We put out a call for tenders to find support for our Attraqt’em energy system project. Fraunhofer IIS has now been awarded the contract and will join the research team at the DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems to investigate the suitability of hybrid optimisation methods for energy planning.
Quantum computers are a great opportunity for the energy transition. The hope is that quantum algorithms can be used to model energy grids faster and more accurately. The result: better operating and investment decisions for high-performance, resilient and efficient energy grids. The benefits of quantum computers for optimisation problems are already being intensively investigated (also in the DLR QCI). However, especially in the field of energy system modelling, the models are too simplistic and therefore of little practical use. New approaches can outsource certain sub-problems for optimising the model parameters to quantum hardware, where they can be calculated more efficiently or more accurately, leaving more computing power on the classical side. Such future quantum-accelerated energy system models could overcome conventional limitations in the future and, for example, enable fully resolved, grid-wide optimisation of the German high-voltage grid including sector coupling.
The Attraqt’em team at the DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems is working on making energy system modelling quantum-fit so that such big ideas do not remain hopes. To this end, it is investigating the fundamental suitability of three types of optimisation problems: The investment planning problem, in which the optimal number of power generators or storage units is determined for different scenarios; resilience analysis to assess the resilience of energy supply systems by testing for component failures; and the unit commitment problem (UCP), in which the optimal operation of power plants to cover energy demand is determined, taking technical restrictions into account.
The Fraunhofer IIS project team is tackling the unit commitment problem and investigating the extent to which hybrid methods based on classical optimisation and quantum algorithms can lead to better results. To this end, it designs methods for us, develops prototypes and evaluates them using realistic conditions of real grid operation such as demand forecasts, minimum start-up times of power plants, integration of renewable energies or storage technologies.
We expect a lot from this collaboration: grid operators who need stable and cost-optimised deployment plans, energy producers who want to integrate renewable energies efficiently, government institutions responsible for energy infrastructure and, of course, research institutions in the field of energy systems and quantum computing can all benefit.
Fraunhofer IIS
As the largest Fraunhofer Institute, the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits is a world leader in application research and enables products and services for the digital world of tomorrow. Fraunhofer IIS uses internationally recognised expertise and cutting-edge technological research to develop industry-focused system solutions for specific requirements. The developments created accelerate progress and open up new market opportunities. The institute is committed to shared success and an innovative society.
