Development & implementation of an improved operation algorithm for a Li-Ion battery energy management system (EMS) at Tezpur University
The project is aiming to extending the local electricity grid at TU to reduce the dependency on Diesel fuel during times of grid outages.
Project Background
The E4T microgrid pilot project in the state of Assam in the North-East of India is a joint research project of 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 is aiming to extending the local electricity grid at TU to reduce the dependency on Diesel fuel during times of grid outages. The installed system will comprise of a bioenergy plant, combined with 1MWp of distributed solar PV and diesel generators. It is also connected to the utility grid. Additionally, a Li-Ion battery energy storage system (BESS) will be installed to balance generation and consumption to improve the utilization of renewable energy production. The development of a smart energy management system (EMS) stands in the center of attention to innovate the way rural bioenergy based microgrids can be controlled considering the specific local demands and circumstances. The EMS will monitor and control all production and consumption units. Additionally, a retrofittable demand side management (DSM) system for air conditioning units and residential appliances is being developed by Modio AB.
Master Thesis
This master thesis project is focusing on the development and integration of an improved operation algorithm for the E4T BESS at Tezpur University.
The scope of the project contains following points:
• Evaluating operational performance data from the BESS through the EMS data log:
- Amount of energy charged from Solar
- Amount of energy charged from Grid
- Amount of Diesel energy replaced
- Level of autonomy of the designated load
• Development of an improved operation algorithm for optimization of energy utilization:
- Maximizing locally consumed solar power
- Minimizing Diesel consumption
• Coding (python or similar) and integration (on the local EMS controller) of the new operation algorithm in the BESS EMS
• Testing and evaluating the improved BESS system performance
We are looking for 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.)
- First experience in coding and REST API integration (or high motivation to develop such skills)
- 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
- A friendly, passionate and purpose driven mindset
The start date of this thesis is the spring semester 2022 (Jan/Feb) and it will be supervised by Assoc. Prof. Anders Malmquist at KTH. However, a close collaboration also with Pamoja Cleantech AB will be required as the master thesis project contributes directly to the greater project scope. Frequent update meetings (at least every month) will be held together with Pamoja Cleantech and the academic supervisor where the students’ progress will be evaluated, and next steps will be decided upon. The thesis can be fully performed from Sweden (remote or using Pamojas co-working space in Stockholm). A study visit to the project site in India might be conducted if required and possible, given future travel restrictions. 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.
This thesis will be combined with a parallel thesis at Tezpur University starting in November 2021. A collaboration between the TU student and the KTH student is an important part in the development of the improved operation algorithm and the implementation in the EMS (each student will however write a separate thesis).
Contact persons:
Please send your application for this thesis project to both contacts stated below
M.Sc. Felix Sippel
Pamoja Cleantech AB, Stockholm