From the first meeting between Prof. Schmid and Prof. Antunes in 1998 to the Hessischer Staatspreis Energie in 2026: the long-standing partnership between the University of Kassel, the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), and the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG) in Brazil has now resulted in a first prize in the Newcomers category for international students Vitor Dourado, Eduardo Simoes, and Arthur de Queiroz.

The team developed a new approach to grid transformers, making them more compact and intelligent while integrating battery storage. The use of high frequency transformers, modular converters at battery level, and decentralized control significantly reduces the volume and weight of the system while enabling more flexible operation. Excess stored energy can help stabilize the grid in areas with a high share of renewable energy and can also be used for charging electric vehicles or for off-grid operation.

Over the past year, the students worked at the University of Kassel under the supervision of Prof. Jens Friebe on site, as well as Prof. Fernando Antunes, Prof. Demercil de Souza, and Prof. Montie Vitorino in Brazil. Through their time in Kassel, the students gained expertise in the field, contributing to the development of a first laboratory-scale prototype.