The Power Systems Group has proven expertise in direct current technologies (DC technologies). The associated research covers all voltage levels. In addition to major funding projects such as OVANET and VERNEDCT, the department works on projects in collaboration with numerous industrial partners, primarily in the high-, medium- and low-voltage sectors.
The activities within this framework focus primarily on the intelligent design of e-charging networks to reduce the grid load and the dimensions of the grid connection, while at the same time increasing the security of supply and the flexibility of battery use. The significant number of charging points required with high charging capacities can lead to grid bottlenecks and cannot be guaranteed everywhere. Various projects are investigating how charging profiles, grid connections, energy storage and other components can be bundled. The aim is to find a resource-optimized and cost-minimized solution based on innovative deployment strategies for DC technology. In addition, potential is to be created for the expanded use of batteries, the integration of renewable energy generation and the provision of system services for the upstream electricity grid.
Other activities focus on efficiency gains in the grid connection of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converters in voltage source converter (VSC) technology. In this context, new operational management concepts are being investigated that can lead to a reduction in operational converter losses. Effects on submodule service life, submodule redundancies and controller interactions are also being considered. Even if the expected relative efficiency gains are below the 1 % mark, the absolute loss savings and the associated economic and ecological effects are significant due to the high performance class of HVDC converters.