Project highlights

Smart Functional Materials

CAE NetPVStore - Development of a grid-serving photovoltaic storage system using ultracapacitors

NetPVStore
Development of a grid-serving photovoltaic storage system using ultracapacitors

Fluctuations in solar irradiation caused mainly by cloud movement are unavoidable, but they pose a problem for photovoltaics because they can stress the power electronics on the one hand and have a negative impact on grid stability on the other.

Therefore, the aim of the project is to develop a converter-storage unit, consisting of photovoltaic (PV) modules and short-term storage units, which will significantly smooth power fluctuations of PV systems in the range of seconds to minutes and thus provide renewable energy in grid-serving quality.

The new storage system consists of photovoltaic modules as well as ultra-fast electrical short-term storage units adapted to them and control electronics with inverters. After a three-year development and optimization phase at laboratory level, the new system is to be installed in the form of a demonstration plant in the grid and evaluated under real conditions in a one-year monitoring phase.

Sponsor: BMWi, funding code: 03EI4021A
Duration from 01.12.2020 to 30.04.2025

CAE ISBA Insulation Solution based on Aerogels

ISBA Insulation Solution based on Aerogels

Aerogels are highly open-porous nanostructured materials with very low bulk density and exceptionally low thermal conductivity, which makes them particularly interesting for space applications.
Market-leading end-users such as Ariane Group, Thales Alenia Space and Air Liquide present state-of-the-art applications ranging from satellites to tanks for launch vehicles.
The aim of the ISBA project is to develop European-made material solutions to high maturity levels (TRL 7) and reduce dependency outside Europe. The aerogel materials will be developed by leading European research groups, including DLR (DE), Tecnalia Research & Innovation (ES), the Center for Applied Energy Research (DE), KEEY Aerogel (FR) and the University of Debrecen (HU). The project consortium also includes Hutchinson (FR), responsible for wrapping technologies for packaging the aerogels.

Funding body EU, funding code: 101082573
Duration from 01.11.2022 to 31.10.2025

CAE - Development of an innovative material matrix to improve photovoltaic efficiency through targeted evaporation cooling

PVaporate
Development of an innovative material matrix to improve photovoltaic efficiency through targeted evaporation cooling

The efficient use of solar energy is a central building block for a successful energy transition. However, high temperatures significantly reduce the performance and lifespan of solar cells. To solve this problem, CAE and SUNSET Energietechnik GmbH are developing an innovative material matrix in the PVaporate project that is attached to the back of PV modules. The matrix uses a hygroscopic material that stores water from the air at night and releases it during the day when it is hot. The resulting evaporative cooling reduces the operating temperature of the modules and thus increases their efficiency. In contrast to many other PV cooling systems, cooling occurs passively via the applied layer and is completely maintenance-free. At the same time, the service life of the systems is extended - an important contribution to sustainable solar energy use.

Funding body: Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU), funding code: 39837/01DBU
Duration from 01.01.2025 to 31.12.2026



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