NOVETROL

Novel current control for climate neutral energy infrastructure

Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC) power systems are one of the most promising technologies for a clean and efficient energy transition, especially for local generation and storage. However, safety considerations prevent rapid adoption of DC based devices and power distribution systems. NOVETROL aims at developing new current limiting (CL) technology, based on high-mobility materials and the extraordinary magnetoresistance (EMR) effect, as well as their integration into Direct Current (DC)-and hybrid AC/DC microgrid infrastructures. A system design approach is proposed for selecting device topologies suitable for five selected use-cases: native DC-supply loads, battery systems, photovoltaic, microgrids and bidirectional EV Supply Equipment (EVSE), including V2G (V2X) technology. The devices are prototyped and tested for proof of concept. 

The potential of this technology is further evaluated by modeling and simulation of operational scenarios, aiming at standardization, and the development of steady state operation strategies for DC- and hybrid microgrid. The objective of the proposed research is the development of passive, multifunctional, more robust, and safer CL devices for DC applications, with reduced cost, size, and environmental footprint, when compared to the state-of-the-art. While the technical tasks are based on an initial idea included in a European patent application, the team will seek additional variants and innovative ideas that will further improve the performance of the current limiter devices developed and prototyped in the project.

Based on an innovative use-case of a technology currently employed for magnetic field sensing, the current limiting functionality has the potential of triggering a breakthrough for circuit protection, aiming at demonstrating through end-to-end design-to-application innovation (design supported by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Social-LCA guidance, simulation, fabrication, and lab-based testing) that a comprehensive, advanced solution encompassing EMR-enabled current limiting devices, can meet the current needs of the DC microgrid market. The project enables the establishment of European industrial leadership in a technology that is critical for the on-going energy transition, fully aligned to the European Green Deal goals.