Microgrid has attracted academic and industrial attention as it is thought to be the main building block of a future sustainable smart grid system. It is intended to accommodate distributed renewable energy sources and manage the generated electricity using a dispatch and storage system to satisfy the demand of a local region. Although microgrid systems provide lots of important benefits, there are several challenges associated with the optimal management of microgrids. To handle the intermittency and uncertainty of renewable energy sources, electricity price, demand, etc., we develop forecast models to predict their future values using machine learning techniques (artificial neural networks) based on the past data. For decision-making of microgrids regarding the design, offer/bid, operation strategy, etc., we use stochastic programming approaches. Furthermore, we develop novel methods to mitigate the end-effect which is usually caused in the optimization of microgrid systems operation. 

Associated members: Dongho Han

Green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy such as solar and wind, stands as an eco-friendly fuel emitting no carbon throughout its lifecycle from production to combustion. Additionally, green hydrogen offers an efficient use of surplus power from renewable sources and boasts advantages in storage and transport due to its high energy density. Yet, challenges in production cost and infrastructure remain prevalent. To address these issues, our team is advancing research using mathematical programming to establish the superstructure and nationwide planning of the hydrogen supply chain, encompassing the entire process of renewable energy and hydrogen production, storage, and transportation. Through such endeavors, we anticipate expanded hydrogen infrastructure and the economic revitalization of the hydrogen industry. 

Associated members: Yechan Choi, Juyeong Jung, Mingyu Kim, Byoungyoun Lee

Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) involves the capture of CO2, generally from large point sources like power generation or industrial facilities that use either fossil fuels or biomass as fuel. Captured CO2 can be converted to several products: one group being alcohols, such as methanol, to use as e-fuels and other alternative and renewable sources of energy. Other commercial products include plastics, concrete and reactants for various chemical synthesis. Our research aims to design, analyze and evaluate CCUS systems considering uncertainties in the decision making frameworks. In order to do so, softwares and computer-aided tools are utilized such that optimal processing pathways for CCUS systems are suggested.

Image reference: www.technipenergies.com/en/carbon-capture-utilization-and-storage-services

Associated members: Mingyu Kim, Byoungyoun Lee