The Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU (Fraunhofer IWU) has unveiled a tool designed to support energy management in manufacturing companies has successfully proven itself in real-world applications with utilities and industrial companies.
The energy storage systems in production (ESiP) analyzer helps factories improve the integration of renewable energy and the reduction of peak loads.
A statement published by Fraunhofer IWU explains that it enables evaluation of various use cases, covering energy storage technologies from the machine level to the factory level, and supports companies in planning, integrating, and operating customized energy storage solutions.
The tool features specific design methodologies for different application scenarios, with operational factors such as system efficiency and specific production parameters incorporated into the simulations.
Fraunhofer IWU says the goal of the ESiP analyzer is “not only to support companies in selecting the appropriate storage technology, but also in developing optimal operating strategies for long-term, efficient and cost-effective use.”
“Experience to date shows that targeted simulations and optimized operating strategies can, in some scenarios, enable the use of close to half of the electricity generated on-site,” the researchers explained. “Grid stability also benefits from the smoothed consumption resulting from the use of storage systems.”
The research team adds that the ESiP analyzer functions even when planning information is partially incomplete, explaining that missing values in load profiles or yield data can be supplemented through appropriate scaling and simulations. They added that the analyzer can also offer additional perspectives through the combination of different applications, such as participation in energy markets and emergency power supply.
Fraunhofer IWU says it will present the current state of its analyzer at this year’s Smarter E Europe trade fair, as well as providing an outlook on a pilot plant, currently under construction in the German city of Chemnitz, that will be capable of of automatically disassembling traction batteries down to the cell level.
The pilot, expected to begin operations in August, will use artificial intelligence and analysis models to assess the health of batteries and identify both functional components and suitable use pathways.