Project insights: Research for the energy transition

Production plants automatically detect even the smallest malfunctions; new cell concepts enable 24 per cent efficiency – maximum quality at low cost.

The new weir system at Hinterstein hydroelectric power plant has been in operation since spring 2020. Fish can pass the weir without injury.

Developing new production processes for CIGS thin-film solar cells and modules and optimising function layers using alkaline elements.

Research project closes knowledge gap on the fatigue behaviour of concrete at high load changes. This might reduce the cost of wind power.

Systems integrated in rotor blades generate air currents. The aerodynamics of the wind turbine improve, the energy yield increases.

No ice and no erosion at the blade edge of wind turbines. New thermoplastic hybrid material with integrated heating foil protects the leading edge.

Multi-junction solar cells are suitable for concentrating photovoltaics in sunny countries. The efficiency of the module reaches 41 percent.

Modules for concentrating photovoltaics are to be built directly on site in sunny countries to save transport and production costs.

Special measurement methods monitor the condition of the power electronics and determine the remaining lifetime of the individual components.