| Work Detail |
BayWa r.e., and Ampt, renowned as the premier DC optimizer company for large-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems, have joined hands to integrate wind and solar power generation alongside battery storage within the microgrid at the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT) campus in Pfinztal, Germany.
BayWa r.e. has augmented on-site renewable energy usage by installing three fresh rooftop arrays and one new ground-mounted system. With a combined capacity of 690 kWp, these PV systems are now linked to the grid without individual inverters, instead utilizing an existing 2 MW wind turbine. Complementing this setup is a 10 MWh flow battery energy storage system, marking a technically advanced and pioneering integration of wind, solar, and battery storage, a configuration unparalleled in Europe.
The Fraunhofer Institute ICT’s main campus spans 21 hectares and boasts over 100 laboratories, along with multiple pilot plants and three test centers. This initiative will significantly bolster their journey towards a more climate-neutral operation.
Ampt String Optimizers, serving as DC/DC converters, excel in maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and effectively recover energy losses resulting from voltage and technology disparities. By employing individual string MPPT, these optimizers mitigate energy loss due to shading from nearby buildings at the Fraunhofer ICT campus. Their programmable nature and provision of string-level data enhance system visibility, operational insights, and maintenance capabilities.
“We are delighted to bring this milestone project to life. Ampt’s technology simplified a technically very complex project,” said Andrea Grotzke, Global Director of Energy Solutions at BayWa r.e. “The way we have added solar to the existing wind energy and battery storage system is unique, and in successfully completing this project we were able to further improve our own expertise and capabilities. We are pleased with the result of this innovative power solution symbiosis and our ability to meet our customer’s individual requirements.”
“Combining both rooftop and ground-mounted solar in seven different orientations and two module sizes in one common microgrid with wind power and batteries is a significant challenge. This project is a testament to the capabilities of our industry-leading power conversion technology to simplify control of the diverse systems spread across a site,” added Levent Gun, CEO, Ampt. “We look forward to expanding our relationship with BayWa r.e. and continuing to deploy our technology to solve the challenges of our customers in solar and energy storage applications.”
Dr. Frank Henning, Institute Director of Fraunhofer ICT, noted, “It was important for us to add solar to the microgrid that powers our campus, to bring additional flexibility and ensure higher utilization of our system. Sustainability plays a crucial role for Fraunhofer ICT, and by combining the advantages of wind, solar and storage, we are ensured to meet our sustainability goals and operate in a responsible manner.” |
