Rachana Vidhi, Ph.D.

Director of Technical Sales
NextEra Analytics

9 U.S. Patents

Rachana Vidhi, Ph.D. is the Director of Sales Engineering for NextEra Analytics, Inc. (NEA), a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources. NextEra Energy is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. Dr. Vidhi leads the sales engineering team for NextEra 360™, the software platform for end-to-end energy management and decarbonization needs and oversees the implementation of cutting-edge software solutions that enhance efficiency and promote sustainability across various segments of the energy landscape.

Over the course of her tenure at NextEra Energy, Dr. Vidhi has pioneered the engineering, design and integration of key solar and storage projects for NextEra Energy Resources. She has also developed innovative technologies for hybrid resource deployment and long-term operations that have since been patented. She has extensive experience in a variety of renewable energy technologies including energy storage, wind, solar, electric vehicles and fuel cells. Prior to joining NextEra Energy, Dr. Vidhi worked as a research assistant at the University of South Florida’s Clean Energy Research Center and developed optimization algorithms for different renewable energy systems.

Dr. Vidhi’s contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the Outstanding Young Alumni Award from the College of Engineering at University of South Florida and inclusion in the GreenBiz 30 Under 30 list. She has served on the boards of Women in Energy and the International Solar Energy Society, championing initiatives aimed at empowering women and young professionals in the industry. She is also the founding president of the USF chapter of the International Solar Energy Society, which provided students with platforms to engage with renewable energy technologies and cultivate their passion for sustainability.

Dr. Vidhi holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of South Florida, a master’s degree in management from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in energy engineering from Indian Institute of Technology.

A MENTION ABOUT INVENTION – 3 Questions for the Inventor

Q1. Of your patents/inventions, which one is your favorite and why?

This is a very challenging question! Each invention holds a special place in my heart, representing a unique chapter in my professional journey. However, if I absolutely had to pick a favorite, I’d like to mention two patents:

1. My first filed patent which provided an innovative approach to predicting the long-term performance and life cycle of Lithium-ion batteries for utility-scale applications (US20170292998A1). By accurately estimating battery degradation and lifecycle project costs, this patent has provided invaluable insights into the economic feasibility of large battery energy storage projects. This has enabled the deployment of over 1,000 MW of battery energy storage across the United States, including the world’s largest solar-powered battery system at the Manatee Energy Storage Center in Manatee County, Florida, boasting a capacity of over 400 MW.
2. Another patent that addressed battery degradation in electric vehicles during long-term parking that can support the electrical grid (US10661678B2). This patent embodies a grand vision – how utilities can play a vital role in transportation electrification. It is opening new doors for the energy industry and is paving the way for seamless integration of electric vehicles into the state’s electrical grid, promoting sustainable transportation solutions.

Q2. What inspired you to become an inventor/innovator?
Like most inventors, I started with a motivation to make a difference in the world. In my case, my motivation came from personal struggle with access to electricity. Growing up in a small town in India, I faced electrical outages daily. So when I learned about the potential of solar energy in my high school physics book, I was determined to devote further education and career to ensure widespread deployment of clean renewable energy. I was supported by my parents to pursue this passion and follow in the path of other inspiring innovators.

Throughout my journey, I have strived to make that dream a reality. And as the energy industry kept making progress towards that goal, it became evident that energy storage would be a key enabler of renewable energy adoption. So getting a chance to work for a world leader in renewable energy and battery storage deployment provided the perfect avenue to broader the impact.

Q3. What is your process when developing new inventions/innovations?
When it comes to innovation, I’ve come to truly believe that the magic happens at the crossroad of diverse perspectives. I find myself exploring everywhere for innovative ideas, that nearly always result in some unique product or business outcome… and occasionally result in patents also. Combining our knowledge with the diversity of knowledge others can bring to the table typically result in ground-breaking ideas.

I have also learned to treat every idea as a gem. Often, we underestimate the power of our thoughts, questioning whether they’re “good enough” for disclosure. This sentiment, especially prevalent in our diverse community (including myself), is something we need to challenge. Each one of us is more creative than we give ourselves credit for. I’ve come to see parallels between innovation and parenting in recent years. As my husband (and co-inventor) and I navigate the challenges of raising our three-year-old son, I realize the shared struggles among parents. This everyday creativity is a relentless approach that we can apply not just at home but also in our professional endeavors.