Muscat, March 11
Among the many innovative research projects recognised at the 12th National Research Award organised by the Research and Innovation Authority, 'A Novel Enhanced SOC Estimation Method for Lithium-Ion Battery Cells Using Cluster-Based LSTM Models and Centroid Proximity Selection,” led by principal investigator Dr Mohammed bin Khalifa al Alawi, Lecturer at the Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering Unit in the Engineering and Technology Department at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences – Muscat, was awarded in the Information and Communication Technologies field under the Young Researcher category.
The research addresses the critical challenge of accurately estimating the State of Charge (SOC) in lithium-ion batteries, which determines the amount of energy remaining in a battery and directly affects its performance, safety and lifespan. This is particularly important for second-life applications, where retired electric vehicle batteries are repurposed for renewable energy storage.
Dr Mohammed therefore developed a novel Cluster-Based Learning Model (CBLM) that combines K-Means clustering with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks, enabling more accurate and reliable SOC estimation under varying operational and environmental conditions. He aimed to develop advanced deep learning models capable of providing accurate SOC estimation despite varying operational and environmental conditions.
He also sought to enhance battery management systems through more precise monitoring techniques, enabling safer and more efficient operation. In addition, he focused on supporting the safe and effective repurposing of retired electric vehicle batteries for renewable energy storage applications, contributing to sustainability and resource efficiency. Furthermore, he evaluated the economic and technical impact of improved SOC estimation, demonstrating its potential to reduce battery degradation, extend battery lifespan, and improve the overall economic viability of energy storage systems.
Commenting on receiving the National Research Award, Dr Al Alawi said, “Winning this award is a great honour and reflects the importance of addressing energy challenges facing Oman today. This research supports Oman Vision 2040 by improving battery efficiency and enabling more sustainable renewable energy solutions. The next step is to work with industry and government partners to implement these solutions in real-world energy projects across Oman.”
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