In its work on Power Electronics, Grids and Intelligent Systems, Fraunhofer ISE addresses technologies to transform the electricity system. This requires a thorough analysis of the current electricity system. We contribute to its transparency also for the general public, with our online evaluation tool “Energy Charts”. Scenarios for the transformation are defined in our REMOD study, which forms the basis for our research on new technologies for the electricity grid of the future. 

Now that renewable energy sources dominate electricity generation, the present focus is on converting the transport and building sectors. As a result of increasing sector integration, the electricity grid is becoming the central hub for integrating renewable energy. The digitalization needed to do this is implemented with the aid of power electronics and smart-grid technologies. 

Power electronics is a key technology to integrate renewable energy and storage units. In addition, the expansion of electromobility increases the demand for power  conversion systems. By applying the most recently developed semiconductors, these have become extremely compact and efficient. In our new test facility in the "Center for Power Electronics and Sustainable Grids", we are working on grid-compliant behavior of converters and so-called “grid-forming” inverters.

Communication and interconnection of energy systems is also becoming increasingly important. In our new “Digital Grid Lab”, we address the interoperability and digitalization of energy systems, whereby artificial intelligence methods are playing an important role. This development process is supported today by powerful approaches like “Power Hardware in the Loop” (PHIL). We are thus in the position to offer our clients the development and characterization of converters and the control technology for the next generation of energy systems.