Recent Research Projects

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

Project in the Business Area Energy-Efficient Buildings; Topics: Building Operation Management, Heat Pump, Duration: 03/2021 - 04/2025

In the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) trade, consultation, stocktaking, planning and preparation of offers are very time-consuming processes, especially when upgrading existing systems. Each system must be individually configured and adapted to the technical conditions of the building and the habits of the users. This is especially true for complex and sustainable systems, such as heat pumps, fuel cells and solar-assisted hybrid systems. | Duration: 09/2021 - 08/2024

Heat pumps are an effective solution for reducing energy consumption and the environmental impact of buildings, and for introducing renewable energy into the heat supply. However, the actual efficiency of heat pumps in practice does not always meet expectations. In addition to high occurring heat losses, the energy efficiency is reduced by an inappropriate system design, by misparameterization of the heat pump control and by undetected operating deficits. Therefore, the subject of the "AI4HP" project is the development of a new generation of "intelligent heat pumps", which adaptively adjust to changing boundary conditions with the help of artificial neural networks and thus increase energy efficiency while maintaining user comfort. | Duration: 09/2021 - 08/2024

Hops are grown on a large scale in the Hallertau region: Almost a third of the hops produced worldwide are grown on around 17,200 hectares of Hallertau hop gardens. As a crop that remains in the same location for several years, hops are particularly exposed to climatic influences. Dry periods in July and August sometimes led to significant yield losses: in the particularly affected years of 2013, 2015 and 2018, yields were up to 40 % lower, depending on the hop variety. This is where the "HoPVen" project comes in, in which the world's first agri-PV system in hop growing is being scientifically investigated. The dual use of the land for both agriculture and energy generation through photovoltaics can increase resilience to the consequences of climate change and diversify the income streams of farms. | Duration: 11/2023 - 10/2026

Project in the Business Area: Energy Efficient Buildings; Topic: Heat Pumps; Duration: 01/2023 - 12/2025

How should PV trackers optimally track? This question is being researched in the project »DeepTrack« together with PV Zimmermann Tracker GmbH. In DeepTrack, the latest AI and power plant simulation methods are applied to maximize the yield of complex power plants, such as Agri-PV power plants. The methods are implemented and investigated in a pilot plant at the solar test field in Merdingen. | Duration: 03/2023 - 02/2025

Project in the Business Area: Hydrogen Technologies and Electrical Energy Storage; Topic: Battery Engineering, Applied Storage Systems; Duration: 08/2022 - 07/2025

Project in the Business Area: Photovoltaics; Topic: Photovoltaic Modules and Power Plants; Field of Work: Integrated Photovoltaics; Duration: 01/2023 - 12/2025

Project in the Business Area: Hydrogen Technologies and Electrical Energy Storage; Topic: Battery Cell Technology; Duration: 06/2023 - 05/2025