Work

Real-time thermal analysis of Li-ion energy storage in a hybrid power system for remote off-grid electrification

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Countries worldwide are seeking ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to achieve the net-zero goal. Nations are adopting renewable energy technologies to reduce their emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. The electricity sector, industries, and transportation systems are taking the first steps. Nonetheless, remote, isolated areas still meet their electricity and energy demands by means of fossil fuels. The lack of access to the electrical grid, due to long distances and high costs, enables a hybrid power system (HPS) as an adequate solution. An HPS combines renewable energy sources with energy storage systems to cover the electricity demand of a specific area. In our case, the proposed HPS will consider the ongoing diesel generation, which currently supplies the Village of Mud Lake, NL, as well as wind and solar energy sources. The battery bank, based on 6S2P lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, will play a crucial role in supplying electricity when the stated renewable sources are unavailable. In this study, 6 hybrid system configurations will be evaluated in HOMER Pro to identify the most suitable option for Mud Lake. This system will establish a 76-cent per kilowatt-hour cost of electricity, based on a USD 2 million investment, according to a HOMER Pro projection. The novel aspect of this paper concerns the real-time thermal analysis of the Li-ion energy storage system to assess the possibility of thermal runaway. By employing COMSOL Multiphysics, based on real-time hourly operational data of the proposed architecture, it has been determined that a battery meltdown is improbable, considering that the energy storage elements remained less than 22 ℃. • Techno-economic design of a hybrid diesel–wind–solar–battery system. • HOMER Pro predicts 76 ¢/kWh electricity cost for Mud Lake, NL. • Li-ion battery bank analyzed for real-time thermal safety using COMSOL. • Battery operates below 22 °C with no risk of thermal runaway. • System achieves reliable power supply while reducing diesel dependence.

Source: Next Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.nxener.2026.100669

Authors: Saikat Roy, Edison Sosa, Amin Etminan

Institution: Memorial University of Newfoundland

Language: English

Topic: Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems

Subfield: Energy Engineering and Power Technology

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,280