Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS
Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS

Optimized operating strategies for PV-battery energy storage systems to extend service life and reduce resource consumption

© pexels-giantasparagus

Motivation and Problem Statement

Through its electricity storage strategy, Germany aims to achieve a largely climate-neutral electricity supply by 2035. To reach this goal, a significant increase in the integration of renewable energy sources and the development of appropriate infrastructure are necessary. Photovoltaic battery energy storage systems (PV-BESS) are key technologies for maintaining the stability of power grids as critical infrastructure and for efficiently utilizing renewable energy. Given limited grid resources and the requirements for grid stability, energy efficiency, and economic viability, it is necessary to design and operate PV-BESS in a way that meets both the demands of plant operators and the needs of the energy market and grid operations. Intelligent control and operational management systems, as well as a well-thought-out system design, are crucial for this.

Currently, however, there is a lack of high-quality, high-resolution field data and validated models to accurately predict the cyclic aging of PV-BESS—which varies depending on the use case, environment, technology, and design. Yet this is crucial for cost-effective operation and maintenance (O&M) and for reliable operation that accounts for the system’s age.

 

Project Objectives and Approach

The “PVStorAGE” project addresses precisely this research need and aims to ensure the reliable, sustainable integration and operation of PV-BESS systems. The focus is on reducing critical stress conditions through optimized operating strategies. In addition, the project is developing a data-driven early-warning system for safety-critical deviations to enable timely detection of aging and risks. Building on this, a simulation model for PV-BESS will be implemented that forecasts performance and efficiency losses and enables failure and impact assessments.

The approach will be implemented in a structured work program consisting of five phases:

  1. Portfolio Analysis: Consolidation and structuring of real-world operational data from PV-BESS to establish a robust data foundation.
  2. Simulation: Development of a model that maps the physical, operational, and economic interactions across various operating and application modes of PV-BESS.
  3. Field Data Diagnostics: Analysis of operational and fault states based on monitoring data to identify safety-critical deviations.
  4. Data/Model Coupling & Optimization: Identification of critical effects and interactions, as well as the identification of optimization potential for yield, efficiency, and system condition.
  5. Best Practices & Transfer: Development of practical use cases for sustainable operations management, as well as the provision of information formats to strengthen acceptance within industry and society.

 

Project profile

 

Project Title PVStorAGE – Optimized Operating Strategies for PV-Battery Energy Storage Systems to Extend Service Life and Reduce Resource Consumption
Duration 01/2026–06/2028
Funding Saxony-Anhalt WISSENSCHAFT STEP (ERDF)
Funding Amount for Fraunhofer CSP approximately 580,000 euros
Project Leader Dr. Matthias Ebert
OBJEctives
  • Extending the service life of PV-battery energy storage systems
  • Increasing system availability and reducing downtime
  • Reducing material stress and resource consumption
  • Improving the basis for planning and decision-making for operators and industry

 

(October 2, 2026)