- At the Hannover Messe, DLR is presenting innovative technologies and concepts for implementing the Energy Transition.
- This year, DLR’s stand will focus on the topic of digitalisation as a key factor for the successful transformation of the energy system.
- At the DLR stand, visitors can experience, among other things, what the digitally networked and intelligent energy system of tomorrow will look like.
- Focus: Energy, digitalisation, energy storage, climate change
Whether it is the digital management of energy supply, thermal storage power plants as a clean route away from coal, autonomous flying multicopters that monitor the solar fields, or high-tech analysis technology for batteries of the next generation and beyond – the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) will be present at the Hannover Messe to showcase future-oriented technologies and concepts for the implementation of the Energy Transition, as well as products and services that have successfully made their way from research into practical applications in industry thanks to DLR Technology Marketing. From 1 to 5 April 2019, under the central theme ‘Taking energy further’, visitors to the DLR stand (Hall 27, Stand H70) will find out how the digitally networked and intelligent energy system of tomorrow will look.
Technology and expertise for the Energy Transition
“With its expertise and experience from more than 40 years of energy research, DLR and its partners in industry are developing technologies for the Energy Transition. Its success is crucially important to Germany as a location for innovation and business,” says Karsten Lemmer, DLR Executive Board Member for Energy and Transport. Key aspects are innovative, cost-effective energy storage systems as well as systems research, which examines the interaction of the many centralised and decentralised components within the energy system, the possibilities of sector coupling and develops solutions for the optimisation and control of the system. “Digitalisation will play a key role in this process and is the main focus of DLR’s Stand at this year’s Hannover Messe. It is a key success factor for the sustainable transformation of our energy supply system,” Lemmer adds.
The close and interdisciplinary cooperation of scientists from the fields of aeronautics, space, energy and transport is what distinguishes the work of DLR, which has 8200 employees across Europe. This is also reflected in the development of innovative technologies for renewable energies. In the cross-sectoral projects GigaStore and Future Fuels, for example, all DLR departments are contributing their knowledge and expertise to develop inexpensive storage systems for the energy and transport systems of the future, while exploring the potential of synthetic fuels.
Digital energy management for the city of tomorrow
A demonstration model right at the centre of the DLR stand shows how the digital management of energy supply works in practice. Using the example of a city, the model depicts energy demand, energy production and energy flows, while linking the power, heat and mobility sectors. At the same time, the exhibit provides an insight into solutions that DLR is devising to make energy supply more sustainably in the future.
Thermal storage power plants – a clean route away from coal
Weather-related and diurnal fluctuations represent a key challenge in the use of renewable energies. At the Hannover Messe, DLR energy researchers will present a concept for converting coal-fired power plants into thermal storage power plants. Instead of burning fossil fuels, these power plants draw their energy from renewable sources, such as solar and wind power. By storing energy in the form of heat, they also make it possible to counteract fluctuations in the power grid and to supply electricity according to demand.
QFly – a multicopter put to work for solar power
Solar thermal power plants use concentrated solar energy to generate electricity. The facilities often extend over a very large area in mostly inhospitable desert areas, which makes the monitoring and maintenance difficult. With the autonomous measuring system “QFly” DLR researchers provide a solution for this challenge: A drone flies over the solar field according to a given route, takes pictures, and determines thermal losses, the collector geometry and mechanical damage. The heart of the system is the automated analysis software. It provides operators and service providers with important information to optimize the efficiency and lifetime of the plant. The Institute for Solar Research, with the support of the DLR Technology Marketing, is working on expanding the application to the detection of leaks and soiling as well as on the characterization of photovoltaic systems.
Optimal synergy – digital simulation meets experimental practice
To develop the next-generation battery, DLR scientists are investigating the processes that occur within a battery cell with great precision. Through extensive simulation work, they are examining the complex interaction of electrochemical processes. In combination with experimental work, this knowledge ensures that the efficiency, service life and safety of batteries are increased for various applications.
Sharp minds for science
Whether on Earth, in the air or in space, DLR offers the unique opportunity to conduct research on future science topics. At DLR’s main stand, Personnel Marketing will provide an insight into this special work environment and give advice on career opportunities.
In addition to the main DLR stand ‘Digitalisation: Research for the Energy Transition’ (Hall 27, Stand H70), the joint stand ‘Hydrogen + Fuel Cells Europe’ (Hall 27, Stand D62) provides visitors with more information on DLR energy research.