Credentials

In the TruStable research project, we are developing data-driven and physics-based models to predict the degradation of perovskite-silicon tandem cells. By combining cell and module analysis, accelerated aging tests, field trials, and innovative microanalysis, we aim to identify aging mechanisms at an early stage and significantly improve the reliability of the technology.

Growing global PV developments and implementations go hand in hand with an increasing number of IP problems and patent infringement lawsuits. The IP Protection project aims to develop high-resolution material and thin-film analysis methods for next-generation solar cell technologies, thereby contributing to the protection of intellectual property rights of German and European market participants.

PFAS are used in hydrogen technologies but pose significant environmental and health risks. The UPeM project is developing standardized methods to measure and assess the release of these substances—laying the groundwork for safe applications in fuel cells and electrolysis.

Photovoltaic systems are constantly exposed to environmental factors during operation. Dust, pollen, agricultural emissions, or other deposits on the module surfaces lead to so-called soiling effects and can significantly reduce the energy output of PV systems. At the same time, regular cleaning and manual inspections are time-consuming and not always economically viable. In the collaborative project “PV-SoilSens,” the project partners plan to develop an energy-self-sufficient and self-regenerating soiling sensor.

Mitteldeutschland entwickelt sich zu einem wichtigen Standort der Wasserstoffwirtschaft. Der Erfolg hängt jedoch stark von qualifizierten Fachkräften ab. Um das vorhandene Potenzial für grünen Wasserstoff auszuschöpfen, braucht es gezielte Weiterbildung, neue Lernformate und eine enge Zusammenarbeit zwischen Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft.

Electrolysis is a key component of the future hydrogen economy. Low production costs for hydrogen are a prerequisite for market penetration and rapid transformation. The manufacturing costs for electrolysers and their operating costs are key cost drivers. Bubble-free electrolysis promises to reduce energy consumption by up to 15% compared to proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis.

South Africa could play an important role in the coming years as a secure producer of green hydrogen, including as a supplier to Germany. However, there are currently challenges in storing and distributing the raw material. This is where the recently launched Fraunhofer joint project “HySecunda” comes in, in which nine Fraunhofer Institutes and the Fraunhofer Academy are collaborating. The project aims to find optimized solutions for the production, storage, and certification of green hydrogen. The consortium also supports capacity building in the region and in current projects on hydrogen-based fuels for aviation.

The Mon-KI project addressed current development issues relating to increasing the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The focus here was on reducing the effort required for regular operation and automated fault detection in large PV systems. The main objective of the project was to develop and implement a largely automated, AI-based monitoring system for PV systems with a view to ensuring reliable operation, timely identification of faults, and estimation and prediction of yields and maintenance work.

The main objective of the project in Module 2 of the funding guideline (FRL) for “International Hydrogen Projects” is to establish the technical, scientific, legal, and commercial foundations for scaling up the “HyDSerbia” pilot project at various locations in the Republic of Serbia by implementing a large-scale, practice-oriented feasibility study and further developing a technical and economic simulation tool for energy systems.

Green hydrogen is seen as a key to the energy transition and sustainable storage of renewable energy. So far, hydrogen production by electrolysis is still expensive, mainly due to costly precious metal catalysts and complex manufacturing processes. The HOLMES-AEM project aims to make green hydrogen production more affordable and sustainable. To achieve this, the project focuses on developing innovative catalysts that do not require expensive precious metals.