Power Converters

In the topic "Power Converters" we research, develop, evaluate and test new types of power electronic components, circuits and control algorithms as well as innovative assembly, connection and cooling concepts. Our aim is to set new benchmarks and bring progressive ideas to market maturity together with our partners from industry and research.

Within our research projects, we are continuously working on increasing volumetric and gravimetric power densities and optimizing losses and costs in power electronic systems. In the context of the energy, transportation and heat transition, aspects for increasing the reliability and sustainability of power converters are increasingly coming to the fore due to the limited resources available.

We specialize in the development of customer-specific solutions for electromobility and charging infrastructure applications as well as photovoltaic and storage systems up to pre-series production. Together with OEMs, their suppliers and manufacturers of components and subsystems, we realize innovative and individual solutions for power electronic systems.

In addition to our broad expertise, we have a unique and high-tech laboratory infrastructure at Fraunhofer ISE. This basis enables us to establish the comprehensive advantages of the next generation of our innovative power converters in other applications such as industrial power supplies or aerospace applications.

Fields of Work

In the research topic »Power Converters« we focus on the following fields of work:

  • Modeling, Simulation and Concept Studies
  • Customer-Specific Development of Power Converters
  • Novel Control Algorithms
  • Innovative Assembly, Connection and Cooling Concepts
  • Reliability of Power Electronic Systems
  • Hardware-in-the-Loop Systems

R&D Services

Power electronics is an extremely comprehensive discipline and includes a fields of expertise in semiconductor, analog, digital, circuit design, control, assembly, connection and cooling technology. Technological progress in the field of power electronic components, especially in wide-band-gap semiconductors (e.g. SiC, GaN), is enabling more efficient, compact and resource-saving power converter solutions. Our experts face the exciting challenges associated with this on a daily basis.
Our services include:

  • Use and characterization of power semiconductor prototypes (e.g. SiC, GaN)
  • Customer-specific power converter development from design concept to prototype
  • Feasibility and concept studies for power converters
  • Modeling, simulation and dimensioning of components
  • Innovative assembly, connection and cooling concepts
  • System design including construction, circuit diagrams and circuit boards
  • Commissioning, testing and troubleshooting of prototypes
  • Analysis, characterization and optimization of power electronic circuits and systems
  • FEM simulation of electric and magnetic fields for inductive power transmission
  • Development of conductive and inductive charging systems
  • Innovative control technology concepts, controller design and software development
  • Consulting and expert reports on power electronics issues

Our focus is on reducing costs, saving resources and optimizing power density and control performance. We are an innovative and reliable technology partner for the development of your power converter solution.

R&D Infrastructure

At Fraunhofer ISE, we benefit from this infrastructure for our research and development activities:

Center for Power Electronics and Sustainable Grids

The Power Converters Lab, Digital Grid Lab, Multi-Megawatt Lab and Medium Voltage Lab provide unique opportunities for research and development in the field of power electronics and dynamic grid control.

 
 

Accredited Lab

TestLab Power Electronics

Testing and characterization of power converters up to the multi-megawatt range for photovoltaic and battery applications, combined heat and power plants and DC fast-charging stations for electromobility.

Typical measurement campaigns relate to grid connection guidelines, efficiency levels, temperature-dependent derating and customer-specific tests and benchmarks.

Selected Research Projects

 

mDC2H2

Development of a Modular Direct Current System for Decentralized Hydrogen Production from Renewable Energies

 

HYBAT

Hybrid Lithium-Ion Battery Storage Solution with 1500 V Systems Technology, Innovative Thermal Management and Optimizing Operation Management

 

Power4re

Reliable Power Converter for the Provision of Renewable Energy

 

Lade-PV

Reliable Power Converter for the Provision of Renewable Energy

Contact

Stefan Reichert

Contact Press / Media

Stefan Reichert

Power Converters – Innovative Technologies and Sustainable Power Electronics

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5476

Benjamin Stickan

Contact Press / Media

Benjamin Stickan

Power Converters – Software Development, Modeling and Control Engineering

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-2125

Current Publications on the Topic "Converter":