AREAS OF RESEARCH
This thrust area focuses on enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of energy storage solutions, particularly batteries. This research area explores optimal planning and operational strategies to maximize performance, reduce costs, and extend system lifespan. By integrating energy storage with renewable generation and demand-side management, our work aims to develop solutions that support grid stability and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon energy future.
As high-capacity lithium-ion batteries become more integral to renewable energy integration and grid stability, the risks of thermal runaway and fire incidents pose serious safety concerns. These events can lead to catastrophic failures, endangering infrastructure, impacting air quality, and posing significant environmental and financial risks. This research area focuses on identifying the factors that contribute to battery fires and developing effective prevention and mitigation strategies to enhance the safety and reliability of large-scale energy storage systems.
As demand for clean energy grows, hydrogen offers a promising solution for large-scale energy storage and balancing grid supply and demand. Challenges remain in optimizing hydrogen production, storage, and utilization, particularly to ensure efficiency, scalability, and compatibility with existing grid infrastructure.