What are 'Hybrid Energy Systems'?
Hybrid Energy Systems (HES) combine two or more energy generation, storage or end-use technologies for overall net benefits, compared with single source energy systems.
Configurations could include: renewable or non-renewable energy sources, electrical and chemical energy storage and generation via storage and fuel cells.
About the Centre
CHES is a collaboration hub for researchers and industry in the hybrid energy space. Through CHES, we will work with industry to identify emerging energy conversion, generation and storage technologies to meet specific end user power requirements. This collaborative space can be used to share the benefits of emerging hybrid energy systems with Australian industry partners and government bodies to maximise the value of local energy sources.
In CHES we will act as a trusted advisor for industry for safe adoption of new hybrid energy technologies. We can test and certify energy storage batteries, electrolysers for hydrogen generation and fuel cells to national and international standards. We can also develop hybrid energy systems under renewable energy and end-use load profiles, and showcase CSIRO-developed technologies that may be of interest to industry partners.
CHES is an ideal test environment to investigate cost, efficiency and emissions related challenges and opportunities relating to integration of renewable energies. We can also provide education and advice to industry to aid decision making and partner with industry on future transport infrastructure.
A growing market
Hybrid energy systems can deliver improvements in energy performance, efficiency and reliability, as well as increased flexibility for users.
There is a growing international market for hybrid energy systems, especially with growing investment in energy storage and with renewables now making a significant contribution to the energy mix.
CHES works closely with CSIRO's Renewable Energy and Stored Energy Integration Facilities at our Energy Centre in Newcastle, where smart grid and grid storage research and development is carried out.
Capabilities
We can:
- do rapid prototyping of hybrid energy systems in a range of different configurations
- perform environmental testing of battery storage under a range of conditions
- test and evaluate any electrolysis hydrogen generation system and fuel cell
- set up demonstration projects involving renewable energy systems, with variable load profiles for specific locations, and emerging energy conversion / storage technologies
- develop commercially-ready products in partnership with industry.