Presentation of the BFH Energy Storage Research Centre master’s theses

The presentations are held in German or English.

The schedule will be strictly observed. It is also possible to watch only parts of the broadcast.

Presentations always last 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute round of questions & answers moderated by the lecturer.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions via the Q&A function. Each lecturer will select a few questions which will be answered by the students. Since question time is limited to 5 minutes, questions can also be asked directly by mail afterwards

Presentation summaries

Grid disturbances caused by electromobility – Results and analyses of field measurements (in English), Jorge Acuña; Power Grids Lab

Extensive measurement campaigns were carried out in several power grids in Switzerland to analyze the impact of the electromobility on the power quality. Different types of stations were investigated, including Type 2 (onboard charging), CCS (DC) with different power ratings, CHAdeMO (DC) and a bus charging station. The results include an analysis of current harmonic emissions, effects on voltage harmonics, harmonic compensation, voltage supraharmonics and voltage unbalance. The work also compared different charging strategies that have different effects on harmonic emissions. The variety of measurement locations also allowed to determine how the charging stations respond to the harmonics already present in the grid.

Supervisor: Prof. Michael Höckel

Solar-powered water pumping systems - Developing a course for technicians in Ghana (english), Sebastian Hope; Laboratory for Electrical Machines and Drive Systems

As the emerging market for solar-powered water pumps continues to grow, the need for trained technicians arises. They require competency in the field of off-grid solar installations, pump mechanics and electronics. This master thesis covers the development of a course that enables technicians to plan, install, operate, maintain and repair solar-powered water pumping systems. The focus lies on systems suitable for small-scale farmers with a power range of 0.5 to 2 HP. The course is carried out in a training center in Ashaiman, Ghana and includes training the local teachers that will offer the course in future installments. The course will also be made available as an online learning platform.

Betreuer: Prof. Dr. Andrea Vezzini

Aquaponik - Künstliche Intelligenz optimiert zirkuläre Nahrungserzeugung (in German), Daniel Schlecht; Laboratory for Electrical Machines and Drive Systems

One-third of the world’s population does not have a reliable source of clean drinking water. Agriculture accounts for at least 70% of the world’s freshwater and yet it is estimated that one billion people are undernourished. Solutions such as aquaponics systems are needed to address their plight. This master’s thesis addressed the question of whether machine learning can further improve this automated food production method. It was investigated whether the security of the system can be increased and the consumption of resources reduced. Aquaponics takes advantage of live components and creates a sustainable food chain. Optimisation through artificial intelligence promises further chances of success for this already sustainable solution.

Supervisor: Prof. Dr Andrea Vezzini

Alterungsoptimierte Batteriebewirtschaftung bei der SBB mithilfe von Open-Source-Simulation (in German), Marco Beyeler, Battery and Storage Systems Lab

For shunting and construction site service, SBB uses diesel-powered locomotives that can also operate on non-electrified track sections. The diesel locomotives are responsible for increased noise emissions and cause exhaust gases that are harmful to people and the environment. To enable low-emission shunting and construction site operations in the future, the diesel locomotives are to be converted to alternative drives, including systems with battery storage. The battery storage units are to be managed in a way that optimises their age and, if possible, also used for grid-serving purposes.

Supervisor: Prof. Dr Andrea Vezzini