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Batteries with lithium metal electrodes promise higher energy and power densities. However, electrochemical processes can occur in these batteries that impair their safety and performance. As part of the BMWi-funded “metaLit” project, the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology (IEE) is developing models to simulate these processes. The software can be used to verify algorithms in battery management systems. This saves expensive and time-consuming tests with real batteries. The modeling is accompanied by experimental analysis by the Forschungsinstitut Edelmetalle + Metallchemie (fem) research institute.

Battery storage systems age faster if they have to repeatedly provide high power for short periods. This can be prevented by coupling them with supercapacitors to take over the peak loads. As part of the “SuKoBa” research project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), Fraunhofer IEE develops tools for designing hybrid supercapacitor/battery storage systems together with its industrial partner AVL and the network coordinator Skeleton Technologies. Furthermore, the partners develop methods for managing and controlling the hybrid systems. Hybrid storage technologies of this type can be used in electric vehicles and in stationary storage units for grid stabilization.

When conventional power plants are shut down, the inertia of the synchronous generators stabilizing the power grid is lost. Wind turbines could step in here. However, can they withstand the resulting mechanical loads? The “GridLoads” research project, successfully completed by Fraunhofer IEE and MesH Engineering GmbH, now clearly shows that the plants can basically cope well with this—provided that the control modules of the plants are equipped for the new task beforehand. To analyze the occurring electromechanical oscillation modes, the researchers have carried out complex simulations.

Although Chile and Germany are seperated by several thousand kilometers, the transformation of the energy system is confronted with partly similar challenges. Therefore, Chilean and German experts took the opportunity to discuss and share latest developments of the energy transition in their countries during the international workshop “Towards a Sustainable Future”. Highly topical issues from science and business as well as the political arena were presented, ideas exchanged and starting points for future cooperations explored. Originally planned as a personal meeting in Santiago de Chile in March 2020, the meeting was postponed due to COVID-19 and has now taken place in form of an online seminar.

In Germany and Europe, the energy policy discussion is currently strongly shaped by hydrogen as a universal energy source for the energy transition. However, the different sectors require a differentiated view. A study by the Fraunhofer IEE in Kassel examined the use of hydrogen in the future energy system with a special focus on building heat supply and related it to the direct use of electric power in heat pumps. An online presentation of the study and follow-up discussion will take place on: 22 July 2020 at 16:00 – 17:15.

Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) plays an important role as an insulating gas in electrical switchgear at various voltage levels when interrupting and diverting current flows. At the same time, it is one of the most effective greenhouse gases with a very long lifetime and, although the concentration of SF6 in the atmosphere is currently still very low, it accumulates steadily over the years. The Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE in Kassel and the Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM) finalized a research study investigating the development of MV switchgear installations under different boundaries showing the impact on SF6 emissions, and analyzing the market acceptance of SF6-free alternatives, as well as barriers and drivers to adoption.

To keep pace with the latest changes to grid codes and testing standards the facilities of Fraunhofer IEE‘s laboratory SysTec have recently been upgraded by an over-voltage-ride-through (OVRT) test container. The new testing equipment is designed to analyze the dynamic behavior of wind turbines, photovoltaic inverters and combined heat and power units during short time over voltages of the supply voltage. Since the revision of grid codes in fall 2018 riding through short-term voltage swells now also became a requirement for generating plants installed in regional and local distribution grids.

Fluorinated gases (F-gases) are a family of man-made gases used in a range of commercial and industrial applications. One of it, sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), plays an important role in electrical switchgear. And it is a powerful greenhouse gas, with a global warming effect of 22 800 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2), when released to the atmosphere. The Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE and the Grenoble Ecole de Management are performing a research study to investigate extend and socio-economic impact of the usage of SF6 in medium voltage power distribution grids.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE has launched a capacity building program for energy system transfor-mation in India together with the Indian institute IIT Mumbai and partners from industry. The focus of this program is on grid integration of renewable energy. It is initiated by the German Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusam-menarbeit GIZ and aims at employees of Indian grid operators who are active in grid operation and management. The training program combines online and presence modules in topics such as generation, forecasting, system inte-gration, control and visualization of renewable energies as well as market mechanisms, regulation and politics.

For its SysTec test center, the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE has once again received accreditation in accordance with the latest testing guidelines for the electrical properties of power generation units, systems and components connected to low, medium, high and extra-high voltage networks in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005. The scope of accreditation includes the test standards FGW TR3 Rev. 25 and DIN V VDE 0124-100. These tests form the basis for the mandatory certification of power generation units and systems.