
   3. Amount of Diesel energy replaced
   4. Level of autonomy of the designated load

• Development of an improved operation algorithm for optimization of energy storage and usage: 
  1. Maximizing locally consumed solar power
  2. Minimizing Diesel consumption
• Coding (python or similar) of the new operation algorithm and deployment in the BESS EMS:
  1. Development of cloud-based algorithms
  2. Local EMS controller integration (optional)
• Testing and evaluating the improved BESS system performance

Learning outcomes

In addition to the Learning outcomes for MSc theses at KTH, the following will be added outcomes:

• Addressing a real-world problem.
• Remote data monitoring and control under (sometimes) unstable conditions.

Prerequisites

We are looking for the following qualities and skills in the candidate:

• Very reliable, independent, and disciplined work approach
• Knowledge/experience in data analysis and energy system modelling (python, excel, etc.)
• Knowledge/experience in coding and REST API integration (or high motivation to develop such skills)
• Knowledge/experience in use of cloud services (AWS, BitBucket or others…)
• Very good understanding of energy storage systems and microgrids
• Interest in renewable & sustainable energy, microgrids and related innovative business ideas
• Fluent English written and oral communications skills
• Ability for teamwork
• A friendly, passionate and purpose driven mindset

Research Area/specialization/track

The project is suitable for students in any of the profiles of the Sustainable Energy Engineering master program or another master program at KTH, given that the student has knowledge/experience in use of cloud services (AWS, BitBucket or others…) and very good understanding of energy storage systems and microgrids.

Duration and supervision

The start date of the thesis is the spring semester 2023 (Jan/Feb) and it will be supervised by Assoc. Prof. Anders Malmquist at KTH. However, a close collaboration with Pamoja Cleantech AB will be required as the Master thesis project is directly integrated in the greater project scope. Frequent update meetings (every 2 weeks) will be held together with Pamoja Cleantech and/or the academic supervisor to evaluate the student’s progress and provide guidance on the next steps. The thesis can be fully performed from Sweden (remotely or using Pamoja’s co-working space in Stockholm). A site visit to the project site in India might be considered if required and possible. Based upon the results of the Master thesis, the research work could lead to future employment positions in Pamoja Cleantech or its group of companies.

During the thesis work, the student will be assisted by a local Project Manager at Tezpur University who has experience in the system. The student will also work hand in hand with engineers from the BESS manufacturer and provider of the current EMS. The collaboration between the student and the rest of the technical team will be an important success factor in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the optimized operation algorithm.

Please send your application for this thesis project to both contacts stated below:

• Prof. Anders Malmquist - Department of Energy, KTH - anders.malmquist@energy.kth.se
• M.Sc. Nicolas Fouasssier - Pamoja Cleantech AB, Stockholm - nicolas@pamojacleantech.com