Welcome to the section "Integrated Energy Systems"

The section “Integrated Energy Systems“ explores the transition of current energy systems with three research foci: energy economics and decision support, coordination and communication, as well as wind energy. These core topics are investigated in three working groups, grounded on the theoretical basement of a system theory of the energy transition, which is established at the department.

The group Energy Economics and Decision Support develops optimisation and simulation models for national and regional integrated energy systems. For the modelling and analysis of possible target system and according paths for sectors power, heat and mobility, technical, macro as well as micro economic, and stakeholder-group-specific factors are taken into account. Research results provide stakeholders and decision makers of policy, economy and civil society with estimations and assessments of technical, regulatory and business-case-specific options.

The group Communication and Coordination in the Energy System (CooKiES) investigates ICT architectures, data structures, control algorithms, and communication protocols for monitoring, control, forecast, and coordination of the energy system. Currently, the focus is on the design and simulation of flexibility markets, especially the interplay between a market platform and home energy management systems (HEMS), prognosis tools, and existing energy markets. Conceptionally, we contribute to proposals of an overall ICT architecture to enable the energy system to be flexible and dynamic.

The group Wind inthe Energy System deals with central issues of wind energy. A seminar for addressing these topics is held annually at the University of Kassel. Currently, the groups interest is in the determination and characterisation of wind as a resource, focusing on wind potentials and wind energy meteorology. In the medium term societal challenges of wind energy will be addressed by modelling the effect of political decisions on the extension of wind energy. Also, the integration of wind energy in the energy system will be considered.

Following these directions, the department INES plays a key role as pipeline between the associated University and Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology. This idea of being a pipeline has manifold dimensions, as it is an Fraunhofer Institute‘s duty to develop further University research towards industrial applications. This transfer is achieved via project cooperations with the department INES, but also by the exchange of qualified staff.

The department “Integrated Energy Systems“ explores the transition of existing energy systems with two research foci: Energy Economics and Energy System Technology.

In the field of Energy Economics, models for the mathematical description of energy systems are developed, and the static and dynamic behaviour of the system is investigated. Optimum designs of future energy systems are identified by the application of optimization methods and agent-based models that take into account technical constraints as well as micro economic, macro economic, and behavioural aspects. From these results we identify recommended actions for the stakeholders, technical designs and recommendations for legislation and market regulations.

Energy System Technology considers the technological aspects of the energy system that mediate between energy generation and energy consumption. These encompass the energy transporting grids for electricity, heat and gas, but also the communication grids that carry the information required for the operation of the energy system. The department’s focus is on the latter, the communication grids. Furthermore, automation of technological components and automation of the business processes are part of the research agenda.

Furthermore, the group "Integrated Energy systems" is a linking part between Universität Kassel and Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economy and Energy System Technology (IEE). Fraunhofer IEE explores systemic aspects of the transition of the energy sector in Germany and world wide.