From Brazil to Kassel: Three Students Win the State Energy Prize

The team developed a new approach to grid transformers that makes them more compact and smarter while also integrating battery storage. By using high-frequency transformers, modular battery-level inverters, and decentralized control, the system’s size and weight were significantly reduced while enabling more flexible operating modes. Excess stored energy can help stabilize the power grid in areas with a high proportion of renewable energy. In addition, it can be used to charge electric vehicles or for off-grid operation.

Last year, the students at the University of Kassel worked 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. During their time in Kassel, the students gained experience and expanded their expertise in this field. In doing so, they made an important contribution to the development of an initial laboratory-scale prototype.

The Hessian State Prize for Innovative Energy Solutions recognizes concepts for the generation, storage, distribution, and use of energy. The prize money for the winners in the Young Talent category is 2,500 euros.