Super-HEART - revolution in the energy supply

The Super-HEART project, funded by the European Commission (EIC), aims to develop a high-availability power converter for the integration of multiple energy sources. It connects multiple sources and loads to deliver clean and uninterruptible power in the 100 kW range. This innovation project is aimed at critical applications with high outage costs and offers a solution to the growing demand for reliable power supply in mission-critical applications.

Efficiency and reliability through innovative technologies

Super-HEART sets new standards in power distribution by overcoming the disadvantages of conventional power electronics (PE). Power electronics are prone to failure and traditional methods of ensuring high availability through redundancy are expensive and complex. Super-HEART creates a sustainable, efficient and reliable solution that promotes the integration of renewable energy sources. The project aims to reduce energy loss by 20%, cut capital expenditure by 20% and reduce space requirements by 20%. By combining several innovative technologies, Super-HEART achieves high availability, density and power density, making it a cost-efficient and space-saving solution for critical applications. This is achieved through several innovative and state-of-the-art technologies:

• Magnetic power bus with multi-winding transformer to reduce the number of conversion stages: improved efficiency and reliability
  
• High switching frequency through ad-hoc magnetics, SiC transistors and optimized design for higher density
  
• Customized supercapacitors developed by our partners with high power and energy density and low environmental impact
  
• Fault-ride-through capability with minimal redundancy to reduce capital cost and size
  
• System-level optimization in both the design and operational phases Optimal power and energy management for multi-source integration
  
• Modularity for power scaling well beyond 100 kW

Super-HEART, a joint project of Fraunhofer ISIT, Kiel University and Trinity College Dublin, is developing a DC/DC converter that seamlessly integrates different energy sources. The focus is on applications that require continuous operation, such as microgrids in data centers, zero-energy buildings, DC industries or heavy electric mobility. The project combines technical developments in the field of power electronics and supercapacitors with market analysis, standards and certifications to enable broad commercialization.