Energy Conversion Systems

Energy conversion system modeling is crucial for a sustainable future. By simulating interactions between energy sources like solar, wind, and synthetic fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and methane, we design efficient systems that minimize environmental impact. These models connect various energy sectors—electricity, heating, and mobility—ensuring smooth, reliable energy flows.

Accurate modeling optimizes renewable resources, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and cuts greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in cleaner air and a stable climate. It also supports synthetic fuel production, storing excess energy for later use, and enhancing energy security and flexibility. This helps build adaptable energy infrastructure, protecting our environment for future generations.

At the Laboratory for Heat and Power (UL FME), we have experience in:

• System Design and Integration: 

Designing and integrating renewable energy systems (solar, wind) with advanced storage solutions like electrolyzers, PEM fuel cells, and hydrogen storage for autonomous green energy systems.

• Dynamic Energy Management:

Developing tools to convert energy-consuming sites into energy-positive hubs, managing energy consumption and production dynamically.

• Sector Coupling and Synthetic Fuels:

Integrating renewable systems with synthetic fuel production (hydrogen, ammonia, methane), supporting green hydrogen for mobility and other sectors.

• Defense Applications:

We have collaborated with the Slovenian Ministry of Defence to create energy-positive military sites, enhancing energy security and autonomy in critical scenarios.

• Sustainability Assessment:

Working together, our team can integrate economic assessments using custom computational models to ensure technically and economically viable energy systems.

Our expertise fosters resilient, sustainable energy infrastructures to meet future challenges and protect the environment

Selected publications:

1. Green energy hubs for the military that can also support the civilian mobility sector with green hydrogen

Mori M., Žvar Baškovič U., Stropnik R., Lotrič A., Katrašnik T., Šipec R., Lipar J., Lesar Ž., Drobnič B. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (2023)

1. Modelling and environmental assessment of a stand-alone micro-grid system in a mountain hut using renewables

Mori M., Gutiérrez M., Sekavčnik M., Drobnič B. Energies (2022)

1. Micro-grid design and life-cycle assessment of a mountain hut's stand-alone energy system with hydrogen used for seasonal storage

Mori M., Gutiérrez M., Casero P.  International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (2021)

1. Stand-alone renewable combined heat and power system with hydrogen technologies for household application

Lacko R., Drobnič B., Mori M., Sekavčnik M., Vidmar M. Energy (2014) 

1. Hydrogen energy system with renewables for isolated households: The optimal system design, numerical analysis and experimental evaluation

Lacko R., Drobnič B., Sekavčnik M., Mori M.  Energy and Buildings (2014)

prof.dr. Mihael Sekavčnik (mihael.sekavcink@fs.uni-lj.si, personal page)

dr. Boštjan Drobnič (bostjan.drobnic@fs.uni-lj.si, personal page)