Logo Enesys

Research Topics




Mechatronic Drive Systems

The requirements placed on modern drive systems can no longer be met by conventional electric motors with or without gear unit. Therefore more intelligent solutions specially designed for drive applications are needed, the so-called mechatronic drive systems. In this context, research is carried out in the following areas:

  • Development and optimization of mecha-tronic drive systems
  • Load spectrum minimization in mechatronic energy conversion drive systems
  • Enhancement of durability using control-engineering methods
  • Optimization of drive systems energized by DC or 16.7 Hz AC voltage
  • Concepts and circuit topologies and design of electronic power regulator control elements for active damping in drive systems.
  • Stator flux oriented control with high dynamic torque control especially in field weakening operation
  • Parameter estimation for induction and PM -synchronous machines and converters
  • Engine speed identification procedures for encoderless induction machine operation
  • Double three-level-machine inverter for low torque ripple



Renewable Energy Sources

Due to the stochastic fluctuation of wind speeds, the technical utilization of wind energy faces two important problems. Firstly, the increased amount of wind power added to existing power supply systems as a result of the integration of wind parks, leads to some side-effects e.g. voltage fluctuations, caused by the fluctuating instantaneous power generated by wind farms. Secondly, the fluctuation of wind speeds also causes high power oscillations in the drive-train of the wind energy converter. This results in the following research areas:

  • Project planning and design
  • Control methods for energy converters (MPP-Tracking,...)
  • Wind and solar park management
  • Reduction of grid perturbations
  • Variable-speed high power generator systems for wind energy converters
  • Control methods for the operation of wind energy converters during grid faults (Fault-Ride Through)



Decentralized Energy Supply Systems

The maximum proportion of renewable energy in power grids is limited by the stochastic fluctuations associated with renewable energy sources due to technical and economical reasons. From a technical point of view, the fluctuating energy supply reduces the power quality, where the problems are more pronounced in weak and isolated networks, rather than in the European electrical grid. Therefore, the institute is engaged in the following main research areas:

  • Structures and dynamic behaviour of decentralized energy supply systems and distribution grids - „Virtual Power Plants“
  • Energy flow- and load management
  • Dynamic storage systems
  • Energy conditioning



Energysupply For Transportation Systems

With the development of modern transportation systems, the power efficiency challenge is of increasing importance. This can be improved significantly through the use of storage systems, in which the braking energy is absorbed and stored temporarily. With the use of such a buffer storage, there is also a variety of new functions/settings such as the operation of high-performance electronic devices, with specific thermal loads or the issue of adequate energy management for storage.



Electromobility

An essential factor for a faster transition to electric vehicles is an increase in the acceptance of this technology among the population. In the areas of grid integration, drive systems and energy storage, research is being conducted into technologies and methods for reducing barriers such as low range, lack of infrastructure and high purchase prices. New business models are also being developed. The following research approaches can be cited as examples:

  • Intelligent charging methods to avoid peak loads
  • Vehicle batteries as dynamic storage in the grid
  • (Fast) charging infrastructure
  • Investigation and improvement of the energy efficiency of the main and auxiliary aggregates
  • Strategies for increasing recuperation
  • Battery management systems and cell balancing for battery systems
  • Cooperative use and combination with other means of transport