The storage and conversion of energy is a key element of our future energy supply as we transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Energy storage systems, along with fuel cell and hydrogen technology, have the potential to form a cornerstone of the future energy supply. At the Institute of Energy Technology and Energy Economics, the THU is conducting intensive research into various electrical and thermal storage technologies. These are analysed and optimised, and issues relating to system integration are investigated.
At the Institute of Vehicle Systems Engineering, together with the associated Automotive Centre, the use of batteries and fuel cells in hybrid and electric powertrains is investigated both through simulation and in real-world conditions on an engine and roller test bench, with the aim of optimising the powertrain and energy conversion within the vehicle.
In the field of electrochemical storage, properties such as the operational behavior of storage cells under specific conditions or their aging behavior are identified. The focus is on cell analysis through simulated and real-world cycles under defined climatic conditions. This involves analyzing cell expansion, changes in the impedance spectrum, and post-operational surface changes of the electrodes. The results are applied to the optimal design and management of battery systems. The analysis of the operational behavior of storage systems in their real-world environment is a key focus of further research.
In the field of thermal storage, research focuses on storage system design, efficiency optimization, and standby losses, as well as the optimal integration of the storage system into the overall system. This involves conducting measurements, analyses, and modeling, as well as performing simulations on sensible and latent storage systems.
The THU focuses on the optimized integration of fuel cells into stationary and mobile applications. Its primary areas of focus are the long-term analysis of operational behavior and the design of optimized management systems.
Project manager: Prof. Dr. Walter Commerell
Project duration: 01.05.2024 - 30.04.2026
Funded by: Federal Government - BMWK
Program name: ZIM
Project description:
In the Terminus project, the THU "Energy Harvesting" methods are identified, fundamentally analyzed and further developed for an application with small energy requirements. The identified principles are measured intensively on specially developed test benches and prepared for the application. Furthermore, energy storage systems that can absorb and release very small amounts of energy over a longer period of time are being investigated. The aim of this research work is to operate available technologies at their limits. To this end, special charging/discharging profiles are generated in order to test selected storage systems. The THU integrates energy generators, storage units and consumers into an overall system. Based on the project work, a doctorate on the subject of storage for very small amounts of energy is planned.
Project manager: Prof. Dr. Walter Commerell
Project duration: 01.04.2023 - 31.03.2028
Funded by: Federal Government - BMWK
Programme name: Guideline "Promotion of qualification measures for battery cell production"
Project description:
In the project, THU will investigate the issue of thermal characterization of cells and develop the basic principles for this. At the same time, an infrastructure for application-oriented remote tests will be set up. The focus here is on investigating the electrical and thermal properties of battery cells. Cell characterization enables the behaviour of the battery cell in a specific application to be recorded and allows the development and optimization of high-performance and
safe battery systems. Furthermore, the THU research team will deal with, analyze and process the peripheral battery system technology in various applications. Within the battery system, variants of operational management will be analyzed and optimization options for battery and energy management will be identified.
Another project focus is the cross-cutting topic of battery safety, which deals with the risks and dangers of batteries. This includes the protection of users and the environment as well as the safety of products powered by batteries. Battery safety is a particularly important aspect in connection with electric vehicles. The THU will analyze cases of damage and risks and identify and prepare methods and measures to minimize risks. Among other things, the question of the extent to which unsafe complex conditions can be detected at an early stage in order to maintain the system in a safe condition will be investigated. Two doctorates are planned within the project.
Project management: Prof. Michael Schlick, Prof. Dr. Christian Dettmann
Project duration: 01.01.2024 - 31.12.2027
Funded by: State - MWK / EFRE
Program name: Climate and Transformation Fund, NIP II R&D
Project description:
The "HyCo" R&D project aims to develop a coach with a fuel cell drive that matches the performance of current diesel coaches in terms of capacity and range >800 km. The aim is to increase the technical maturity level from TRL-3 to at least TRL-6. Special requirements here lie in the system configuration of the drivetrain, thermal management and air conditioning under the special requirements of coaches for driving profiles and the associated load profiles for the drivetrain and the increased comfort requirements for air conditioning. Two prototypes are to be developed at the partner company as part of the project. In work package 6, THU is responsible for the accompanying scientific research, in the context of which a comprehensive overall system simulation environment is to be created that allows different system configurations (fuel cell, hydrogen tank, e-machines, battery, inverter, cooling systems, air conditioning) to be evaluated and optimized based on measured or generically generated driving profiles.
Project management: Prof. Dr. Peter Renze, Prof. Michael Schlick
Project duration: 01.10.2023 - 30.09.2027
Funded by: State - MWK / EFRE
Program name: PAN HAW BW
Project description:
The project researches a decentralized concept for the storage, distribution and use of decentrally produced green hydrogen for sector coupling that can be implemented in practice. The starting point is the necessity of supporting decentralized hydrogen production and utilization in all sectors, including regions that cannot be reached by central supply paths. The decisive factor is interoperability, i.e. the combination of different producer, storage and consumer concepts with different technical parameters. The innovation of this project lies in the research of practical methods for implementing this interoperability among those involved. The visibility and acceptance of hydrogen technology in society is taken into account and made transferable from the model applications to other regions.
Project manager: Prof. Michael Schlick, Prof. Peter Renze
Project duration: 01.07.2022 - 28.02.2027
Funded by: State - UM / ERDF
Program name: Model Region Green Hydrogen BW
Project description:
In the project, the first applications for hydrogen are to be implemented in the Middle Alb-Danube region. This implementation is to be scientifically evaluated. The project is divided into sub-projects, so-called lighthouses.
The topic of mobility is being addressed in the "H2toGo" lighthouse. Prof. Schlick is leading this sub-project. THU is working on the design of H2 commercial vehicles. In particular, questions regarding the dimensioning of H2 storage systems and vehicle batteries are to be answered. Current driving cycles are pure driving cycles and do not take into account idle and charging times or auxiliary consumers (e.g. hydraulic machines). The roller test benches are typically designed accordingly. As part of the THU research work in the project, driving and load cycles are to be recorded and representative cycles developed together with the project partners. To ensure the reproducibility of these cycles on the roller test bench, it must be suitably extended to include hydraulic and electrical sources and sinks. In addition, simulation models must be developed on the basis of which the dimensioning can then be optimized.
The H2-Grid sub-project (lighthouse), led by Prof. Renze, aims to research optimized building technology based on hydrogen production in order to enable increased flexibility in the energy supply in the context of the grid network and grid serviceability. The innovation of the project consists of optimized operational management through cross-sector, forecast-based demand management, which takes into account the availability of green electricity on the one hand and hydrogen and heat requirements on the other, thus leading to economically and ecologically optimized operation. In addition, aspects such as the grid serviceability of system operation are taken into account. The special framework conditions in building operation of Energy Efficiency House Plus buildings with heat and cold storage as the basis of a heating network are taken into account. For this purpose, an energy system with an electrolyser, hydrogen storage, fuel cell and an electrochemical storage system is considered.
In particular, the grid-supporting operation of an electrolyser for the production of hydrogen for regional H2 logistics is compared with energy-flexible reconversion in the building grid and contrasted with the electrochemical storage alternative. The integration of the heat from the electrolysis and the operation of the fuel cell into the building's heating network, taking into account the operating conditions of the buffer storage, represents a further challenge that will be the subject of research. The following scientific and technical objectives are also being pursued:
Project manager: Prof. Dietmar Graeber
Project duration: 01.01.2022 - 30.06.2024
Funded by: State - UM
Program name: Zukunftsprogramm Wasserstoff BW
Project description:
In order to keep the construction of new electricity transmission grids to a minimum as part of the energy transition, existing extra-high voltage lines must be utilized to a greater extent than before wherever possible. However, grid boosters based on large battery storage systems lead to extreme costs, large space requirements and a high consumption of scarce resources, especially with high storage capacity. The project is developing an innovative concept for a hydrogen hybrid grid booster. Here, a comparatively small battery storage unit is to be supplemented by a large hydrogen storage unit. A small-scale demonstrator of a hydrogen hybrid grid booster will be constructed and tested in detail. In particular, the integrated control of the complex interaction of all components of a hydrogen hybrid grid booster requires research effort. The aim of the project is a functioning prototype with simulation models that describe the overall functionality and serve as a basis for further developments.
Project manager: Prof. Michael Schlick
Project duration: 01.06.2021 - 31.12.2022
Funded by: Federal Government - BMVI
Program name: HyLand - Hydrogen Regions in Germany
Project description:
The H2Pure project aims to research the introduction of the hydrogen economy using the Ulm region as an example. Hydrogen and the associated technologies are a central element of the energy transition. Initial technological solutions already exist that would enable the introduction of a hydrogen economy. However, it is still completely unclear how this entry can take place: Which applications will be implemented first? Where can and should hydrogen be produced? How should it be distributed and which players will take on which roles in the hydrogen economy? The H2Pure project aims to find answers to these questions using scientific methods (literature research, interviews with potential players, model calculations of requirements and costs). These answers take into account not only technical but also economic, legal and structural policy aspects.
Project managers: Prof. Dr. Hubert Mantz, Prof. Dr. Walter Commerell
Project duration: 01.06.2016 - 31.10.2017
Project description:
Together with the Botanical Garden of the University of Ulm and the ZSW, HSU is developing and implementing emission-free concepts for energy supply in horticulture in the project "Quiet and clean: fuel cells for municipal applications". With conventional electric vehicles, the narrow limits of battery capacity are recognizable in regular operation. A hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle, on the other hand, significantly improves the range - even under tough practical conditions - can be refueled much faster and can also be used as a powerful mobile power supplier for operating electrical devices. Based on the determination of the mobile power requirements in the Botanical Garden and in the city of Ulm, a fuel cell system is to be planned, implemented and integrated into a so-called ATV (all-terrain vehicle).
Project manager: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gerhard Mengedoht; Prof. Dr. Walter Commerell
Project duration: 01.07.2014 - 31.12.2017
Project description:
In times of an energy supply network that increasingly integrates renewable energies, it is of great importance to consider these energy sources in their entirety and to develop suitable solutions for a reliable and sustainable energy supply in the building sector. The iHEM project focuses specifically on photovoltaics and solar thermal energy in combination with micro-CHP and storage systems for thermal and electrical energy in private households. Complex simulation models of existing and new buildings are being developed for this purpose. By linking a building simulation model with other models, such as solar thermal and PV systems, heat storage, batteries, fuel cells, etc., to create an overall system simulation, the energy supply system can be dimensioned by specifying a defined scenario and associated operating mode. The simulation can also be used to determine key figures such as self-sufficiency and self-consumption rates, which enable the comparison and benchmarking of a wide range of energy system constellations. In this context, a demonstrator system consisting of heat and electricity storage, solar thermal and PV systems together with a micro-CHP (fuel cell) is being set up in Ehingen an der Donau and supplemented by a comprehensive monitoring system.
Ijaz, Nadir; Nader, Marie; Ponticiello, Matthew; Vance, Ashlee J.; van de Water, Brittney J.; Funaro, Melissa C.; Abbas, Qalab; Adabie Appiah, John; Jobayer Chisti, Mohammod; Commerell, Walter; Dzelamunyuy, Suiyven Elvis; Martinez Fernandez, Rudimar; Gonzalez, Anjelica L.; Johnston, Cintia; Luckson Kaiwe, Evance; Kaur, Manjinder; Lang, Hans-Joerg; McCollum, Eric D.; González Moraga, José Marcos; Muralidharan, Jayashree; Renning, Kelsey; Tan, Herng Lee; Vélez Ruiz Gaitán, Laura Alejandra; González-Dambrauskas, Sebastián; Wilson, Patrick T.; Morrow, Brenda M.; Davis, J Lucian:
Contextual factors influencing bubble continuous positive airway pressure implementation for paediatric respiratory distress in low-income and middle-income countries: a realist review,
in: The Lancet Global Health, science direct, 2024, pages 14.
DOI: doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00453-4
ISSN: 2214-109X
Park, Eunoak; Yoo, JeongEun; Roh, Jong Wook; Gensbaur, Markus; Commerell, Walter; Lee, Kiyoung:
Review of Integrated Battery and Water Electrolysis Systems: Advanced Energy Storage Solutions,
in: Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology (ahead of print), The Korean Electrochemical Society, 2024, pages 5.
DOI: 10.33961/jecst.2024.00955
ISSN: 2288-9221
Kim, Min-Soo; Commerell, Walter; Roh, Jong-Wook; Park, Sang-Shik:
Degumming effects of silk fabrics as piezoelectrics for nanogenerators,
in: Material Science and Engineering, Volume 298, December 2023, 116898, Elsevier, Elsevier, 2023, Pages 8.
DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2023.116898
ISSN: 1873-4944
Willich, Caroline; Königsberger, Christopher; Prickler, Pauline; Aydin Mustafa; Heilmann, Oliver; Schlick, Michael:
Assessing the future hydrogen demand in the mobility sector for the Ulm region in southern Germany,
in: 36th International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition (EVS36), ZENODO (OpenAIRE / CERN), 2023, pages 11.
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8322646
Bazlen, Steffen; Heugel, Philipp; von Kassel, Otto; Commerell, Walter; Tübke, Jens:
Influence of charging protocols on the charging capability and aging of lithium-ion cells with silicon-containing anodes,
in: Journal of Energy Storage 49(23), Science Direct, 2022, pages 5.
DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2022.104044
ISSN: 2352-152X
Kwon, Dae-Hwan; Jin, Eui-Hyun; Yoo, Dae-Hwang; Roh, Jong-Wook; Suh, Dongjun; Commerell, Walter; Huh, Jeung-Soo:
Analysis of the Response Characteristics of Toluene Gas Sensors with a ZnO Nanorod Structure by a Heat Treatment Process,
in: Sensors, Volume 22(11), MDPI, 2022, pages 5.
DOI: 10.3390/s22114125
ISSN: 1424-8220
Narayanan, Muthalagappan; Commerell, Walter; Mengedoht, Gerhard:
Analysis of a variable auxiliary volume predictive-controller for an auxiliary-energy producer with a stratified solar thermal combistorage,
in: Solar Energy Volume 235, Science Direct, Elsevier, 2022, pages 219-228.
DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2022.02.004
ISSN: 0038-092X
Tabakovic, Momir; Commerell, Walter; Csapo, Csilla; Otto, Marc-Oliver; Vermaak, Herman:
Industry - university cooperation in the renewable energy field in south africa - gap analysis and enhancement proposals,
in: Universities of Tomorrow: Global, Interdisciplinary, Digitized, Sustainable (UNITO) 2021 International Conference, HTWG Konstanz, HTWG Hochschule Konstanz, 2022, pages 16 - 20.
Narayanan, Muthalagappan:
Annual Evaluation of a Model Predictive Controller in an Integrated Thermal-Electrical Renewable Energy System Using Clustering Technique,
in: Journal of Energy Resources Technology, May 2021; Vol. 143, Iss.5, ASME, ASME, 2021, Pages 14.
DOI: 10.1115/1.4050493
ISSN: 0195-0738
Narayanan, Muthalagappan:
Configuring the Objective Function of A Model Predictive Controller for An Integrated Thermal-Electrical Decentral Renewable Energy System,
in: International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, vol. 10, no. 2, May. 2021, Center of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE) Diponegoro University Indonesia, Center of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE) Diponegoro University Indonesia, 2021, pages 317-331.
DOI: 10.14710/ijred.2021.34241
ISSN: 2252-4940
Narayanan, Muthalagappan; Mengedoht, Gerhard; Commerell, Walter:
Evaluation of SOFC-CHP's ability to integrate thermal and electrical energy system decentrally in a single-family house with model predictive controller,
in: Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, Vol. 48, 2021, Elsevier, Elsevier, 2021, pages Article 101643.
DOI: 10.1016/j.seta.2021.101643
ISSN: 2213-1388
Narayanan, Muthalagappan; Mengedoht, Gerhard; Commerell, Walter:
Adaptiveness of a model predictive controller for a thermal-electrical renewable energy system in four different German single-family house energy standards,
in: Case Studies in Thermal Engineering , 26, 2021, Elsevier, Elsevier, 2021, pages Article 101118.
DOI: 10.1016/j.csite.2021.101118
ISSN: 2214-157X
Nayoung Lee, Sungwook Ye, Rahman Jamil Ur, Jang-Yeul Tak, Jung Young Cho, Won Seon Seo, Weon Ho Shin, Walter Commerell, Woo Hyun Nam, Jong Wook Roh:
Method for Predicting Thermoelectric Module Efficiency Using MATLAB/Simulink,
in: Korean Journal of Metals and Materials 2021; 59 (11), Korean Institute of Metals and Materials, Korean Institute of Metals and Materials, 2021, pages 829-837.
DOI: 10.3365/KJMM.2021.59.11.829
pISSN : 1738-8228 ; eISSN : 2288-8241
Maurer, Christian; Commerell, Walter; Hintennach, Andreas; Jossen, Andreas:
Continuous Shuttle Current Measurement Method for Lithium Sulfur Cells,
in: Journal of The Electrochemical Society, vol. 167 no. 9, 2020, The Electrochemical Society (ed.), 2020, pages 7.
DOI: 10.1149/1945-7111/ab8e81
Narayanan, Muthalagappan; de Lima, Aline Ferreira; de Azevedo Dantas, André Felipe Oliveira; Commerell, Walter:
Development of a Coupled TRNSYS-MATLAB Simulation Framework for Model Predictive Control of Integrated Electrical and Thermal Residential Renewable Energy System,
in: Energies, Volume 13, Issue 12, 2020, MDPI (ed.), MDPI, 2020, pages 29.
DOI: 10.3390/en13215761, ISSN: 1996-1073
Commerell, Walter:
The Grid of the Future,
in: Green Energy and Technology, Ghandhi, Oktoviano (ed.), Springer Nature, 2020, pages 239-269.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-41952-3, ISSN: 1865-3529
Commerell, W.; "Funktionale Sicherheit (ISO 26262) und Simulation", Proceedings of the ASIM Fachtagung Simulation Technischer Systeme und Grundlagen in Modellbildung und Simulation, 2017, Ulm, ISBN 978-3-901608-50-6, p. 183-186
Mengedoht, Gerhard; Stern, Katharina, Poster on the project share of Ulm University of Applied Sciences in the iHEM research project on the occasion of the 1st Congress "ENERGIEWENDEBAUEN - Research on efficient technologies and intelligent concepts for the electricity and heat transition" in Berlin from 30 - 31.01.2017
Mengedoht, G.; Commerell, W.; Schmidt, S.; Tuzcu, M.; "Gebäudeimulationen für ein Heimenergiemanagement im Kontext zu verschiedenen Gebäudetypologien mit Solarenergienutzung", Proceedings of the ASIM Fachtagung Simulation Technischer Systeme und Grundlagen in Modellbildung und Simulation, 2017, Ulm, ISBN 978-3-901608-50-6, p. 222-224
Narayanan, M., Mengedoht, G., Commerell, W.; "Design of simulation model for novel solar thermal storage tank", Proceedings of the ASIM Symposium Simulation of Technical Systems and Fundamentals in Modeling and Simulation, 2017, Ulm, ISBN 978-3-901608-50-6, p. 18-23
Szilárd Dombi, Walter Commerell, Hubert Mantz, Ferenc Lezsovits, "Cross-boundary Simulations of Fuel Cells", in: Tikhomirov, D. (2016): Proceedings Workshop ASIM STS/GMMS 2016 Lippstadt, AM158 AR51, ISSN/ISBN Print: 978-3-901608-48-3m p. 255-257
Markus Schwientek, Peter Küber, Joachim Scholta, Hubert Mantz, Florian Wilhelm, "Mobile data logging system for fuel cell stacks for automotive applications", Proceedings of the 15th Ulm Electrochemical Talks, 2016.
Sebastian, S.; Commerell, W.; Ebrahimi, K., " MULTI-DOMAIN SIMULATION OF HYBRID DIESEL-DRIVEN RAILWAY VEHICLES AND COMPARISON OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS," The Stephenson Conference - Research for Railways, 2015, London
Commerell, W.; Müller, R., "Energy Storages for Small PV Applications," Small PV-Applications Conference, 2015, Munich
Commerell, W.; Müller, R., "Life Time Costs in Solar Home Systems", 3rd International Conference on the Developments in Renewable Energy Technology, 2014, Dhaka
B. Riegel, P. Nemec-Losert, W. Commerell, A. Zimmermann, V. Späth: Hybridization of lead-acid and lithium ion batteries for off-grid stationary applications, Battery Conference & Exhibition, Paris France 2012
Walter Commerell, Rudy Müller: Solar System with Hybrid Storage, New Energy Forum, Guangzhou, China, 2012
V. Späth, D. Stakic, C. Günther, R. Kuhn, H. Döring, W. Commerell: Simulation-based design of battery systems for self-sufficient energy supply systems, 18th DESIGN&ELEKTRONIK-Entwicklerforum Batterien & Ladekonzepte, 2011 Munich
B. Riegel, P. Nemec-Losert, K. Nikolowski, W. Commerell, A. Zimmermann, V. Späth: HyLis Hybridization of Li-Ion Batteries for Off-Grid Applications with Fluctuating Operation, VDI-Conference Electrical Energy Storage Stationary Applications and Industrial Batteries, Wiesbaden, 2011
W. Commerell, S. Andrä, R. Müller, M. Schneider, V. Späth, David Stakic, B. Riegel, P. Nemec-Losert, K. Nikolowski: Hybrid Storage System in Rural Electrification and Industrial Applications, 2nd Symposium Small PV-Applications, Ulm, 2011
