Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF

Department of Energy Systems and Infrastructures
Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF

The Department of Energy Systems and Infrastructures at Fraunhofer IFF develops and implements advanced digital technologies for the secure, efficient, and sustainable transformation of energy infrastructures. Our research bridges electrical engineering, automation, and information technology to provide systemic solutions for future energy systems.

We focus on the technical and operational integration of renewable energy sources, storage technologies, and sector coupling. By combining intelligent control systems with simulation environments and real-time monitoring, we enable grid-supportive operation and energy system resilience at all levels – from industrial plants to urban districts.

Our solutions include AI-based decision-making, model predictive control, digital twins, multi-agent systems, and virtual assistance tools, tailored to support utilities, DSOs, TSOs, municipalities, and industrial users in the planning and operation of distributed energy systems.

Core Research and Development Topics

• Grid-interactive and multi-modal energy system architectures

• Predictive operation and optimization of energy storage and PV systems

• Cross-sectoral energy system simulation (electricity, heat, mobility)

• Cyber-physical system integration and real-time diagnostics

• AI, edge computing, and distributed control in energy applications

• Virtualization and digital twins for infrastructure planning and operations

• Resilience and fault tolerance in critical energy infrastructure

Selected Research Projects

• Digital Tools for Integrated Infrastructures
  Development of digital planning and operational platforms to simulate and optimize integrated infrastructures across multiple energy vectors.
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• MESH4U
  Modular and resilient energy supply systems for urban areas, integrating renewables, storage, and smart local control via decentralized architectures.
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• ZeroDefect4PV
  AI-driven condition monitoring and predictive maintenance for photovoltaic systems using image recognition and data analytics.
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• ACES (AI for Cross-Sectoral Energy Systems)
  Application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize interconnected energy flows across electricity, heating, and mobility networks.
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• Net Zero Energy
  Development of strategies for industrial decarbonization through energy efficiency, electrification, and smart digital energy management systems.
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• Elbfabrik Magdeburg
  Real-life demonstration environment for digital energy applications in industrial production settings, including real-time monitoring and optimization.
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• FlexBit
  Integration of flexible, building-level energy technologies supporting grid services and self-optimization using smart metering and control.
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• WIP – Structural Change in Central Germany
  Regional energy planning and transformation support for municipalities facing post-coal structural transition.
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• PV-Implement
  Digitalized PV rollout leveraging drone mapping, digital twins, and immersive visualization to accelerate planning and citizen participation.
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• ODAL – Operator-Centric Digital Assistance
  Development of modular human-machine interfaces and AI support systems for secure and resilient operation of energy networks.
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• ALene – Grid-Compatible Battery Storage
  Power electronics and algorithmic development for multifunctional battery operation in low- and medium-voltage grids.
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