Project Leader: MIMOUNI Med Faouzi
Summary and Objectives
Our research activities are structured around five main axes of work:
- Axis 1:
The first research axis focuses on the development of a tool for designing electrification systems, identifying the most suitable architecture to maximize the contribution of renewable energy sources. The objective is to achieve an optimal sizing of production means combined with efficient operation of microgrids, while considering the lifespan of components. Optimization, management, and improvement of energy production and distribution represent a significant part of the thesis work.
- Axis 2:
The second axis aims at developing new techniques to optimize the energy management of hybrid electric vehicles. Currently, the main challenges limiting the development, industrialization, and commercialization of fully electric cars are the short battery range, limited speed, and relatively long charging time. Beyond the installation of charging points, the concept of roads equipped with inductive charging coils embedded beneath the surface is emerging.
However, full electrification raises various constraints and requires specific infrastructures with significant investments. Therefore, we aim to investigate an intermediate solution — the hybrid electric vehicle.
The operation management of the thermal and electric motors should rely on a precise control law ensuring optimal coordination and fuel/electricity consumption optimization depending on variables such as speed, zone, or load weight.
The operation management of the thermal and electric motors should rely on a precise control law ensuring optimal coordination and fuel/electricity consumption optimization depending on variables such as speed, zone, or load weight.
In this context, we intend to apply artificial intelligence techniques to enable the integration of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, etc.) mounted directly on the vehicle structure. We also plan to recover energy from exhaust gases using thermoelectric modules, from wheel motion and suspension vibration using piezoelectric devices, and from other microsystems to improve energy recovery efficiency.
Real-time management of multiple energy sources will require implementing algorithms on dedicated electronic hardware (such as DSP boards).
Real-time management of multiple energy sources will require implementing algorithms on dedicated electronic hardware (such as DSP boards).
- Axis 3:
Within this axis, the research team will study the dynamic stability of the Tunisian electrical grid using nonlinear dynamical system analysis techniques such as bifurcation theory and harmonic balance.
The objective of this analysis is to establish suitable tuning laws for voltage regulator and power system stabilizer parameters, ensuring effective control and optimal performance of the electrical network.
- Axis 4:
The fourth axis focuses on the development of advanced techniques for optimizing the energy management of multi-source smart microgrids. Although integrating various renewable sources is feasible, major challenges remain regarding energy quality and grid stability.
The coexistence of multiple sources with widely varying inertias complicates control and management optimization.
Moreover, integrating electric vehicle chargers — either plug-in or inductive — leads to significant energy consumption and long charging times.
Moreover, integrating electric vehicle chargers — either plug-in or inductive — leads to significant energy consumption and long charging times.
For DC-powered households, the cost of compatible electrical equipment remains relatively high compared to AC systems, and certain electromagnetic phenomena in machines and devices require AC supply.
These factors, coupled with converter-generated harmonics and frequent battery charge/discharge cycles reducing lifespan, make optimization a multi-variable and complex problem.
Effective management must balance economic, technical, and environmental considerations, requiring intelligent real-time control based on algorithmic efficiency, communication speed, and reliability.
Real-time multi-source management thus requires implementation on dedicated electronic platforms (e.g., DSP boards) and the inclusion of redundant or backup energy sources to ensure operational safety in case of faults or failures.
- Axis 5:
Water and energy supply are closely interconnected, and their efficient management is vital for a sustainable future.
Although water covers three-quarters of the Earth's surface, about 97% is saltwater, and only 3% is freshwater, found mainly in groundwater, lakes, and rivers. The oceans represent an almost inexhaustible water source but are highly saline.
Desalination offers a solution to water scarcity; however, the process demands large amounts of energy. When this energy comes from fossil fuels, it can harm the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to use renewable energy sources for seawater desalination.
Hydrogen represents a promising future energy storage medium that can complement various renewable sources. It can be considered an environmentally friendly fuel, especially when produced through water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines.