Research Projects

As one of the five “Showcases intelligent energy - digital agenda for the energy transition (SINTEG), C/sells aims to develop and demonstrate scalable solutions in large “showcase regions” for secure, economic and sustainable energy supply with high shares of fluctuating power generation from wind and solar energy. The solutions found are to serve as a model for wide implementation. The showcase “C/sells” covers the states Baden-Wurttemberg, Bavaria and Hesse in southern Germany and focuses on “solar energy”. The emphasis will be on regional optimization of generation and consumption. | Duration: 01/2017 - 12/2020

In addition to expanding electrical grids and storage capacity, the flexible control of load and generation units is a necessary requirement for a cost-efficient transformation of the German energy system. Up to now the Smart Grid concept failed at the distribution grid level due to excessively high prices for smart metering systems. Since the BSI debate, these are not an affordable option for small systems on the medium-term. The innovative use of ripple control, an established component in today’s network control technology, enables the core functions of the Smart Grid concept to be implemented both inexpensively and promptly, in much the same manner used in the feed-in management of PV systems today. In the research project CheapFlex, a non-discriminatory dynamic tariffing based on rate switching schedules is implemented rather than the fixed switching schedule for high / low tariffs and off-times typically used by the individual distribution grid operators today. | Duration: May 2015 - October 2017

Due to the energy revolution, the loads in the power grids are changing. Generation plants and additional consumers must be integrated. Subsequently, the need for grid expansion planning measures increases. At the same time, smart grid technologies were developed to reduce the costs of grid expansion. The challenge for grid planners is both increased planning volume and an increase in complexity due to the additional technologies. Therefore, the overall objective of the project is to automate and optimize the grid expansion planning in the low-voltage distribution systems in order to ultimately reduce the grid fees and thus, also the costs for the end customer. | Duration: 09/2018 - 08/2021

During this project, the decentralized integration of solar thermal energy plants into a heat supply concept based on a cogeneration unit is examined. The operation of the cogeneration unit is optimized for the best possible interaction with the power grid and the local heating network for a minimization of distribution loss. The central objective of the project is to implement and review the concept and operations management in the demonstration project Freiburg-Gutleutmatten and subsequently derive generally applicable regulations for the long-term utilization of solar thermal energy in comparable residential areas, especially in light of massively changing energy supply structures. | Duration: 06/2013 - 04/2018

It is the goal of the project to demonstrate new heating and cooling technologies within 3 case studies, one at a commercial compound and two at industry case studies. Additionally, new solutions to increase the energy efficiency within the buildings will be evaluated. With this project, the efficient coupling of electricity, heat and cooling will be demonstrated and thereby the untapped flexibility potential in the commercial sector as well as industry sector will be developed. To reach this goal, operation models will be developed, which will help to converge the commercial as well as industry sector to the power economy. Additionally, the identified flexibilities within building sector will be embedded in a regional energy system model, to develop strategies, how to increase the linkage between the energy system and commercial and industry compounds. | Duration: 10/2017 - 01/2021

Project in the Business Area Power Electronics, Grids and Smart Systems; Topics: Smart Grids; System Integration - Electricity, Heat, Gas; Duration: December 2011 - November 2015

Project in the Business Area Energy Efficient Buildings, Topic: Heat Pumps, Building Systems Technology, Duration: 04/2021 - 03/2026

Project in the Business Area: Power Electronics, Grids and Smart Systems; Topic: Energy System Analysis; Duration: 09/2019 - 12/2022

Project in the Business Area: Energy Efficient Buildings; Topic: Building Systems Technology; Duration: 11/2021 - 10/2026