How can power grids continue to operate stably and safely as more and more renewable energy sources, battery storage systems, heat pumps, and electric vehicles are connected to the grid? The TU Ilmenau will provide answers to this question from June 23–25 at The smarter E Europe in Munich at the Thuringian joint booth organized by LEG Thüringen.
Researchers from the university will present a software solution for precise fault current analysis in direct current grids at Hall B5, Booth 260. Interested visitors can also learn about the latest inventions from TU Ilmenau, presented by the Patent Management Association of Thuringian Universities (PATON-PTH), as well as the master’s program Electric Power Systems, which trains specialists for the energy transition and the energy supply of the future.
The focus of TU Ilmenau’s exhibition at Europe’s largest energy industry platform, “The smarter E Europe,” in Munich, is a simulation and visualization platform for future direct current distribution grids developed at the Thuringian Energy Research Institute (ThEFI), which connects decentralized generation facilities—such as wind farms or solar power plants—with consumers.
Its flexible grid structure makes it easier and more resource-efficient to control currents and voltages in the grid, but it also makes operation and precise fault current analysis more challenging. Such an analysis is crucial for safely isolating faults, reliably designing protection systems, and correctly sizing cables, circuit breakers, and other equipment.
Rapid fault analysis of large urban DC grids is now possible for the first time
Existing commercial simulation tools for analyzing large-scale urban DC distribution grids are currently reaching their limits. The software developed in the VERNEDCT project enables, for the first time, the rapid analysis of large urban DC grids with hundreds to thousands of grid nodes. Grid structures, line parameters, and converter data can be automatically imported and clearly visualized.
“Direct-current distribution grids will play a central role in future urban energy systems, and anyone who wants to operate them safely must be able to precisely calculate fault currents even in realistically large grids. This software puts us in that position for the first time and thus lays the foundation for the safe planning of electrical infrastructure,” said project leader Prof. Dirk Westermann, director of the Thuringian Energy Research Institute (ThEFI) and head of the Group Power Systems Group at TU Ilmenau.
Development as Part of a Large-Scale Interdisciplinary Project
The simulation platform was developed as part of the “Distribution Network DC Technology (VERNEDCT)” research project funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation. To develop a resource-efficient energy distribution network for the future, scientists from six departments at the TU Ilmenau are collaborating on a completely new architecture for DC distribution networks and on innovative methods for their safe operation. Safety concepts designed to prevent and control faults are being developed from the very beginning. In addition to technical issues, the Group of Empirical Communication is also investigating how the new technology is being accepted by the public and businesses.
Grid Stability Also a Focus in the Master’s Program in Electrical Energy Systems
This interdisciplinary approach also characterizes the Master’s program in Electric Power Systems at TU Ilmenau, which will be presented at the trade fair. It prepares graduates for challenging roles in the energy sector, industry, and research. Working in interdisciplinary teams and supervised by experienced researchers, they engage in hands-on projects related to grid stability, the integration of renewable energy, smart grids, and innovative energy solutions. To this end, they also have access to the excellent laboratory facilities at ThEFI.
About the Thuringian Energy Research Institute (ThEFI)
The Thuringian Energy Research Institute (ThEFI) brings together expertise from twelve disciplines across four faculties at the Technical University of Ilmenau. It develops interdisciplinary solutions for energy, environmental, and systems engineering and promotes the transfer of scientific knowledge to industry and society. The research infrastructure established in recent years also offers companies and research institutions excellent opportunities for joint research and development projects.
Contact
Prof. Dirk Westermann
Director, Thuringian Energy Research Institute (ThEFI)
+49 3677 69-1761
dirk.westermann@tu-ilmenau.de
