ISEA – RWTH Aachen

The Institute for Power Electronics and Electrical Drives (ISEA) at RWTH Aachen University has been conducting research in the field of power electronics, electrical drives and storage system technology for over 50 years. One focus area of the 150 employees is the development of innovative components, regulations, system concepts and real-life testing of a flexible and sustainable energy supply with energy storage systems. ISEA’s expertise in the field of battery storage technology ranges from electrochemical analysis at cell level to modelling, testing up to application level. In addition to technical aspects, research into storage and energy systems also focuses on improving economic usability through intelligent and advanced energy management strategies. Through comprehensive monitoring and a broad database in the area of distribution and utilisation of public charging infrastructure, advanced methods and solutions can be developed for issues relating to electromobility and the intelligent management of electrically powered vehicle fleets.

Role in the project

Goals

In the finalize! project, electrified apron vehicles are being used and analysed at Stuttgart Airport. The aim is to compare the different drive technologies with each other. To this end, a comprehensive life cycle assessment is being carried out and their Total Cost of Ownership are being correlated. In addition, the airport’s energy system will be transformed into a digital twin. The stationary battery storage system and the vehicles will be integrated into the airport’s flexibility services and can be tested on the market.

Tasks

Environmental Impact Analysis (LCA):

• Monitoring the use of vehicles
• Definition of system boundaries and comparison scenarios for the life cycle assessment
• Analysing the vehicles used and the stationary storage system
• Comparison of drive technologies

Cost analysis:

• Identification of how different strategies change the life cycle assessment and costs
• Costs for acquisition, disposal and operation are annualised and presented per use

Energy management involvement of the vehicles:

• Definition of charging strategies
• Utilisation of flexibility to reduce peak loads through intelligent operation of a stationary storage system
• Creation of a digital twin of the airport energy system
• Marketing flexibility potential via an EMS