Competence Center for
Energy Transition (CC4E) Competence Center for Energy Transition (CC4E)

We analyse and optimise energy systems using digital models, artificial intelligence and data-driven methods.
 

The energy transition is placing new demands on the entire energy supply system: generation, consumption, storage and infrastructure must be more closely networked and interact flexibly with one another. The research focus on energy system analysis at CC4E investigates these complex systemic relationships and develops models, methods and digital tools for designing smart energy systems.

A key area of work is sector-coupled system analysis, in which the electricity, heating, mobility and industrial sectors are considered together to highlight interactions and the grid-beneficial use of flexibility options. The focus here is on investigating how individual technologies and processes can be made more flexible and coordinated through an energy management system, so that they can contribute to stabilising the modern energy system, which is characterised by decentralisation and renewable energies. Working closely with the Storage and Conversion(LINK) competence area, the CC4E investigates the grid integration and system integration of storage technologies such as battery systems and electrolysers. By using modern modelling methods, including multilinear time-invariant models, system behaviour and operating points can be precisely analysed in various simulations. This enables us to address current issues relating to the energy transition, ranging from individual industrial sites to cross-border model regions.

Plausible assumptions are the cornerstone of sound scientific work and its results. For this reason, there is a particular focus on data analysis, digitalisation and AI. These form the basis for characterising energy systems more accurately – for example, through the use of smart metering systems – thereby enabling them to be better predicted, optimised and flexibly controlled.

Research is also being conducted into smart operations management and control and regulation concepts that optimise power flows and ensure energy is used efficiently where it is needed. This includes the development of software solutions for smart charging management that maximise charging capacity and increase the proportion of locally generated renewable energy.

In this way, the research focus on energy system analysis provides a vital foundation for a more resilient, flexible and system-oriented energy system.

Furthermore, within this area of expertise, the Smart Sustainable Systems research group investigates the use and impact of sensor technology, smart systems and advanced technologies in the context of sustainability. The focus is on data-driven and cyber-physical systems that capture, analyse and specifically influence real-world processes. These include, among others, sensor networks, drones and autonomous systems, as well as interactive and immersive systems. These technologies are used to better understand complex systems and support operational decisions. Application areas include sustainable mobility(LINK), renewable energy generation(LINK), and measures in the building sector, such as energy-efficient refurbishment at the interface with the Heat(LINK) competence area. The aim is not only technical optimisation, but the systemic improvement of sustainability.

Sustainability is understood here as a multi-criteria problem. In addition to technical feasibility, the group also systematically considers economic efficiency, individual barriers and social acceptance. Furthermore, impacts across multiple dimensions are analysed, including greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, air quality and noise pollution. The group combines technical analysis with decision-support methods to highlight conflicting objectives between these criteria and enable informed trade-offs. This establishes a close link to the Society and Sustainability(LINK) research area.