Lead projects
Innovations from the top region for renewable energy generation

20+ energy group

For further deployment of renewable energy sources, system service capacities that are increasingly missing due to the withdrawal of conventional power stations have to be replaced. Under the aspects of system stability and economic profitability, an optimisation of the total “energy infrastructure” system has to take place: accordingly the conventional power stations must be made more flexible (solutions for more flexible operating reserves, local large batteries), the renewable energy power stations must be provided with additional functions (provision of reactive power, control of active power). Managment principles for the reorganization of existing power stations and for the construction of new wind and solar power stations are to be developed.

Smart grid

To integrate renewable and distributed electrical energy generators, the vision of an intelligent (“smart”) grid is to be implemented, enabling the interaction between its users who simultaneously act as consumers and producers of energy. A gateway containing the information and communication technology (ICT) realizes both the connection to appliances in the building (“home automation”) and also organises the communication with the grid outside. A low-cost high-resolution measurement technique and ICT are being developed and tested in selected applications.

Modular storage power station

A power station consisting of a set of high-pressure electrolysers, hydrogen storage and hydrogen fueled gas engines for electrical power generation is designed for storage and self-consumption from renewable sources. Large systems in the multi-MW range can be build up from basic modules of 50 kW output by cascading. Concerning cost issues components available by mass production are used in the system design. This technical solution will be suitable for grid operation as well as for an island network.

Bio Methane plus

With a new technique, biogas systems can be used for load compensation in the electrical grid. The central element is a methanisation unit, which converts CO2 contained in the biogas into methane with the help of hydrogen. The Methane can be fed directly into the natural gas grid. The hydrogen is generated by electrolysis, making use of excess energy of the electrical grid. As an alternative, the biomethane can be used for the operation of a power generator if energy is needed in the electrical grid. As a result of the outstanding overall degree of efficiency and the extended system function of conventional biogas systems for energy storage, this concept will gain importance above all in rural areas. For process development, a 250 kW system is to be produced for demonstration purposes.

Redox flow storage system

This type of battery is outstandingly suited as a buffer for the excess energy in island networks and grid-coupled systems due to the high efficiency, long life time, high cycle stability and the flexible scalability. Starting from prototype stacks (5 kW class), the total system which includes also the superordinate energy management system is to be made ready for the market. Further developments are to be carried out for performance and cost optimisation as well as for specific applications.

Smart PV

Modules and PV systems have currently been optimised to peak outputs for direct and unregulated grid feeding. To achieve a maximum energy outcome, all modules are nowadays aligned such that the maximum output is achieved around midday in the summer. Technical measures are to ensure that the energy achievement can be raised outside the “midday peak”. In particular the low light characteristics and the temperature coefficient are to be optimised. The market segment of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is achieving an increased significance. New cost-optimised system solutions in combination with storage are to be designed for self consumption.

Image: Systematic approach: Grids + Accumulators & Generators + IT
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