Research Smart Energy Systems

Smart Energy Systems

The Smart Energy Systems activities of the ARES group focus on the development and integration of advanced technologies enabling a sustainable and flexible energy transition. Research efforts aim to design systems capable of efficiently combining renewable generation, storage, and intelligent control, contributing to the decarbonization of the energy sector through both modelling and numerical simulation.

The main research directions in the topic are:

• Green Hydrogen Production: studies focus on the production, storage, and utilization of green hydrogen as a key vector for energy transition. Particular attention is devoted to the development of power-to-gas-to-power systems and their integration within renewable-based hybrid power plants as seasonal storage. The group investigates the role of hydrogen in supporting hard-to-abate sectors such as steel production, where direct electrification remains challenging.
• Battery Energy Storage Systems: research activities concern the modelling, optimization, and techno-economic assessment of battery systems integrated with renewable generation. The group develops detailed models and degradation-aware optimization frameworks to improve the efficiency, reliability, and lifetime of storage assets within microgrids and hybrid power systems.
• Optimization and Management of Microgrids: this line of research develops advanced optimization models and control algorithms for the design and operation of renewable-based microgrids. Activities include techno-economic analyses, robust dispatch optimization, and the study of hybrid configurations combining photovoltaic, wind, battery, and hydrogen storage systems.
• Forecasting of Energy Commodities: efforts are dedicated to the development of predictive models for renewable generation, load profiles, and other energy commodities. Machine learning and hybrid modelling approaches are applied to improve the accuracy and reliability of forecasts, supporting optimal control and energy market participation.

Through the integration of numerical modelling, optimization, and data analytics, the ARES group contributes to the advancement of smart, resilient, and low-carbon energy systems.