NIT Rourkela Unveils Smart Hybrid Microgrid for Renewable Energy Management

Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, have created an innovative intelligent control system designed to optimize electricity flow from solar, wind, and battery sources.

This advanced hybrid microgrid aims to provide sustainable power solutions to rural areas that lack access to the main electricity grid, promoting environmental sustainability and energy independence.

According to Arnab Ghosh, an assistant professor at NIT Rourkela, the primary goal of this research is to minimize reliance on fossil fuels while ensuring consistent power supply to remote regions.

The hybrid microgrid combines renewable energy sources with battery storage to create a reliable energy supply. However, the integration process has historically been complex, often resulting in supply instability.

To tackle this challenge, the researchers have developed a dynamic Power Management Scheme (PMS) that allows different energy producers and storage units to work together effectively. This approach enhances battery efficiency and lifespan while lowering overall costs.

The system automatically adjusts power converters based on the most available energy sources—solar during the day and wind or other renewable sources during other times—ensuring balanced energy distribution to various loads.

This unique hybrid design, rarely seen in current markets, could fulfill the energy needs of remote communities by providing around 10 kWh of dependable energy, sufficient for four households.

Krishna Roy, another assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at NIT Rourkela, emphasizes that this research not only focuses on power management but also aims to provide reliable electricity access to underserved communities. It supports sustainable development, creates job opportunities, and enhances living standards while reducing fossil fuel dependence.

The researchers assert that their microgrid system can adapt to real-world scenarios, including fluctuating solar radiation and changing wind speeds, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including electric vehicle charging stations and standalone renewable energy setups.