Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology
Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology

Technologies for Hybrid Grids

Why Hybrid Grids?

 

As nuclear and fossil-fuel plants close, integrating renewables and charging stations becomes vital for climate-neutrality. Hybrid grids offer major advantages for decarbonization, especially with growing DC sources and energy storage systems. However, implementing hybrid grids presents key challenges:

  1. Designing Hybrid Grids
    Successful hybrid grids require careful sizing, modeling, and optimal placement of renewables and storage, along with accurate load and generation forecasts to boost efficiency and cut costs.
  2. Sustaining Grid Stability
    Large-scale integration of renewables and charging infrastructure disrupts traditional grid stability, which relies on rotating inertia. Advanced control schemes are essential to manage voltage and frequency fluctuations.
  3. Power Electronics in Hybrid Grids
    Diverse applications demand innovative converter topologies. These converters must ensure continuous, high-availability operation with minimal loss, full power flow control, and high power quality – even under overload.
  4. Power and energy management
    Coordinating among multiple sources and network configurations  is critical. Advanced energy management systems, control strategies, and real-time monitoring optimize hybrid grid performance.
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Tailored Strategies for Hybrid Grid Implementation

At Fraunhofer ISIT, we offer a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to address the challenges of hybrid grids:

© Fraunhofer ISIT/ Eric Shambroom

Core technologies

  • Medium Voltage DC distribution
  • Medium Voltage MMC
  • Power Hardware in the Loop (PHiL) Testing
  • Grid Forming Strategies
  • Non-linear Modelling

Our Services

  • Modelling and Control of Electronic Grids
  • Grid Integration of Power Electronics Assets
  • Interoperability Studies
  • Grey-box Model Identification
  • Fault Ride-Through and Grid Support

Applications

  • Fast Charging Stations
  • Distribution & Transmission Grids
  • Photovoltaic & Wind Parks
  • Shipboard Microgrid and Shore to Ship Power Supply

Demonstrating Success in Hybrid Grid Applications

Discover how our innovative solutions have been successfully implemented in real-world scenarios. Here are some exemplary use cases that highlight the effectiveness of our technologies in hybrid grids:

 

Active front end converter based on MMC

This use case showcases the integration of Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) technology to enhance grid stability and efficiency.

check out the use case
 

Super-HEART

An advanced solution that demonstrates how hyrid grid systems can optimize energy management and performance.

check out the use case

Why Partner with Fraunhofer ISIT?

By partnering with Fraunhofer ISIT, you gain access to a wide array of benefits that empower your organization to thrive in the evolving energy landscape:

  1. Comprehensive Expertise: Our team provides in-depth conceptual studies, guiding you from component design to application-level integration.
  2. Advanced Modelling and Control: We specialize in the modelling, stability analysis, and control of power electronics-dominated grids. Our approach enhances performance and reliability in hybrid grid systems.
  3. Optimal Energy Management: Our solutions include optimal sizing and energy management strategies for systems with multiple energy sources and storage solutions, maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs.
  4. State-of-the-Art Testing Facilities: Access our well-equipped medium-voltage laboratory, where we conduct tests up to 10 kV and 1 MVA. This facility supports rigorous evaluation and validation of your systems.
  5. Rapid Testing Capabilities: Our Power Hardware in the Loop (PHIL) capabilities enable rapid testing and control at both component and system levels, significantly accelerating your development timeline.
  6. Innovative Design and Testing: We excel in designing and testing power electronic converters with direct medium-voltage connections, ensuring seamless integration into existing infrastructures.

Leverage our expertise to confidently address the challenges of hybrid grids and position your organization for success in a sustainable energy future.