Intelligent cloud-based monitoring and control digital twin hybrid solar-wind power generation system based for health care Use
Introduction:
1. Can you introduce yourself and give us a brief overview of your project/innovation?
I’m Dr. Firas Basim Ismail, an Associate Professor and the leader of the Smart Power Generation Research Center at Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia, and an Adjunct Professor at Sohar University, Oman. With over 17 years of experience in academia and industry, my expertise spans Thermo-Fluid, Energy, Deep Learning Condition Monitoring, and Big Data Analysis. My project focuses on optimizing a hybrid solar-wind power generation system integrated with a digital twin, tailored specifically for healthcare use in Malaysia. The innovation lies in enhancing power generation efficiency through advanced signal processing techniques and real-time monitoring, leveraging digital twin technology to ensure sustainability and reliability in healthcare environments.
2. What inspired you to embark on this project?
The inspiration came from the pressing need for reliable, sustainable energy solutions in healthcare settings, particularly in regions prone to power instability. The integration of digital twin technology with renewable energy systems provides a forward-looking solution that not only ensures energy security but also promotes sustainability. My passion for technological innovation and sustainable solutions, along with the desire to make a meaningful impact in healthcare, drove me to undertake this project.
About the Innovation:
3. Could you explain the core technology or science behind your innovation? How does it work?
The core of our innovation lies in integrating a hybrid solar-wind power generation system with a digital twin. This involves using a specially optimized wind turbine, whose performance is enhanced through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and advanced airfoil selection to maximize lift-to-drag ratios. The digital twin technology provides a virtual replica of the power generation system, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and efficient control. This combination ensures optimized performance and reliability, particularly in healthcare facilities where uninterrupted power is critical.
4. What problem does your innovation aim to solve, and why is it important?
The innovation aims to address the challenge of providing efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy in healthcare settings, which are often affected by unstable power supplies. By integrating renewable energy sources with advanced digital monitoring, we ensure continuous power availability, reduce dependency on non-renewable sources, and enhance the sustainability of healthcare operations. This is crucial for maintaining essential medical services and improving patient outcomes.
5. How does your project stand out from other solutions currently available in the healthcare and life sciences field?
Our project stands out by combining hybrid renewable energy systems with digital twin technology tailored specifically for healthcare use. Unlike traditional power solutions, our system provides a holistic approach to energy management, offering real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and enhanced control capabilities. This not only ensures energy efficiency and reliability but also supports sustainability initiatives, making it a unique and comprehensive solution for healthcare facilities.
Journey & Challenges:
6. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the development of your innovation? How did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was optimizing the wind turbine design to achieve maximum efficiency. This required extensive CFD simulations and testing under various conditions. We overcame this by leveraging advanced simulation tools and collaborating with experts in aerodynamics to refine the design. Another challenge was integrating the digital twin technology with the hybrid system, which required innovative software development and testing to ensure seamless functionality.
7. Can you share a pivotal moment or breakthrough in your project’s development?
A pivotal moment was the successful implementation of the digital twin model, which enabled real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance of the hybrid system. This breakthrough validated our concept of integrating renewable energy with advanced digital technologies, proving its feasibility and effectiveness in a real-world healthcare setting.
Associate Professor Dr Hj Firas Basim Ismail
Head of Power Generation Research Centre | College of Engineering
Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)
Kajang, Malaysia
Impact & Future Goals:
8. What has been the impact of your innovation so far, and what do you hope to achieve in the long term?
So far, our innovation has demonstrated significant potential in enhancing energy reliability and sustainability in healthcare facilities. It has received recognition through awards, highlighting its innovative approach and impact. In the long term, we aim to further refine the technology, expand its application to other critical sectors, and promote wider adoption of sustainable energy solutions in healthcare and beyond.
9. How do you envision your innovation changing the landscape of healthcare and life sciences?
Our innovation has the potential to revolutionize energy management in healthcare by providing a sustainable, reliable power source tailored to the unique needs of medical facilities. This can lead to more resilient healthcare systems, reduced operational costs, and improved patient care by ensuring uninterrupted power supply for critical medical equipment and services.
Collaboration & Support:
10. In what ways has participating in the MTE Advanced Healthcare and Life Sciences International Innovation Awards supported your project?
Participating in the MTE Awards has provided valuable exposure, networking opportunities, and recognition for our innovation. It has helped us connect with potential collaborators, investors, and stakeholders who are interested in sustainable healthcare solutions, furthering our project’s development and impact.
11. Are there any partnerships or collaborations that have been pivotal to your success? How have they contributed?
Collaborations with Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Sohar University, and industry partners have been crucial. These partnerships have provided access to advanced research facilities, expert knowledge, and financial support, which have been instrumental in the project’s success and development.
Advice & Insights:
12. What advice would you give to aspiring innovators in the healthcare and life sciences sector?
My advice would be to focus on solving real-world problems with innovative, sustainable solutions. Engage in continuous learning, collaborate with experts across disciplines, and remain resilient in the face of challenges. Understanding the specific needs of healthcare environments is crucial for developing impactful innovations.
13. How do you stay motivated and continue to innovate in the face of obstacles?
I stay motivated by focusing on the broader impact of my work and the potential benefits it can bring to society. The challenges faced during research are seen as opportunities for growth and learning. Collaborating with passionate team members and staying committed to our shared vision also keeps me motivated.
Professor Dr. Hussein A. Kazem
Faculty of Engineering
Sohar University (SU)
Sohar, Oman
Looking Ahead:
14. What’s next for you and your project? Are there any upcoming developments or expansions in the works?
Next, we plan to expand the application of our innovation to other critical sectors, such as remote communities and disaster response units, where reliable energy is essential. We are also exploring further enhancements in digital twin capabilities and AI integration for more advanced predictive analytics and control.
15. How can people learn more about your work, get involved, or support your innovation?
People can learn more about our work through our publications, conferences, and partnerships. We welcome collaborations with researchers, industry partners, and stakeholders interested in advancing sustainable energy solutions. Support can also be extended through research grants and joint development initiatives.
Closing:
16. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our audience about your journey or your innovation?
I would like to emphasize the importance of innovation in creating sustainable and resilient healthcare systems. Our journey has been one of collaboration, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. We believe that through continued research and innovation, we can make a meaningful impact on society, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare.
Innovators:
Associate Professor Dr. Hj Firas Basim Ismail Alnaimi
Professor Dr. Hussein A. Kazem
Assistant Professor Dr. Ali H. A. Al-Waeli
Organisation: Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Malaysia
Email: Firas@uniten.edu.my
Assistant Professor Dr. Ali H. A. Al-Waeli
Engineering Department
American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS)
Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
