FLEXHYBAT is a multidisciplinary project that involves the research fields of hydro-mechanics and electronics, as well as control and electrical aspects of hydropower energy management and battery applications.
Its aim is to contribute to the decarbonisation of the energy sector by using new technologies that help integrating renewable energies into the electrical grid. The feasibility of hybridising hydropower units with batteries is explored so that the ancillary services these units provide, as well as the assets’ RUL (Remaining Useful Life), can be improved.
In FLEXHYBAT, second-life batteries are used as a strategy to increase battery circularity and to reduce the cost and environmental impact of the battery system – materials extraction, manufacturing and recycling processes.
Given its complexity, the project is coordinated between Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and Universidad de Oviedo (UNIOV) and divided into two sub-projects, each led by centres belonging to one of the universities: CDIF-UPC, EPIC-UPC and LEMUR-UNIOVI. Learn more about the research centres participating in FLEXHYBAT in Partners.
The project is funded by and developed within Spain’s Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento 2022 call.
Timeline and organisation
The project was launched in September 2023 and is expected to be completed by September 2026.
Its progress is organised into several objectives and milestones that help track its development and proper implementation.
FLEXHYBAT’s results are disseminated on this website and more details on its progress can be found here.
2023
2024
2025
2026
FLEXHYBAT’s work packages
The project is organised into 13 work packages that allow for tracking of progress in general and in specific areas, as well as orderly distribution of tasks amongst partners.
WP number
Leader
Title
1
CDIF-UPC
Selection of a non-hybrid demonstrator connected to the Spanish grid. Data collection and analysis
2
LEMUR-UNIOVI
Analysis of the electrical grid and ancillary services requirements
3
EPIC-UPC
Database of existing batteries and technologies
4
CDIF-UPC
Hydromechanical characterisation of the non-hybrid unit
5
LEMUR-UNIOVI
Grid modelling and simulation of impact of ancillary services in the non-hybrid unit
6
EPIC-UPC
Build up of 2nd life battery models and experimental validation
7
CDIF-UPC
Wear and tear assessment of the critical components of the non-hybrid unit and efficiency estimation
8
LEMUR-UNIOVI
Digital twin and control system of the hybrid unit
9
CDIF-UPC
Impact of the hybridisation on the RUL of hydromechanical components and efficiency improvement
10
LEMUR-UNIOVI
Impact of the hybridisation on the ancillary services provided by the hybridised unit
11
EPIC-UPC
Impact of the hybridisation on the battery
12
CDIF-UPC
Global assessment of the hybrid unit and optimal strategies for future hydropower hybridisation projects
13
CDIF-UPC
Coordination and dissemination
FLEXHYBAT 