1. Modelling and Optimization of a Hybrid Energy Storage System
Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS) are system in which multiple energy storage solutions are employed to exploit the strength of a technology to overcome the limitations of another, creating an energy storage system able to cover the requirements of the intended application. Understanding how the involved energy storage technology interact with each other is critical for a correct design and optimization of the HESS. Modelling represents a powerful tool to investigate these systems.
The thesis will focus on the development and analysis of a HESS composed of two different technologies, selected according to the specific application under consideration, for example, sodium‑ion and lithium‑ion batteries for mobility, or a battery–supercapacitor system for stationary applications. The student will work with physics‑based models developed in PyBaMM, handling their parametrization, calibration, and validation using experimental data. These models will then be integrated into a MATLAB/Simulink environment, preferably through an FMU (Functional Mock-up Unit) interface or an equivalent solution, in order to study system sizing and develop energy management strategies.
Ideal candidate requisites:
- MSc student in Energy, Mechanical, Mechatronics or Chemical Engineering
- Basic knowledge of batteries and energy storage technologies
- Knowledge of programming softwares (e.g. Python and MATLAB) and modelling skills
- Ability to summarize scientific results with reports and presentations
- Good communication and relational skills
- Skills in problem solving
- Ability to work in a collaborative international environment with good autonomy
Reference people: Marco Cecchetti (mcecchetti@fbk.eu), Lorenzo Colturato (lcolturato@fbk.eu)
2. Development of Physics-based model for Redox Flow Batteries
Redox Flow Batteries (RFB) are an electrochemical energy storage technology that presents several advantages for Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES), such as decoupled power and energy and long useful life, but their competitiveness with conventional solutions is hindered by high investments costs. The development of models able to describe the behaviour of an RFB system enable the possibility of optimising the design of the system, enhancing their competitiveness with other technologies, as well as the possibility of investigating operating strategies to reduce operational costs.
The thesis will start from an existing physics‑based model of a Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) already implemented in PyBaMM. The main activity may focus either on adapting the model to a specific alternative redox chemistry or on extending its spatial representation by introducing a one‑dimensional discretization of the porous electrodes in addition to that of the membrane. The work will include the formulation and implementation of the corresponding electrochemical and transport phenomena, numerical verification, parametrization, and, within the limits of available data, model validation. A concluding phase may be dedicated to sensitivity analysis and to the optimization of selected design and operating parameters of the cell or the overall system. Additional physical phenomena and advanced optimization activities may be considered as further extensions.
Ideal candidate requisites:
- MSc student in Energy, Mechanical, Mechatronics or Chemical Engineering
- Basic knowledge of batteries and energy storage technologies
- Knowledge of programming softwares (e.g. Python and MATLAB) and modelling skills
- Ability to summarize scientific results with reports and presentations
- Good communication and relational skills
- Skills in problem solving
- Ability to work in a collaborative international environment with good autonomy
Reference people: Marco Cecchetti (mcecchetti@fbk.eu), Lorenzo Colturato (lcolturato@fbk.eu)
3. Design of Redox Flow Battery Energy Storage System
Redox Flow Batteries (RFB) are an electrochemical energy storage technology that presents several advantages for Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES), such as decoupled power and energy and long useful life. The state-of-the-art is represented by Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFB) which have good performance, but the cost of vanadium electrolyte represents a challenge to a widespread commercialization of the technology due to its costs. Therefore, the research is focusing on developing RFB with non-critical and cheap electrolytes as alternative to vanadium. The process of developing a new RFB presents several challenges, one of which is the design of the overall system of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) which must be adapted to the characteristics and requirements of the innovative RFB, tailoring the control system, hydraulic and electrical circuits, as well as the heat management.
The student will support the activities related to the design of the system of the innovative RFB being developed within the Battery and Electrification Technologies (BET) unit. The thesis will focus on engineering activities related to one or more of the following BESS aspects, depending on timeframe and on the student profile:
- Design of the BESS control system: P&ID preparation and control logic definition;
- Design of the hydraulic circuits of the electrolyte solutions to minimize pressure losses and shunt currents, as well as ensuring proper reactants distribution to the stacks;
- Evaluation of heating and cooling requirements for the BESS;
- Electrical design of the BESS and of the Power Conversion System (PCS).
Ideal candidate requisites:
- MSc student in Energy, Chemical, Mechatronic, Mechanical, Electrical or Process Engineering
- Basic knowledge of batteries and energy storage technologies
- Knowledge of fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer.
- Knowledge of programming softwares (e.g. Python and MATLAB/Simulink)
- Knowledge of CAD softwares (Ideally SolidWorks)
- Ability to summarize scientific results with reports and presentations
- Good communication and relational skills
- Skills in problem solving
- Ability to work in a collaborative international environment with good autonomy
Reference people: Marco Cecchetti (mcecchetti@fbk.eu)