Research Projects

On long term perspective, an electricity supply in Germany based upon the combustion of lignite, coal, gas and oil cannot be an option for reasons of climate protection and due to the limited fossile resources. Accordingly the government proclaims the »Energiewende«: A major part of the German electricity is to be produced from renewables by 2050. This objective covers, besides all means of an extension of electricity generation from wind, PV, biomass, hydro and geothermal power, even a profound modification of the mainly fossil fuel-based energy supply system.

How to achieve this whilst realising a secure and reliable electricity supply from renewables only is investigated in the project Kombikraftwerk2. Within the research project the scientists simulate an entirely renewable scenario of electricity supply, including detailed assumptions on future characteristics of all renewable producers, consumers, storages and the electricity grid as well as a uniquely high spatial resolution. The model works with the weather data of 2007 to reflect the weather-dependent feed-in of power. To simulate the consumption, the historical time series of the same year, standard load profiles and load management algorithms are used. Storages and other producers are modelled to be operated - according to their possibilities – to meet the demand. Based on the resulting power flows which are shown in a detailed power flow animation, the researchers evaluated the future stability of the grid and were able to identify the necessary contribution of the renewable energies to the ancillary services.

In addition to the simulations field tests were conducted in the project to demonstrate the ability of a virtual power plant (»Kombikraftwerk«) to provide Frequency Restoration Reserve.