Dr Tan Wen Shan from the School of Engineering at Monash University Malaysia has been awarded the Impact Award at the 2024 Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Innovation Challenge for his pioneering work on the energy Control cost Optimisation System (eCOS). This award recognises the project’s significant contribution to advancing sustainable energy solutions in Malaysia.

The SEDA Innovation Challenge, held at the Royale Chulan in Kuala Lumpur from 1 to 3 October 2024, highlighted the most forward-thinking projects in sustainable energy. 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%.

“We’re proud to see our efforts recognised on such a prestigious platform,” said Dr Tan. “eCOS offers a groundbreaking solution for Malaysia’s industrial and commercial sectors, enabling businesses to optimise their energy usage through AI-driven control systems. By taking advantage of Malaysia’s differential peak and off-peak tariff rates, the system helps businesses lower their electricity costs while promoting cleaner energy use.”

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.

This award aligns with Monash University Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable innovation under its Impact 2030 strategic framework and also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on clean energy and climate action.

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.