Flagship of the funding initiative
Batteries in the distribution grid
The projects range from batteries connected to photovoltaic systems in households to electricity storage facilities capable of storing megawatts of power which can be used by energy supply companies. Key research topics include electrical or electrochemical systems for storing electrical energy, such as batteries, redox flow or double-layer capacitors, and mechanical storage systems, such as compressed air storage, pumped storage power plants or flywheels. Other projects being funded include new storage concepts and research into connecting decentralized storage systems.
Quantum mechanics replaces laboratory experiment
To get a better understanding of Li-Ion batteries, junior researchers are using quantum mechanical methods. The multiscale modelling of batteries, which is based on quantum mechanical principles, is an option to develop electrodes and electrolytes using computer-based simulations. The virtual development of batteries is not only accurate and fast, but also offers other benefits, since the costs are lower than those of laboratory experiments. In this way one single experiment can be sufficient to confirm the computer-based results. ... more
Bundling storage in the cloud
Scientists did research how battery storage systems can be optimally operated and the supply network supported as part of the green2store project. The aim is to bundle decentralised storage systems in a virtual cloud and make them accessible to various players. ... more
Super batterie combines high performance and capacity
In the project NovaCap scientists determine in a study new materials for the realization of a new concept for hybrid and asymmetric supercapacitors. The concept provides for battery electrode material with capacitor material in one cell unite. This will create a super battery that combine both: high performance and high capacity. ... more
City as Storage
A central
management system in a City can make electricity producers and consumers work
together. The result is a virtual energy storage for the energy system.
Scientists developed a management system that bundles cogeneration systems, heat
pumps , night storage heaters, photovoltaic batteries and other equipment. .
Hybrid power supply for municipal vehicles
Which electricity storage system will be used in future to drive and work electric municipal vehicles? The scientists in the ELAAN project are testing this and are combining the advantages of batteries with those of a fuel cell range extender. They are testing the concept on a demonstration vehicle with previously developed components that include the battery module, fuel cell subsystem, electric motor and associated power electronics. The demo vehicle is scheduled to be completed in spring 2017. ... more
Cost-effective manufacture of lithium batteries
Compared with other electrochemical storage systems, lithium-ion batteries have high energy efficiencies, high energy densities and long service lives. They are therefore the first choice for many mobile applications. However, they are still not used very much as stationary storage systems and are comparatively expensive. It is intended that environmentally friendly and cost-effective production processes for the battery cells and storage systems shall change that. ... more
Management of decentralised PV-battery systems
Net parity of photovoltaic electricity with the price for domestic consumers makes on-site consumption of locally generated electricity increasingly interesting. Efficient and long-life batteries will allow storage to increase on-site consumption in future. In the ”Net-PV“ project, researchers are investigated the opportunities and benefits of different operating strategies for solar battery systems and the combination of business models. ... more
Grid stabilization using battery power plants
How can a battery storage system be further developed to form a plant for balancing power production? This is the question that the researchers are investigating in the SDL-Batt project. Here they are testing various system services and evaluating them in economic terms, whereby the research is focusing on the operating data, energy balancing and the simulation of different methods. ... more
New Materials for lithium ion batteries
A research group working in the project KaLiPat to make materials for high-energy cathodes of lithium ion batteries more durable and cheaper. The project focus is the synthesis, modification and characterization of the materials. ... more
Compressed air instead of a pumped-storage power plant
Since 2009, scientists in the joint ADELE project are investigating adiabatic compressed air storage systems with a focus on turbo machines, thermal storage systems and caverns. In the ADELE-ING follow-up project, researchers are now comparing the various process versions. This is intended to drive forward the basic and detail engineering required for a preliminary demonstration plant and act as an investment basis. ... more
