A supercapacitor storage system (SuperCap storage), for example, can serve as a virtual flywheel and instantaneous power reserve. Unlike a battery, which delivers low power over a long period of time, capacitor-based storage is characterized by its ability to absorb or deliver high power extremely quickly. With this capability, SuperCaps could stabilize the grid for the first few seconds during unforeseen events—until other measures, such as battery storage or the activation of a power plant, take effect. However, since the instantaneous reserve prevents major grid outages, the storage system must function reliably at all times. To ensure this, researchers at HTW Dresden are developing an automated diagnostic system as part of the CapMon project that detects signs of aging and faults at an early stage.
Digital simulation of a SuperCap storage system
“The storage system consists of more than 100,000 individual cells. As a result, the risk of failure is very high. They have hardly been used in high-voltage applications to date,” says project manager Anton Barwich from the Department of Electrical Engineering. “We are working closely with M&P Motion Control and Power Electronics GmbH on the development of the monitoring software.
Identical sets of modules and towers are available at HTW Dresden for the investigations, where methods for detecting defects and signs of aging are being researched. The findings from this research form the basis for the innovative diagnostic system. “The measurements focused on the processes during charging and discharging, as well as any errors that might occur,” explains Anton Barwich. “We used the test results to create a computer model. The digital replica of the SuperCap storage unit simulates how it behaves under ‘normal’ conditions.” By comparing the performance of the real storage unit with the virtual target value, deviations could be identified that may indicate a malfunction. Such insights make it possible to replace the faulty unit before it compromises the storage system’s availability. After all, a failure of the instantaneous reserve would have catastrophic consequences.
The goal of the project is to use the software to ensure high storage availability. Through automated evaluation and analysis of operational data, the aging of the storage system can be monitored, and a service life forecast can be derived from this. Fault conditions are to be detected as quickly as possible, and their impact on the system minimized through internal switching. In this way, CapMon makes an important contribution to creating the technical prerequisites for the energy transition. The project began in December 2024 and will run through November 2027.
Funding for the CapMon project is provided by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and from tax revenues based on the budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament.
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Photo: Siemens Energy
