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BayWa and Ampt Integrate Solar into Wind-Flow Battery Project without Dedicated Inverters

BayWa re and Ampt, in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT), have unveiled a pioneering hybrid system at the forefront of renewable energy innovation. This groundbreaking project encompasses 690 kWp of rooftop and ground-mounted PV, a 2 MW wind turbine, and a 10 MWh flow-battery energy storage system, making it a technological marvel.

Situated within the microgrid of the Fraunhofer ICT campus in Pfinztal, Germany, this project is recognized as the first of its kind in Europe. The hybrid system comprises three rooftop arrays and a new ground-mounted PV system with a combined capacity of 690 kWp. Notably, these solar elements are intricately connected to the power grid through an existing 2 MW wind turbine, eliminating the need for dedicated inverters. The project is further enhanced by the integration of a 10 MWh flow battery energy storage system.

The seamless integration of diverse technologies within this project is made possible through a shared DC bus, utilizing Ampt String Optimizers—a type of DC/DC converter equipped with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) capabilities. These optimizers play a crucial role in mitigating energy losses caused by shading from surrounding buildings on the Fraunhofer ICT campus. Programmable and capable of providing string-level data, the optimizers enhance system visibility and facilitate efficient operation and maintenance.

Andrea Grotzke, Global Director of Energy Solutions at BayWa re, acknowledged Ampt’s role in simplifying this complex project, emphasizing the unique approach taken in integrating solar with existing wind energy and battery storage. The successful deployment of this hybrid system not only represents a technological milestone but also contributes to BayWa re’s continuous improvement in expertise and capabilities.

Levant Gun, CEO of Ampt, highlighted the significant challenge of combining rooftop and ground-mounted solar with varying orientations and module sizes, integrated into a common microgrid with wind power and batteries. Gun emphasized the project as a testament to Ampt’s industry-leading power conversion technology’s ability to simplify the control of diverse systems across a site.

Fraunhofer ICT, as the host institution, sees the system as a valuable addition to its campus infrastructure. The hybrid system will support over 100 laboratories, numerous pilot plants, and three test centers. Frank Henning, Institute Director of Fraunhofer ICT, emphasized the importance of incorporating solar into the campus microgrid, enhancing flexibility, increasing system utilization, and aligning with sustainability goals responsibly.

In summary, the BayWa re and Ampt collaboration, along with Fraunhofer ICT, has successfully brought to life an innovative hybrid system that integrates solar, wind, and energy storage seamlessly, setting new standards in renewable energy integration and sustainability.

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