Diagnosis and optimization of hybrid energy systems

group leader

prof. Gojmir Radica, PhD

associates

assist. prof. Željko Penga, PhD
Tino Vidović, MScEng
Jure Penga, MScEng
Bruno Ševo, MScEng

Research topics

  1. Supervision, diagnostics and optimization of hybrid systems.
  2. Modeling of hybrid energy systems:
    1. mobile: IC engines, batteries, fuel cells
    2. stationary: IC engines, wind, solar, battery, fuel cells
    3. marine: MUI, fuel cells, batteries, alternative fuels, renewable energy sources
  3. New technologies for monitoring the operation, optimizing and reducing emissions of stationary and mobile hybrid energy systems
  4. Innovative concepts of energy supply from hybrid energy systems and analysis of complex energy systems
  5. Development of digital twins of energy systems

Description of laboratory and equipment

  • Laboratory for heat engines with a server for CFD analysis, 3D printer, CNC milling machine, laser cutter for the production of prototype parts for the improvement of parts of hybrid systems such as fuel articles, etc. Cooperation with the Laboratory for new thermo-energy technologies, which is equipped for testing and diagnostics membrane fuel cells and electrolyzers, complete hydrogen energy equipment connected to photovoltaic panels and a wind turbine on the roof of the building.
  • Test bench for testing hybrid systems with IC engine; Emission analyzer; Device for indicating pressures; Device for measuring fluid flow; Temperature sensors, Remote monitoring system,…
  • 10 computers with built-in AVL license for Boost, Cruise M, Fire (CFD) for modeling and simulation of complex energy systems and testing in a virtual environment.

Contacts with academic and other institutions

  • University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • AVL Advanced Simulation Technologies, Graz, Austria
  • Graz University of Technology, Austria
  • Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
  • Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania, USA
  • Kocaeli University, Türkiye
  • Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW), Ulm, Germany
  • SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway
  • Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), Munich, Germany
  • University of Rijeka, Faculty of Engineering (RiTeh), Croatia
  • University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FSB), Croatia
  • University of Tokyo, Japan
  • Hiroshima University, Japan
  • Brodotrogir, Croatia
  • Capax, Croatia
  • Teknoxgroup-Caterpillar, Croatia
  • Pomak, Croatia
  • MAN, Denmark
  • Wartsila, Switzerland
  • Ricardo, England, United Kingdom
  • Dalmacijacement, Croatia
  • University of Split, Faculty of Maritime Studies (PFST), Croatia
  • University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies (PFRI), Croatia
  • University of Dubrovnik, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Croatia
  • Lublin University of Technology, Poland
  • Jadrolinija, Croatia
  • Golar…
project title

Expert systems for diagnosis and optimization of hybrid energy systems (OPTIHYB)

Description of research in a 5-year term

Different hybrid systems will be researched and modeled and optimal mobile and stationary solutions will be sought. For mobile solutions (Vehicles and vessels) MUI will be taken in combination with solar, batteries and fuel cells, and for stationary solutions wind and solar power plants in combination with batteries and fuel cells. For diagnostics and optimization, models will be created and CFD modeling will be applied, and experiments will be performed with the available equipment. Thermodynamic analyzes of the working process of internal combustion engines with alternative fuels will be performed using numerical methods. Expert systems for diagnosis and optimization of hybrid energy systems in real time will be created. The state of hybrid energy systems will be analyzed by the expert system and suggestions will be made to increase the efficiency and reliability of the system. Calculations of system parameters will be performed with reference to standard conditions, parameter monitoring and generation of reports and trend diagrams, as well as optimization of engine operation based on real-time simulations and thermodynamic analyzes of the work process. Digital twins of the ship’s propulsion systems will be developed. The influence of external factors on the performance of fuel articles when used in ship power systems will be analyzed. Systems for remote monitoring and optimization of hybrid energy systems will be developed. Methods of testing energy systems in a virtual environment will be developed.