Power grids are increasingly congested and face significant challenges integrating renewable energy sources. As electrification expands into new sectors almost daily, the need for innovative solutions becomes more critical. Universities play a vital role in discovering and developing these potential solutions, particularly by simulations.
Enters Lucas-Nuelle, a Germany-based company that specializes in developing and manufacturing high-quality educational equipment for technical education and training in fields such as electrical engineering, electronics, automation, and renewable energy. Their products are used in universities and professional training centers to help students grasp complex concepts through hands-on experience and simulate various real-life scenarios.
These cutting-edge solutions involve batteries, photovoltaic systems and other components, enabling students to understand and research the behavior of these systems in real-time.
Fundamentally, equipping the next generation of engineers and researchers with the skills and knowledge needed to drive the future of renewable energy. Let’s dive into it!
System components and features
Lucas-Nuelle’s systems are designed with versatility and adaptability in mind, incorporating several high-tech components and features:
- Sierra 25: Our multidirectional converter, Sierra 25, integrated into a three-phase shelf mobile cabinet plays a central role. This converter ensures stable and reliable power supply & supports grid-interactive features. Its flexibility and capability to interface seamlessly with storage, PV, and other components make it ideal for educational use. One single module has 3 ports and can be used for various connections.
- Inview monitoring and control: Employed in our systems, Inview monitors and controls are essential for managing and optimizing the performance of training modules. They also enable advanced energy management functionalities.
- Polarium batteries: Currently utilizing Polarium batteries for energy storage. Lucas-Nuelle plans include future upgrades to fuel cells in the training systems.
Our systems are certified grid-interactive, enabling power to be either re-injected back into the grid or simulated as such in educational setups. The flexibility is further underscored by their capability to connect to any setup needed. Users have the liberty to choose any type of energy storage, select the preferred battery chemistry and connect PV panels either in AC or DC. They can also be linked to the grid, or a generator set, facilitating a diverse range of configurations ideal for simulating various scenarios.
Altogether, the training systems provided by Lucas-Nuelle allow for detailed and varied simulations. Lucas-Nuelle oversees and manages the various components of the lab, ensuring efficient operation and seamless integration of the different modules. This comprehensive management guarantees that each educational setup is optimized for both learning and real-world application.
Implementation and usage
Universities purchase these systems to enhance their laboratories, enabling both educators and students to engage deeply with renewable energy and microgrid topics. Comprehensive training for university staff on utilizing the systems effectively is also provided. This hands-on experience is invaluable, giving students practical skills and understanding that are indispensable in the field of renewable energy.
Collaboration and integration
Our partnership, although relatively new around 1.5 to 2 years, benefits from strong professional synergies. As local companies, geographical and cultural proximity enhances our ability to work closely, facilitating effective coordination and the development of solutions tailored for the market.
Our collaboration extends beyond proximity, it also involves significant integration of roles and expertise from both sides. This ensures the delivery of robust, reliable systems that are custom fitted to the specific needs of each university setting.
This project focuses on educational systems and the future of technology. We, at CE+T Power, see great value in contributing to educational initiatives that equip the next generation of engineers and technologists, which fully resonate with our core values of innovation. Our collaboration is set to enhance the technological capabilities of educational institutions, paving the way for future developments in power technology and educational systems. This partnership represents a forward-looking endeavor that embodies our shared vision for technological advancement and educational excellence.
A success story
“With this system, we are able to store excess electrical energy quite easily with our hardware for grid simulations. Also, the other way around, through the touch display, we can inject power into the grid to compensate downtimes of power producers in the grid as well as doing correction of the power factor by injecting reactive power.” – System user feedback
Lucas-Nuelle’s commitment to enhancing renewable energy education through innovative and versatile systems is paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.