New control technique for microgrid-connected PV systems
An international research group has applied for the first time integral backstepping control (IBC) as a control strategy for PV systems connected to microgrids. Through a series of simulations, the scientists found the new approach can provide better results than classic backstepping control (BC) and other techniques.
Jaguar building large-scale storage system with second-life EV batteries
Jaguar Land Rover and Wykes Engineering are building a 2.5 MWh storage system with electric-vehicle batteries taken from Jaguar I-PACE cars. The large-scale system will store wind and solar at an undisclosed location in the United Kingdom.
Engie acquires Broad Reach Power
Engie has acquired 350 MW of operating storage assets and 880 MW of assets under construction from US battery specialist Broad Reach Power, with commissioning of the latter assets expected by the end of 2024.
Photovoltaic-thermal panel based on twisted absorber tubes, nanoparticle-enhanced PCM
Developed by scientists in Malaysia, the new PVT system is based on a nanoparticle-enhanced phase change material (Nano-PCM) and twisted absorber tubes. The system consists of a 30 W photovoltaic module, absorber tubes attached to the back of the panel via enhanced silicone glue bond, and a PCM container surrounding the tubes.
Redesigned zinc-air batteries ‘better’ than lithium, say Australian researchers
Researchers at Edith Cowan University in Australia have redesigned zinc-air batteries and have found the technology to be preferable to lithium-ion batteries – even for electric vehicles.
Energy management system to combine residential PV with gravity storage
Researchers in Morocco have created a new energy management system that allows the combination of rooftop PV with gravity storage. The proposed system is reportedly able to perform smart energy distribution within a household while also lowering electricity costs.
Australian shipbuilder to deliver world’s largest all-electric ferry
Australian’s Incat Tasmania is building the world’s largest all-electric ship at its shipyards in Hobart. The 130-metre-long vessel is to be fitted with a 40 MWh battery energy storage system that will power a series of electric propulsion system and waterjets.
Driving down solar costs key to unlocking green hydrogen future
Jim Tyler, CEO of solar tech specialist Erthos, says that reducing the cost of solar electricity will be needed to unlock the next chapter of the energy transition: a green hydrogen economy.
Weekend Read: ‘Please open your wallets’
Donations of cash and solar equipment have thrown a lifeline to schools, hospitals, and communities in Ukraine but the country needs much more, including long-term backing for the recovery of its industry, reports Ian Skarytovsky.
The Hydrogen Stream: Water splitting with solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 12%
A Japanese team is working on a solar water splitting system with a 12% solar-to-hydrogen efficiency, while UK researchers have identified the reason why graphene’s dense crystalline structure is much more permeable to protons.
