DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems

The DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems (DLR-Institut für Vernetzte Energiesysteme/DLR-VE) in Oldenburg develops technologies and concepts for future energy supply based on renewable energy sources. The major challenge is how to form stable and efficient energy systems from weather-dependent decentralised production units. The research for this transformation process follows a D³ approach (D³ = Decarbonisation, Decentralisation, Digitalisation).

The Institute’s three departments – Urban and Residential Technologies, Energy Systems Technology and Energy Systems Analysis – work on system-related issues for intelligent and efficient linking of the electricity, heating and transport sectors. Systems of all sizes and levels are being investigated, ranging from individual installations and “smart” buildings to networked residential districts and cities. The Institute also evaluates energy systems at national and international levels, using its own network structure models and technology assessment methods.

The institute was previously named NEXT ENERGY and has currently 125 staff members including the Division Urban and Residential Technologies with 44 members. The DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems has laboratories which are equipped for tests of CHP systems under real working conditions. In these laboratories tests are performed on real operating measurements for complete CHP systems, proof-of-concept developments (hardware and software) and hardware developments for the management and network integration of CHP systems. The DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems developed house energy management systems (HEMS) are controlling and collecting all relevant streams in high resolution. Also there are test benches for characterizing stacks regarding the influence of temperature, humidity, pressure, stoichiometry at the anode and at the cathode side on the performance. The characterization includes current-voltage curves. Additionally, gas compositions can be varied and modified to simulate a reformate gas.

Tasks in this project

• Coordination and dissemination of the project D2Service
• Development of an easily understandable manual of both fuel cell-based CHP units for installers and technicians.
  
• Evaluation of both CHP systems with respect to efficiency and servicability. Derivation of optimization recommendations for both electrical and thermal configurations.
  

Key personnel:

Andreas Linhart is working in the Urban and Residential Technologies Department of the DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems and is the coordinator of the D2Service project.

Heinz Bekebrok is working in the Urban and Residential Technologies Department of the DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems and is responsible for test bench design and construction as well as test implementation and evaluation.

Marco Zobel is the team leader of the Urban and Residential Technologies group at the DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems. He has a diploma in chemical engineering and almost two decades of experience in the field of fuel cells with extensive knowledge ranging from material design to system integration.