Research Projects

Project in the Business Area: Photovoltaics, Topic: Perovskite- and Organic Photovoltaics, Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules Duration: 09/2019 - 08/2022

The project network »QUEEN-HP« combines method development for acoustic analysis and evaluation of heat pumps and their components with solution developments in technology projects with new components in heat pumps, new forms of sound attenuation and innovative energy-efficient and future-proof equipment modifications. | Duration: 01/2023 - 12/2026

To develop a scalable electricity storage unit with an electric power of 100 kWel and a capacity of 1 MWhel, we are working on the stack and system development and the management of redox flow batteries at Fraunhofer ISE. By applying simulation-supported analysis and design of redox flow batteries, we identify optimisation potential at the cell and stack level and use this to further develop the design. Within the “1 MWh Redox-Flow Netzspeicher” project on grid-connected storage, we have developed an optimised cell stack with a power of 5 kWel for use in mini-grid systems or gridconnected storage systems. Cycling efficiency values of above 80% have been achieved at the stack level. Current research is concentrating on further increasing the power and energy density and reducing the production costs of a 5kWel cell stack. | Duration: June 2010 - February 2013

Project in the Business Area Photovoltaics; Topic: Silicon Photovoltaics; Field of Work: Feedstock, Crystallization and Wafering; Duration: October 2010 - September 2013

The integration of photovoltaics into existing surfaces, devices and envelopes requires new module concepts and thus module manufacturing processes. Curved PV modules can be used in e-vehicle roofs, for example. The prototype of a curved PV car roof was manufactured at Fraunhofer ISE in 2019. In order to be able to manufacture curved PV modules industrially, an industrial laminator as well as the required processes and module concepts are being developed in the "3D" project. In addition, methods for mechanical and electrical characterization are being developed and tested. Solar cell strings are examined by Magnetic Field Imaging (MFI) and conductive adhesives by Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). | Duration: 02/2021 - 01/2024

The primary goal of the 50Percent project is to produce the first multi-junction solar cell with an efficiency value of 50% and a concentrator module with 40% efficiency. The project also seeks to develop measuring technology so that the cells can be measured in accordance with internationally recognized calibration standards. The project aims to impressively demonstrate German PV research excellence. | Duration: 03/2020 - 05/2024

Climate change has become a tangible reality in Germany in recent years. Heatwave summers and low precipitation in winters have led to massive problems in agriculture in many places. Protected cultivation under foils is a current trend, causing additional costs and waste problems. In this project, highly transparent organic solar cells will be developed that allow visible light, which is important for plants, to pass through and use the infrared portion to generate electricity. These could make it possible to simultaneously generate the urgently needed solar power for a successful energy and mobility turnaround from the film covers that are intended to protect plants from heavy rain, hail, sunburn and desiccation. | Duration: 09/2021 - 07/2024

The objective is the development of a heater on zeolite basis with water as operating medium, which based on novel absorption heat exchangers and optimized functionality of evaporator and condenser is significantly more compact and cost-effective than the devices on the market with comparable outputs and an annual COP of over 1.3. Porous materials with good thermal conductivity are of central importance for the development of absorption heat exchangers. A large surface paired with thin sorbent layers (< 100 µm) accelerates the dynamics of the ad- and desorption process. It thus offers a larger potential for a higher power density of the sorption module of the gas heat pump. | Duration: 05/2013 - 04/2017

The Working Group on Renewable Energy Statistics (AGEE-Stat) has been commissioned by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) to investigate and provide key data on renewable energy which is needed on a national and international level. It is led by the central office at the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), which also provides scientific and organizational support. Fraunhofer ISE is responsible for offering scientific support in the areas of photovoltaics and heat pumps (environmental heat/ shallow geothermal energy) within the project. | Duration: 04/2019 - 06/2022

In the EU-funded "AI4Cities" project, leading European cities such as Amsterdam, Helsinki and Stavanger are coming together to search for solutions based on artificial intelligence (AI) for decarbonization in the areas of mobility and energy. For many cities, district heating is a central pillar in their decarbonization strategy. Continuous and automated monitoring of district heating substations can ensure energy-efficient and economical operation of district heating networks. With the help of Symvio's software solution, which is being developed in the AI4CITIES project together with Fraunhofer ISE, utilities and clients such as technical municipalities can better monitor and optimize the operation of their district heating connections and thus reduce energy consumption and save CO2. | Duration: 04/2021 - 03/2022