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The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions has led to the development of hybrid energy systems that integrate renewable sources like solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and fuel cells (FC).  The practical applications of the research in sectors such as electric vehicles and residential power systems, contribute to a more reliable and sustainable energy future contributing to a more reliable and sustainable future.

Abstract of the research.

This paper introduces novel high-gain tertiary port boost converter (HGTPBC) designed for hybrid energy sources such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and fuel cells (FC). The converter is employed with dual input sources by facilitating modular converters and accomplishes a high step-up voltage gain by virtue of a voltage multiplier in a DC microgrid, where the prosumers can have an islanded operation. The proposed topology allows home appliances to be powered by multiple energy source without the need for a large storage unit. Key features include continuous input current, reduced normalized voltage stress on switches, expandability for multiple input sources and independent source control. The independent control facilitates the standalone operation with single source during source failure or absence. To evaluate the converter performance, a thorough steady-state analysis, both with and without consideration of nonidealities is carried out. Detailed comparisons with existing converter topologies highlight the advantages of the proposed converter. Moreover, the loss distribution and efficiency analysis of proposed converter are presented and found to be 91.59% efficiency at rated power. Theoretical aspects are validated through hardware testing on a 100W laboratory prototype.

Explanation of the Research in layperson’s terms.

The proposed converter is a 100W DC-DC converter topology used in hybrid energy systems applications and electric vehicular applications in DC microgrid. The converter can accept two sources like fuel cell and solar PV system to supply the load and even can be extended for a greater number of sources. Thus, it is suitable for various applications of traction vehicles, household electrifications etc. It exhibits a lower switch stress and higher step-up conversion gain.

Practical Implementation and Social implications

The features include high step-up conversion gain, independent control possible, reduced normalised switch voltage stress. And flexible operation based on PV availability. It is most suitable for electric vehicles, Unmanned ariel vehicles, and hybrid energy systems etc. It improves the reliability of the renewable energy source by the incorporation of the second fixed source, fuel cell. It can be used in various on-grid and off-grid applications like home, hospitals, offices, and educational institutions, especially where source reliability is necessary. The major advantage is the reduction in the size of the source due to higher step-up gain and ease of control between the sources.

Future Research Plans

We are working towards the development of efficient and ultra-high gain bidirectional converters for various applications on DC microgrids. That should be able of reducing the source ratings and to integrate multiple sources to improve the grid reliability. Design and implementation of bidirectional multi-port converters for various applications of DC microgrids, such as renewable and hybrid storage integration are the scope of our research.

The link to the article- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10772206

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Directorate of IR & HS, along with the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Electronics Engineering, successfully hosted the “Sakura Sangam: Indo Japan Joint Workshop,” a two-day virtual event held on July 29 and 30, 2024. This workshop, organised in collaboration with Toyo University, Japan and supported by SRM Global Consulting, aimed to foster academic collaboration and cultural exchange between India and Japan.

During the first day, participants delved into key subjects within Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics engineering, engaging in dynamic sessions that facilitated knowledge exchange and exploration of the latest advancements in these critical fields. The workshop provided a platform for students and professionals alike to enhance their understanding and contribute to ongoing discussions about innovation and technology.

The second day of the workshop was particularly enriching. It featured talks and seminars highlighting the rich cultural heritage of both nations. Attendees had the unique opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the traditions and customs that define the Indo-Japanese relationship. Vice Chancellor Dr Manoj K. Arora explained the meaning of ‘Sakura Sangam.’ He noted that “Sakura” refers to cherry blossoms, which are highly cherished in Japanese culture and symbolise the beauty and fleeting nature of life. ‘Sangam’ means ‘coming together’ in Sanskrit. This introduction set the stage for the workshop’s focus on bringing people together and sharing cultures.
Professor discussed India’s reputation as an IT hub and Japan’s renowned manufacturing expertise. He suggested that by combining these strengths, we could share knowledge and strengthen our bonds. The professor then officially started the workshop with a brief introduction, outlining what we will cover over the next two days.

Dr P Vivekananda Shanmuganathan provided a detailed brief on the research activities at SRMAP, with a particular focus on Mechanical Engineering. He highlighted some of the prominent PhD scholars and their ongoing research projects, showcasing their contributions to advanced topics such as innovative manufacturing processes and robotics. This presentation underscored the university’s dedication to cutting-edge research and its role in advancing the field through the efforts of its talented scholars.
Dr Vitalram Rayankula presented his research on Inverse Kinematics, focusing on the “Two Degree of Freedom Manipulator,” a robotic arm with two independent movements. He discussed the challenges of motion planning, particularly when dealing with line-type obstacles. Dr. Rayankula compared scenarios where the manipulator encounters obstacles without collision to those where collisions occur, highlighting the importance of precise calculations and control algorithms for safe robotic operation.

Dr Kiran Kumar discussed electric vehicles (EVs) and their challenges compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. He highlighted issues such as the efficiency of ICE components, the longer recharge time for EVs, and the need for additional lead-acid batteries to match the energy density of gasoline. Dr. Kumar emphasized the limitations of current battery technology, which impact the range, weight, and overall efficiency of EVs, while also noting the environmental benefits they offer.

Prof. Shinobu Yamaguchi explored Japan’s changing perspectives regarding India, emphasising the importance of mutual cultural understanding in today’s globalised world. She highlighted how Japan’s view of India has evolved significantly over time.

In addition to technical topics, the workshop also included career-oriented sessions designed to equip students with insights into the professional landscape. Industry experts provided guidance on internships, job prospects, and the latest trends influencing both the Japanese and Indian job markets.

The “Sakura Sangam” workshop proved to be a resounding success, fostering both academic and cultural ties and paving the way for future collaborations between educational institutions in India and Japan.

Dr M Sheikh Mohamed shared insights from his 14-year journey in Japan, focusing on both challenges and growth opportunities.
● Academic Background: Originally from Chennai, Dr. Mohamed completed his B.Sc., M.Sc., and M.Phil. in Biotechnology before moving to Japan.
● Language Challenges: He emphasised the complexity of learning Japanese, especially the kanji script, which can be daunting for newcomers.
● Cultural Adaptation: Dr. Mohamed discussed the importance of mutual respect and understanding in Japan, noting that being polite and helpful can go a long way in overcoming cultural barriers.
● Time Management: He admired the punctuality ingrained in Japanese society, where trains and trams run with remarkable precision.
● Earthquake Preparedness: Recounting an earthquake experience, he observed the calm and orderly manner in which people evacuated buildings, reflecting the nation’s preparedness and resilience.

Thamtoro Elias Dillan, Department of Mechanical Engineering, International Student from Indonesia, provided a detailed account of the key challenges and experiences faced by international students in Japan:
1. Language Barrier: The difficulty of mastering Japanese can be a significant hurdle for international students, impacting daily life and academic success.
2. Student Life: He highlighted the differences in student life between Japan and his home country, including the structure of academic programs and extracurricular activities.
3. Cost of Living: He discussed the relatively high cost of living in Japan, including accommodation, food, and transportation, and offered tips on managing expenses.
4. Location: The choice of university location can greatly affect the student experience, with major cities offering more opportunities but also higher living costs.
5. Help & Support: He stressed the importance of seeking help and support from university resources and local communities to navigate the challenges of living abroad.

Sankar San and Mr. Masahiro Koizumi, Senior Operating Officer of Forum Engineering and Managing Director of Cognavi India, discussed the evolving landscape of educational and career opportunities between Japan and India, focusing on the following aspects:
1. Opportunities in India for Japanese Students: They highlighted the growing interest among Japanese students in India’s IT and engineering sectors, offering diverse opportunities for learning and career growth.
2. Opportunities in Japan for Indian Students: They noted that Japan offers unique opportunities for Indian students, particularly in fields like robotics, engineering, and business management.
3. Identified Gaps: They discussed the gaps in mutual understanding and the challenges students face in adapting to different educational and cultural environments.
4. Changing Trends: They emphasised how initiatives like exchange programs and collaborative projects are bridging these gaps, fostering greater understanding and collaboration.

Sankar San and Jotish San detailed SRM’s strategic initiatives to integrate Japanese language and culture into their curriculum:
● Curriculum Integration: SRM AP has introduced Japanese language courses from the first year, aiming to equip students with the language skills needed for internships and job placements in Japan.
● Destination Japan Program: This program offers students opportunities to experience Japanese culture and work environments, enhancing their global competence.
● Internship and Placement Opportunities: They highlighted partnerships with Japanese companies, providing internships and placements for students, which can be pivotal for career development.
● SRM Group’s Vision: They concluded by sharing SRM’s broader vision of fostering international collaboration and preparing students for a globalized job market.

Ms. Aditi Jain, Director of International Relations and Higher Studies, has eloquently addressed the concept of internationalization and its potential benefits for students from both nations. She highlighted the invaluable partnerships at SRM AP, which foster cross-cultural exchanges and enhance academic collaboration. In her words, “Internationalization not only broadens academic horizons but also cultivates a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, preparing students for a globalised world.” These initiatives are not just about enhancing educational experiences; they also empower students to develop a global perspective, essential for succeeding in today’s interconnected environment.

The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering hosted a highly successful five-day Skill Enhancement Programme on “Renewable Energy and Smart Transportation” from July 22 to July 26, 2024, signalling a major leap forward in addressing the vital sectors of electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. The programme conducted in a hybrid mode, featured live lectures, hands-on training, and interactive sessions, drawing a total of 50 participants. Chief Guest Dr K Sivakumar, HOD-EEE, IIT Hyderabad, highlighted the pressing need for such skill development initiatives and stressed the importance of keeping abreast of advancements in renewable energy and smart transportation.

Expert sessions on the emerging domains of Renewable Energy, including Advanced Power Conversion and Efficient Drives, Design and Simulation Tools, Battery Management and Charging Infrastructure, and Sustainability and Renewable Integration, fostered an in-depth understanding and application of the latest technologies in these fields.

Dr K Sivakumar started off the programme with an engaging session on advanced power conversion techniques and control strategies for electric vehicles. His insights into modern electric vehicle design set a strong foundation for the week. Participants gained a deep understanding and a solid theoretical base on the latest advancements in power converters and control techniques, which are crucial for the design and development of efficient electric vehicles.

Subsequent technical sessions were led by esteemed experts from academia and industry, such as Dr Narasimharaju B L from NIT Warangal, Mr Suraj from Decibels Pvt. Ltd., Dr G Naga Yatendra Babu from Solidpro Engineering Support Pvt. Ltd., Mr Sai Teja Cherla from OPAL-RT, and Dr Kiran Kumar N, Dr Pratikanta Mishra from and Dr V Naresh Kumar from SRM University-AP.

Overall, the Skill Enhancement Programme provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy and smart transportation, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills and fostering discussions on current challenges and future opportunities in these fields.

The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering is glad to announce that the paper titled “A Comparative Analysis of Non-Isolated Bi-directional Converters for Energy Storage Applications”, authored by Dr Tarkeshwar Mahto, Dr Somesh Vinayak Tewari, Dr Ramanjaneya Reddy, Assistant Professors and Ms K Mounika Nagabushanam, PhD Scholar has been published in the IOPs Engineering Research Express having an impact factor of 1.7. The paper explores various non-isolated bi-directional DC-DC converter topologies for renewable energy systems, providing insights into their performance and suitability for different applications.

Abstract

Bi-directional DC-DC converters (BDC) are required for power flow regulation between storage devices and DC buses in renewable energy-based distributed generation systems. The fundamental requirements of the BDC are simple structure, reduced switching components, a wide range of voltage gain, low voltage stress, high efficiency, and reduced size. There are different BDC topologies for various applications based on the requirements in the literature. Various BDCs are categorised according to their impedance networks. Isolated BDC converters are large due to high-frequency transformers and hence used for static energy storage applications whereas non-isolated BDC is lightweight and suitable for dynamic applications like electric vehicles. This paper reviews types of non-isolated BDC topologies. The performance of five non-isolated BDC converters under steady-state conditions is evaluated using theoretical analysis. On this basis, the suitability of BDC for different applications is discussed. Further advantages and limitations of converters are discussed by using comparative analysis. The optimisation of BDC for distributed generation systems from the perspectives of wide voltage gain, low electromagnetic interference, and low cost with higher efficiency is identified. Theoretical analysis of the converters is validated by simulating 200W converters in MATLAB Simulink.

The main challenges with energy storage systems are frequent failures due to frequent charging and discharging and the volume of the power converter. The team plans to:

• To design a converter with fewer components, low switching stresses, high power transfer capability, and higher efficiency to deliver continuous current to the energy storage system.
• To work on various control techniques to keep the DC link voltage of the propulsion system constant.

Link to the article

In a significant stride towards sustainable energy solutions, a team of researchers from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation. Their paper titled “A Novel Multi-Port High-Gain Bidirectional DC–DC Converter for Energy Storage System Integration with DC Microgrids” has been accepted in the prestigious Q1 Journal of Energy Storage, boasting an impressive impact factor of 9.4. The study focuses on addressing the critical challenges associated with energy storage systems (ESS) in direct current (DC) microgrids. Dr Ramanjaneya Reddy, Assistant Professor, Dr Tarkeshwar Mahto, Assistant Professor, and Mrs Maya Vijayan, a dedicated PhD Scholar, collaborated to design a multi-port high-gain bidirectional DC-DC converter. This innovative converter facilitates seamless integration of energy storage systems with DC microgrids, enhancing overall system efficiency and reliability.

Abstract

Bidirectional converters have often been used in numerous applications like DC microgrids, renewable energy, hybrid energy storage systems, electric vehicles, etc. The paper proposes a novel multi-port high-gain (NMPHG) bidirectional DC-DC converter that supports DC microgrid (DC-MG) applications. The main contributions of the proposed converter are high step-up/step-down conversion gain, multiple input ports, lower switch voltage stress, and lower component count owing to the single converter with multiple input ports for DC microgrid applications.

The detailed operational principle, analysis, and design considerations of proposed NMPHG bidirectional DC-DC converters are discussed. Furthermore, the loss analysis, detailed comparison with similar works, and efficiency analysis with non-modalities during forward power flow (LV to HV) and reverse power flow (HV to LV) modes are presented. The efficiency of the proposed converter is found to be 93.8% in forward power flow and 92.9% in reverse power flow modes at rated power. Finally, a hardware prototype of the proposed NMPHG bidirectional DC-DC converter is implemented with 100 W in FPF mode and 200 W in RPF mode with a TMS320F28335 processor and validated with theoretical counterparts.

Explanation of Research in Layperson’s Terms

The proposed converter is a 200W bidirectional topology used in DC microgrid applications such as renewable energy, hybrid energy storage systems, and electric vehicles. The converter can accept two or more sources to supply the load. Thus, it is suitable for various applications of traction vehicles. It exhibits a lower switch stress and reduces the component ratings to lower values.

Title of Research Paper in the Citation Format

A NOVEL MULTI-PORT HIGH-GAIN BIDIRECTIONAL DC-DC CONVERTER FOR ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM INTEGRATION WITH DC MICROGRIDS

Vijayan, Maya, Ramanjaneya Reddy Udumula, Tarkeshwar Mahto, and Ravi Eswar KM. “A novel multi-port high-gain bidirectional DC-DC converter for energy storage system integration with DC microgrids.” Journal of Energy Storage 87 (2024): 111431.

Practical Implementation or the Social Implications Associated with it

The features include port expandability on the source side, lower switch voltage stress, bidirectional property, and fewer components. It is most suitable for electric vehicles, Unmanned ariel vehicles, and energy storage systems at renewable power plants, etc. It improves the reliability of the grid system whereas hybrid energy storage systems with battery or supercapacitor will improve system stability.

It can be used in various on-grid and off-grid applications like hospitals, offices, and educational institutions, especially where energy backup is very important. These types of converters are more specific for use in fast power transition required such as EVs, drones, aircraft, space vehicles, etc. The major advantage is the reduction in the size of the converter due to multiple source capability and ease of control.

Future Research Plans

We plan to work on a bidirectional converter with better efficiency and ultra-high gain. That should be able to reduce the size of the converter and the source ratings too. Design and implement bidirectional multi-port converters for various applications of DC microgrids, such as renewable and hybrid storage integration.

Link to the Article