System Integration

Within the focal topic System Integration, we develop solutions for the integration of decentrally generated renewable energy into the local and national energy system. Criteria for optimal systemic solutions are the minimization of the CO₂ content of the final energy, the balancing of supply and demand on an adequate system level, as well as cost and resilience of the solution.

Empa researchers use data-driven modeling approaches to assess the impacts of an increased substi-tution of fossil energy carriers with electricity-based technologies on the Swiss electricity system re-garding momentary aspects, seasonal deficits and surpluses, as well as CO2 emissions. Source: Empa, Martin Rüdisüli, Urs Elber.

Empa is thereby researching energy-efficient and decarbonized system architectures in buildings, districts and cities, as well as the effects of the energy turnaround at national level. The ongoing digitalization offers new opportunities in terms of data availability and control technology. Empa is developing methods to make the necessary data available and devises modeling techniques, which make use of this data.

Schematic representation of energy storage and conversion in neighborhood energy hubs, as well as their coupling to several sectors. Interfaces allow the exchange of data and thus the intelligent opera-tion of the energy system. Source: Empa

Sector coupling plays an important role in the optimization of energy systems. Gas, heating/cooling and electricity networks are operated together and a dynamic linking of energy sources and storage facilities is made possible for both the building and mobility sectors. Such integrated solutions can be demonstrated at the research and technology transfer platforms NEST, ehub , move, and dhub and tested in a real-world environment without risk. This allows for the realization of scientifically accompanied implementation projects together with partners from industry and the public sector.

Left: In move, the research and technology transfer platform for future mobility, Empa has teamed up with partners from research, industry and the public sector to show how the mobility of tomorrow might work without fossil energy. Image: Empa. Right: Since 2016, the NEST research and technology transfer platform has been helping Empa and its part-ners from industry and academia to accelerate the innovation process in the construction and energy sectors. Image: Zooey Braun