Research Area

On-board energy systems

This research field includes on-board energy systems for ships and aircraft. New hybrid/electric aircraft architectures require innovative, integrated and efficient solutions. Low-emission aircraft are only possible if highly electric architectures are used. The necessary equipment, such as batteries, motors and power electronics, must be integrated into the aircraft architecture in an energy-efficient way, and the energy systems involved must be optimised across the entire aircraft. 

In modern ships, measures to increase efficiency through sector coupling between heat and electrical energy are currently being considered and optimised across all ships. This approach focuses on the overall energy balance and avoids inefficiencies due to a lack of coordination between the individual technologies. To further increase efficiency in energy distribution, DC grids are advantageous. The ieet focuses on the following key topics:

• Low-loss electrical components and energy-optimised operating concepts for hybrid/electric commercial aircraft.
• Sector coupling and DC distribution grids on ships