Power Electronics and Grid Integration

Within the research topic "Power Electronics and Grid Integration", we research, develop, test and evaluate power electronic components, circuits and innovative system concepts. We constantly strive to set new standards and work together with our partners from industry and research to bring advanced ideas to market.

Electricity from renewables is the energy source of the future and the key to a CO2-neutral, sustainable and economical energy supply. Power electronics are indispensable for the successful implementation of the energy and transport transition. Power electronic converters ensure efficient conversion of electrical energy and regulate voltage and frequency in the grids.

In modern energy systems, power converters are the essential link, connecting photovoltaic and wind power plants, battery storage systems and electrolysers as well as electronic consumers and electric vehicles to the power grid. Power converters are increasingly being used to regulate power flows in the power grid, for example in HVDC or STATCOM systems. Electrification in all areas of mobility, from electric cars to electric aviation, requires a variety of different types of power converters. In addition, the use of power electronics in industrial environments is enabling increasingly efficient production methods. Modern heat supply concepts are also increasingly being equipped with power electronic converters. The overall demand for power electronics and application-optimized system concepts is enormous.

The shutdown of conventional power plants also raises the question of how reliable voltage and frequency control can be ensured in future converter-based grids. The grid integration of power electronics is already one of the most important challenges for the stable operation of power grids. With our concepts for grid-forming converters, we offer solutions that make power electronics the central pillar of grid stability every millisecond. We simulate and test the safe operation of future electricity grids based on 100% renewable energies and we are constantly developing our approaches and methods.

We have extensive laboratory equipment at our disposal for our research work and services. This enables us to operate power converters in the low and medium voltage level and to research grid integration issues up to the multi-megawatt range.