Research Projects

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

In the course of the energy transition, energy storage systems are becoming increasingly important. They make it possible to temporarily store the electricity produced locally from renewable resources and provide it at a later point in time. Thus they serve to directly increase self-consumption and may reduce the strain on the electricity grids. Studies show, however, that the efficiency figures in the data sheets can often not achieved in practice or are incomplete and therefore no direct comparison of the systems is possible. The aim of the project is to investigate a technically new approach in the area of self-consumption systems and to implement it in a demonstrator. The focus here is on increasing the efficiency of power electronic conversion during partial-load operation. | Duration: 01/2018 - 06/2020

The spread of electric vehicles is regarded as an essential instrument for significantly reducing pollutant and CO2 emissions in the transport sector. The aim of this "EMILAS" project is to make used vehicle batteries usable as stationary buffer storages for charging stations in apartment blocks (from a technical and economic point of view). On the one hand, this approach prevents a grid connection with higher output; on the other hand, the CO2 balance is being improved by the second use of vehicle batteries. Security and normative issues are particularly important for the integration in underground garages. Furthermore, the integration of local "electric carsharing fleets" in underground garages will be investigated, which enables a feedback from the vehicle battery into the building’s grid. As the residential quarters are equipped with photovoltaic systems and cogeneration units, the smart charge management of the buffer storage and the building energy management enables optimized solutions to increase the internal consumption. | Duration: 09/2019 - 02/2024

As part of the “EPISODE” project, battery cells and battery storage systems based on sodium-ion cells are being developed in an innovative European value chain as a pioneering alternative to conventional lithium-ion battery storage systems. These innovative storage systems are characterized by their high energy density and remarkable longevity. Thanks to their very high energy efficiency, intrinsic safety and excellent recyclability, they represent a particularly sustainable product. At the end of the project, the performance of this technology will be impressively demonstrated with a 6.2 kWh battery storage system in continuous operation. | Duration: 12/2024 - 05/2028

As the appreciable growth in charging infrastructure for electric vehicles can lead to local supply shortages in the distribution grids, particularly fast charging stations are increasingly being equipped with local storage buffers. In a solar carport with integrated buffer storage and fast charging infrastructure, the DC electricity generated by the PV system can be inverted and rectified up to four times on its route from the PV module via the buffer storage unit to the DC charging point, generating unnecessary conversion losses. | Duration: 01/2017 - 12/2022

FAiL is a laboratory demonstrator system designed to visualise critical defects in large-format cells, record the mechanisms behind their formation in real time, and simultaneously minimise the rejection of flawless cells. The aim is to achieve a significant reduction in scrap, an improved environmental footprint, and a data-driven quality standard for European battery cell manufacturing. | Duration: 01/2025 - 12/2027

As part of the “FoFeBat” project, a research production facility for battery cells is being set up. This covers all production steps from mixing the electrode materials to forming the cells. In sub-project 1, Fraunhofer ISE is supporting the development of research production in areas such as forming and end-of-line quality assurance as well as in the fields of energy-efficient building operation management, dry room design and the techno-economic evaluation of operating scenarios. In sub-project 2, Fraunhofer ISE is involved in technology screening for future innovation modules and the development of the pipeline process for their implementation. In sub-project 3, Fraunhofer ISE is planning and setting up a mini-environment test stand that will enable investigations into optimized air flow and energy-optimized operation. | Duration: 10/2019 - 12/2027

Project in the Business Area: Hydrogen Technologies and Electrical Energy Storage, Topic: Applied Storage Systems, Battery System Technology, Duration: 12/2019 - 12/2021

Project in the Business Area: Hydrogen Technologies and Electrical Energy Storage; Topic: Battery Cell Technology, Battery Engineering, Applied Storage Systems; Duration: 01/2020 - 06/2024

Project in the Business Area: Photovoltaics, Hydrogen Technologies and Electrical Energy Storage; Topic: Photovoltaic Modules and Power Plants, Battery System Technology; Field of Work: Integrated Photovoltaics; Duration: 10/2022 - 04/2026