The distribution of electrical energy is a challenge of the energy transition. In order to achieve a higher utilization of the grid infrastructure, a conversion to direct current is being researched in the project.
The use of direct current (DC) in distribution networks enables much higher utilization of the network infrastructure and thus reduces the resources required for network expansion. This means that for the same amount of material, significantly more energy can be distributed compared to today’s AC technology. The project will develop the technological basis for a novel, fully converter-fed distribution network based on DC technology for urban areas, which can take over the tasks of today’s network levels 5-7 (medium and low voltage).
6 years
Runtime
approx. 5 million euros
Funding amount
6 + 3
Departments + Faculties of the TU Ilmenau
The conversion of distribution grids to DC technology is a comprehensive socio-technical transformation that is not only technologically feasible, but must also be accepted and supported by the various stakeholder groups involved in the transformation. Accordingly, the communicative inclusion of affected stakeholder groups (grid operators, equipment manufacturers, tradesmen, population, etc.) is an important component of the project in order to develop a realistic roadmap for the transformation process. In addition to the technical issues, research is also being conducted into the communications measures required by the associated change process.
Funding sources
Carl Zeiss Foundation in the “Breakthroughs – Energy Systems of the Future” program
The Carl Zeiss Foundation has set itself the goal of creating scope for scientific breakthroughs. As a partner of excellent science, it supports both basic research and application-oriented research and teaching in the STEM fields (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology). Founded in 1889 by the physicist and mathematician Ernst Abbe, the Carl Zeiss Foundation is one of the oldest and largest private science-promoting foundations in Germany. It is the sole owner of Carl Zeiss AG and SCHOTT AG. Its projects are financed from the dividend distributions of the two foundation companies.
