Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) has launched yet another innovative feat into integrating the use of lead batteries by installing two microgrids at the campus’ EcoVillage, which comprises of solar-powered houses designed and built by the university’s very own students.
According to Missouri S&T’s Microgrid Industrial Consortium, the purpose of this project is to be able to enlighten the potential use of microgrids as a renewable energy source by measuring its advancements in lead battery energy storage.
At this stage, two homes previously occupied by students will be utilized for the project—wherein each will be powered with stored electricity from the systems which will run off charging algorithms from a 24-hour, cloud-based control system.
“The new microgrid systems will allow researchers to explore the application of advanced lead batteries in stationary grid-tied applications.” Dr. Mehdi Ferdowsi, director of Missouri S&T’s Microgrid Industrial Consortium and a professor of electrical engineering and computing, expressed regarding the subject. He also noted that the advanced testing of microgrids can also be used to conduct research on possible peer-to-peer transactions with the energy trading between consumers and ‘prosumers’, or those who both produce and consume the energy.
Given with the resolution of providing opportunities to serve the state’s environment through energy research, this project is provided with a three-year timeline for research and is expected to be finalized by 2021.