Ongoing Research Project

In the early production phase of battery cells, the reject rate is particularly high, as conventional end-of-line tests primarily record the overall condition and can overlook minor defects. In the “Quaze” project, we are working with Precitec to develop a non-destructive measurement method that records the spatial expansion of pouch cells during charging and discharging cycles and uses this data to reconstruct a meaningful expansion field. In this way, the “good” expansion behavior that indicates defect-free cells is to be determined. AI evaluates the measurement data, detects deviations from the “good” reference pattern, and provides indications of faulty process steps. This accelerates corrective measures, reduces scrap and costs, and improves the overall environmental balance of cell production. | Duration: 04/2023 - 09/2026

Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells enable higher efficiency levels than today’s silicon solar modules, but place high demands on module manufacturing. HoTSun is developing gentle processes to reliably interconnect and encapsulate these sensitive cells and process them into industrial-grade PV modules with an efficiency of over 26 percent. | Duration: 03/2025 - 02/2027

To support investment decisions and optimize the construction of PV power plants, the solar industry relies on real-world performance and environmental data. However, the reliability of these data is limited by a lack of understanding and insufficient quantification of associated measurement uncertainties. This project quantifies and reduces uncertainties related to PV plant performance data and provides the necessary metrological tools. The goal is to enable harmonization, traceability, and continuous improvement of collected data. The project delivers European-level standards, performance metrics, best practices, calibration capacities, and research infrastructure to ensure the quality of PV plants and technologies. All of this will support the solar industry and secure its business valued at an estimated €100 billion. | Duration: 06/2025 - 05/2028

The "SHIFT" Project is one of our many exciting initiatives, in collaboration with international research institutions, including Fraunhofer CSET in Chile. We evaluate existing biogenic CO₂ sources in Chile for the production of low-carbon molecules focusing on sector-coupled systems for heat, industry, fuels, and transport. The project develops innovative production pathways, with various process steps, including syngas-production and downstream synthesis, assessing their techno-economic potential to reduce production costs and improve efficiency across the value chain. | Duration: 08/2025 - 12/2025

In the “E-Fuels for the LÄND” project, three scenarios for the production of sustainable fuels for aircraft and vehicles are being examined in detail as part of a feasibility study, taking into account maximum value creation in Baden-Württemberg, resilient business models and a rapid market ramp-up. | Duration: 12/2024 - 11/2025

Concentrating solar collectors are a key technology for the heating transition. Studies show that they can also make a significant contribution to the heat supply in Germany as a cost-efficient replacement for fossil fuels. They deliver high yields at temperatures well above 100°C (Figure 1). Concentrating solar technologies open up a viable pillar for renewable heat supply in Germany. The ProSolNetz project contributes to the dissemination of knowledge about the diverse application possibilities of concentrating solar thermal energy, also in combination with other renewable energy technologies. Municipal and system planners are provided with tools that enable rapid market introduction. | Duration: 05/2024 - 04/2027

In the energy system of the future, which will largely be built without the synchronous generators in conventional power plants that form the grid today, grid-forming inverters will not only keep the grid stable during normal operation, but also in the event of major disruptions. There is still a need for research and development, particularly with regard to the necessary adaptation of hardware and software as well as the loads that will occur on the devices in the future. | Duration: 01/2023 - 06/2026

Zur Erreichung von Klimaneutralität ist die Erzeugung von grünem Wasserstoff für verschiedene Sektoren, wie die Hochtemperaturindustrie, die Chemieindustrie und Mobilität unabdingbar. Die Protonen-Austausch-Membran (PEM)-Elektrolyse bietet die Möglichkeit zur effizienten Erzeugung von Wasserstoff mittels erneuerbarer Energien. In PEMPIRE soll hierfür ein kostengünstiger und langzeitrobuster PEM-Elektrolyse-Stack entwickelt werden, der neuartige Materialien, wie Membran-Elektroden-Einheiten mit geringer Edelmetallbeladung, vorweist. | Laufzeit: 01/2026 - 12/2028

What value creation and labour market potential does the hydrogen economy offer for eastern Germany? A new study by the Initiative for Hydrogen in Eastern Germany (IWO) answers this question. In collaboration with the WifOR Institute and Fraunhofer ISE, the economic opportunities along the electrolysis value chain – from component manufacturing to the labour market – are being analysed using scenario-based approaches up to 2045. The results provide an evidence-based foundation for industrial, structural and skills policy in the region. | Duration: 03/2026 - 08/2026

Project in the Business Area: Energy Efficient Buildings; Topic: Heat Pumps; Duration: 06/2023 - 05/2026