Press Release

The use of power electronics in challenging fields of application – such as electric vehicles or aerospace – implies high requirements concerning switching speed and reliability. In this context, conventional packaging technologies are often pushed to their limits. Scientists at Fraunhofer IISB have developed a novel packaging concept and technologies by embedding power semiconductor devices into ceramic circuit carriers. Their design offers high temperature stability, operation at high voltages, and hermetic sealing to provide maximum lifetime in harsh environments. This helps to fully exploit the great advantages of wide-bandgap semiconductors (WBG). Power modules based on this new approach are presented by Fraunhofer IISB at this year’s PCIM Europe exhibition in May 2019 in Nuremberg.

Over the past two years, the dual use of land for the harvesting of solar electricity and agriculture has been tested in the joint project “Agrophotovoltaics – Resource Efficient Land Use (APV-RESOLA).” On one-third of a hectare arable land near Lake Constance in Germany, photovoltaic modules with a total power output of 194 kilowatt are installed on a five meter high structure. The results from 2017 showed a land use efficiency of 160 percent, as confirmed by the project consortium under the direction of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE. The performance of the agrophotovoltaic system in the very hot summer of 2018 greatly exceeded this value. The partial shading underneath the photovoltaic modules improved the agricultural yield, and the sun-rich summer increased the solar electricity production.

Northern Chile is one of the sunniest regions on Earth and holds great potential for developing a sustainable energy supply based on solar energy. Four years ago, Fraunhofer ISE initiated the Fraunhofer Centro de Tecnologias para Energia Solar CSET in Santiago de Chile together with the Fraunhofer Chile Research Foundation. The Center CSET cooperates closely with local universities in Chile. Recently, Prof. Hans-Martin Henning, Institute Director of Fraunhofer ISE, met with representatives of the Chilean Ministry of Energy, the Office for Economic Development and the Chilean Chamber of Commerce in order to strengthen the cooperation and identify strategies for the future.

Two system test bench campaigns are part of the research project „CertBench“. They are carried out with the nacelle of a 3 MW wind turbine which is already certified. Therefore, the test bench results can be compared directly to electrical porperties determined during field measurements. The target of the project is to accelerate the certification process.

The grid is changing as the big, centralized providers of the past are replaced by smaller, distributed suppliers. Keeping such complex networks running stable requires high-resolution sensor technology – AI provides a way to make accurate predictions and automatically detect any disturbances or anomalies in real time. Here is how Fraunhofer researchers developed the compression techniques, algorithms and neural networks to make a power supply fit for the future.

From 1-5 April 2019, the world’s leading industrial show, the Hannover Trade Fair, presents key technologies and core areas of industry ranging from R&D up to services. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE exhibits its innovations in the area of hydrogen at the joint booth Hydrogen + Fuel Cells Europe (Hall 27, Booth C58). The booth is celebrating its 25th jubilee with a record participation of 170 exhibitors from 20 countries over a total area of 5000 m².

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) are performing a research study to investigate the environmental and socio-economic impact of the usage of the gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) in power distribution grids.

On behalf of the EU Commission, Fraunhofer ISI explored what contribution individual technologies can make to decarbonizing industry and how to support them. The study shows that it is possible to cut emissions by 95% by 2050. However, this requires innovative carbon-neutral technologies and comprehensive technological change – especially in basic materials industries. In addition, Fraunhofer ISI examined the role of an innovation fund to aid the market diffusion of these technologies using revenue from the EU emissions trading system.

The majority of photovoltaic (PV) systems in Germany are roof-mounted using a mounting system to fix the modules. On the other hand, solar PV modules that are fully integrated into the façade or roof offer many advantages to the building owner. Presently a global mass market is developing for photovoltaic building envelopes, allowing cities, in particular, to develop a more sustainable energy consumption. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have made recommendations as to how European manufacturers can participate more successfully in this market. Key facets are the industrial production of custom-made solar components for buildings as well as the incorporation of these components in the planning tools and processes of building specialists. On March 18-19, 2019, the BIPV Forum is meeting in Bad Staffelstein, directly prior to the PV Symposium held there annually. Am 18.-19. März 2019 tagt zu diesem Thema das Forum Bauwerkintegrierte Photovoltaik in Bad Staffelstein, im Vorfeld des jährlich dort stattfindenden PV-Symposiums.

From March 11 to 15, 2019 the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE will be presenting its expertise in the field of heat pump technologies, including sustainable coolants, quality assurance and product qualification. Other topics presented are the technical prerequisites, e.g. for tenant electricity models and the intelligent operation management of buildings. The ISH Energy section is the international meeting point for industry in the fields of heating and cooling technologies and innovative building solutions. The experts from Fraunhofer ISE are located in Hall 11, Booth D68 at the ISH 2019 in Frankfurt, Germany.