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Selectronic, Relectrify & IBM R&D collaboration seeks innovative technology energy solutions
The Partnership
(USA / AUSTRALIA 2017)
Selectronic Australia and Relectify have partnered with IBM Research Lab to implement, test and demonstrate a range of ways for new energy technologies to interact and operate.
The Opportunity
As specialists in the energy space, Selectronic and Relectrify recognized that the next major phase of energy cost reductions in Australia will rely on improvements to the underlying software and algorithms that maximize the returned value of solar and storage solutions.
Today, Australia has the world's largest per-capita uptake of residential rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) generation, with more than 15 per cent of homes in the state of Victoria having solar power. For many households, energy storage is now becoming an attractive economic solution, particularly given the high energy rates and the mismatch between the timing of energy consumption and generation.
Using system optimization methods developed specifically for solar and storage applications, the joint project aims to demonstrate significant gains in value generated across whole of system.
To date, the project has developed a highly localized solar generation forecasting model that can adapt to changing conditions dynamically, as well as a hybrid system optimization approach. Long-term optimal operation is calculated in the cloud, while fast local controllers ensure real-time response in the battery charge controller. These methods are currently being tested and will be implemented across seven testing sites throughout Melbourne, Australia.
The Parties
Selectronic is an inverter manufacturer whose inverters are recognized for their versatility and reliability, with applications ranging from domestic off-grid power systems, to grid-connect and grid-support applications.
Relectrify, an Australian energy storage provider, creates systems that offer a unique approach for the re-use of capable battery cells. This method has the potential to drive down the cost of storage systems, mitigating additional battery manufacture and decreasing recycling volume.
IBM Research Lab is one of IBM’s 12 global research labs, the lab combines research and development in the areas of AI, IoT, and cyber security to conceive, design and build next-generation systems that will transform health and life sciences, analytics, resource management, and financial services.2
The Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) supported the project with a $250,000 grant from the New Energy Jobs Fund, a mechanism to support renewable energy sector development.
Image, from left to right
Rod Scott, CEO, Selectronic
Valentin Muenzel, CEO, Relectrify
Julian de Hoog, Research Scientist, IBM Research
Dan Crowley, CTO, Relectrify
Paras Karki, Electronics Engineer, Selectronic
