Designing the Future of Energy with Software

In spring 2025, PowerX launched a new development hub called POWERD LAB. As CTO, I was deeply involved from the concept stage through to its realization.POWERD LAB is more than just an R&D facility. It's a hands-on innovation space where engineers from around the world—experts in both Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT)—come together to bring breakthrough ideas to life in the energy sector. Equipped with configurations that mimic actual AC and DC power grids, the lab enables large-scale, realistic testing in collaboration with GPU-equipped edge devices and cloud servers. My goal was to create a space where digital models and physical systems coexist and evolve together.

At the heart of what we do is a strong belief: software has the power to unlock the full value of energy. In developing our BESS (Battery Energy Storage System), for instance, we utilize digital twin technology from the very beginning. We build virtual replicas of the physical system to simulate different load scenarios and corner cases early on, which enhances both our development accuracy and speed. These digital twins also operate in edge and cloud environments, enabling real-time monitoring and optimization. This allows us to remotely fine-tune thermal management, auxiliary power consumption, and charging schedules.

We also leverage this setup for automated calibration, intelligent alerting, asset management, predictive maintenance, and inventory planning. As a result, our systems achieve lifecycles exceeding 15 years while significantly reducing total cost of ownership. In recent years, I’ve also been pushing forward with the application of AI and ML. Our BESS platforms generate massive amounts of data.

Over the past three years, we’ve analyzed extensive operational data to engineer features for our machine learning models. We follow an “80:20” data strategy—only about 20% of this data is sent to the cloud for high-level analytics and business insights, while 80% remains on-site at the edge, running fast inference models for battery management, auxiliary control, and power processing.

This is where adversarial learning comes in—the models at the edge and in the cloud compete and learn from each other, leading to faster convergence and higher optimization precision. Beneath it all, embedded real-time software leverages these insights to power real-world operations. All of this is managed in-house at POWERD LAB, where we’ve recreated a “mini power grid” for hands-on experimentation. We’re drawing on three years of historical data, which lets us build and test highly realistic scenarios.

Looking ahead, we’re focused on improving energy density, moving to higher voltages beyond 1500V DC, advancing power conversion systems, and exploring micro-inverter development. There’s still much to accomplish—and that’s what excites me.Finally, a word to anyone considering joining us. POWERD LAB is a space for curious builders—people who enjoy tackling new challenges and turning ideas into reality. If you’re someone who thrives on discovery and wants to create meaningful impact in the energy space, this is the place for you.As the lines between physical and digital continue to blur, POWERD LAB stands at the frontier—shaping the future of energy.