Power Electronics, Grids and Smart Systems

In its work on Power Electronics, Grids and Smart Systems, Fraunhofer ISE mainly addresses research topics from the electricity sector. We are working on optimizing the interaction between efficient generation from renewable sources, a reliable supply for consumers, energy storage and stable operation of electricity grids. Furthermore, coupling between energy sectors, e. g. the transport or building sectors, represents another important aspect of our activities. Power electronics is becoming an increasingly important technology for the future energy supply.

By applying disruptive technologies such as silicon carbide or gallium nitride semiconductors, we are developing significantly more compact, more efficient and less expensive inverters. Not only renewable sources of energy but also electromobility profits from these developments with high-performance and grid-supportive charging infrastructure and longer cruising ranges with efficient on-board converters. The growing dissemination of photovoltaics, heat pumps and electric vehicles stretches the load capacity of the electricity grid to its limits in many places. Shortages and dynamic instability occur more frequently as a result. We are thus working on better grid integration of distributed energy systems. “Grid-supportive operation” of e. g. PV or battery systems, depends both on compliance with the relevant guidelines and on optimal integration of the systems into the energy market.

Digitalization plays an important role in this process. In addition to simulation and optimization of electricity grids to achieve a greater capacity, we are also researching novel information and communications technology, including artificial intelligence methods. Our goal is to enable power plants to organize themselves autonomously, so that they can jointly respond better to challenges from applications or the system. Beyond this, we develop digital models for holistic analysis of energy systems. These provide techno-economically optimal conversion routes for the inter-sectoral energy transformation, and are very important both for smart cities and also in regional and transnational contexts.