Dr. Tan Wen Shan wins prestigious Impact Award at 2024 SEDA Innovation Challenge

Congratulations to the CNZT’s Sus-UES theme leader, Dr Wen Shan Tan for receiving the prestigious Impact Award at the 2024 Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Innovation Challenge! This award recognises the project’s significant contribution to advancing sustainable energy solutions in Malaysia. Dr Tan’s project, eCOS, a digital control system that integrates Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage (BES), stood out for its innovative approach to reducing energy costs for consumers by up to 20%.

Funded by a RM2.2 million grant from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the eCOS project utilises state-of-the-art mathematical optimisation and AI technology to manage energy flow. The system discharges the BES during the day when energy costs are higher. It recharges it at night, during off-peak hours, significantly reducing electricity bills for industrial and commercial consumers.

As part of the project, a 200 kWh BES unit has been successfully installed at a customer site in Ipoh, marking a key milestone for the initiative. The project is expected to be completed by December 2024, with further testing underway.

Dr Tan sees this award as both a recognition of past achievements and a catalyst for future innovation. “Sustainable energy is no longer just a noble goal; it’s a fundamental necessity for our planet’s future,” he said. “Through projects like eCOS®, we are contributing to Malaysia’s energy sustainability efforts and laying the groundwork for future advancements in smart grid operations, energy storage, and renewable energy integration.”

Dr Tan’s collaboration with AmSolar Sdn Bhd dates back to 2021 when he began supervising several final year projects related to smart grid operations. After securing MDEC funding, several of his students were recruited by AmSolar, further cementing the partnership between Monash University Malaysia and the private sector.

As eCOS® moves towards commercial deployment, the potential for broader application across Malaysia’s industrial and commercial sectors remains high. Dr Tan and his team at AmSolar are committed to continuing their work on creating innovative energy solutions that can contribute to a low-carbon, resilient future for Malaysia and beyond.