Kategorie: ‘Allgemein’
I´m gonna be an Engineer – Team HVT
In the field, lightning strikes and other extreme events can push the power infrastructure to its limits. To ensure safe operation, tests can be carried out using high-voltage generators.
The High Voltage Technology (HVT) research and teaching unit is actively involved in developing new solutions for the energy transition. Here, three members of the team give an insight into their day-to-day work.
Through your research, you are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the energy sector. But where did you start? Alexandra, what subjects were you interested in at school and what happened then?
‘My journey into the energy sector began when I was still at school. From an early age, I had a strong interest in scientific subjects, especially physics and mathematics. When I was at school, my secondary school had a direct cooperation programme with the university where I later completed my Bachelor’s degree. As part of this programme, we were able to attend additional courses after school, which allowed us to get to know different aspects and types of STEM subjects better. I had always been fascinated by physics, but I soon realised that I wanted to study engineering. What ultimately led me to electrical engineering was my desire to solve real-world problems and drive innovation.’
A test bench has been set up for electrical engineering and information technology students to put their theoretical knowledge to the test.
The rapid transformation of the energy system is creating new challenges. Electricity highways such as Südlink and Südostlink will transport electricity from onshore and offshore wind farms from the north to all parts of Germany. They will use high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission. You are researching insolation systems under direct current load. What are the advantages of direct current (DC) over alternating current (AC)? And why is a reliable isolation system so important?
‘Projects such as Südlink and Südostlink use high-voltage direct current (HVDC) to transport electricity efficiently over long distances. HVDC has the advantage over alternating current that it offers lower transmission losses, higher transmission capacities and improved grid stability. In addition, HVDC can be easily integrated into existing grids. A reliable insulation system is essential to ensure the safety and efficiency of the entire transmission system. In addition to withstanding the high loads associated with stationary power transmission, the insulation must also be able to withstand short-term transients of overvoltage. The correct functioning of the insulation system is critical to the proper operation of the entire energy system, as critical infrastructure such as power cables, converters and power transformers require a properly functioning insulation system. Our research focuses on optimising these systems to increase the reliability and lifetime of transmission networks, ultimately supporting the energy transition.’
One application for the MMC test bed is the safe and ‘intelligent’ integration of electricity from offshore wind farms into the onshore transmission grid. Eight laboratory-scale modular multilevel converters (MMCs) enable the simulation of different systems and scenarios in real time, making it possible to plan the implementation of the energy transition.
In a vision of the future, we will be driving autonomous cars that we charge with renewable electricity from the ‘smart grid’. From your research perspective, what demands will be placed on the electricity grid? What groundbreaking developments are you working on? And what projects are you most excited about?
‘The electricity grid must meet many requirements to ensure a reliable and efficient supply of energy. In our research area, we work on different aspects of the energy transition, divided into the Insulation Systems, Primary Technology and Diagnostics and DC Systems teams. This allows us to cover both the ‘big picture’ of the grid and the ‘small picture’ of the critical components in the grid. With today’s focus on the new green power system of renewable energy and environmentally friendly circuit breakers, we are working on exciting projects that will enable this transformation. These include DC switches for DC systems and advanced environmentally friendly insulation systems for various applications. Another important aspect of our work is the integration of new technologies into existing systems to ensure a smooth transition. What I find particularly exciting are projects that deal with the further development and adaptation of existing equipment in the context of the energy transition. This work helps to ensure that the existing electricity system continues to operate efficiently and reliably, while at the same time driving the transition to renewable energy and modern technologies.’
From left: Verena West is researching new types of circuit breakers as components of a meshed AC grid. Aleksandra Wiecha is researching the lifetime of insulation systems in the context of distributed energy generation and supply.
Your research will cover a broad spectrum from modern electrical systems to control and protection concepts for future power grids. You have a state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure at your disposal. Verena, what is a typical working day like? What other aspects of the job are important? How important is teamwork and other soft skills?
‘In the mornings, I start at least an hour before I start working with the students (final year students and student assistants) in the lab. During this time, I deal with my emails and try to find time to work on my thesis topic. When the students arrive, we go through the plan for the lab day and I give them the go-ahead to start their experiments. Then I go back to my desk and work on various projects, analysing the results of experiments or working on my dissertation. If there are problems in the lab, I help out. Teamwork is very important to me, because you can’t get very far in the lab without working together. The support and guidance from experienced colleagues is very helpful. As the work as a research assistant covers many different topics, the ability to quickly familiarise yourself with new problems is also extremely important, as is good time management.’
Sarah’s research focuses on the protection of AC lines in the transmission grid as the share of renewable energy increases.
Diversity and equal opportunities are core values in your team. Sarah, what does work-life balance mean to you personally and do you live it?
‘Work-life balance is a popular trend these days. In addition to my professional life, I regularly commute between my home in Bavaria and Aachen. This situation poses a particular challenge when it comes to finding the perfect balance. I have learnt that work-life balance does not necessarily mean an equal division of time between work and private life. It is more about setting priorities and making compromises in order to integrate both areas in the best possible way. It’s important to define what work-life balance means to you individually, rather than following general trends. To balance my professional and personal responsibilities, I rely on clear prioritisation and good organisation. I consciously make time for sport, activities with family and friends, travel and also periods of rest to ensure a sustainable balance. The support of my environment plays an important role in this. Of course, there are periods when one area requires more attention than the other, but overall I always strive for balance.’
Be inspired and find your own way!
On our website we inform you about our study programmes.
A work of possibilities – Team AEV
From the left: Almut Herzog, Sarra Bouchkati, Irina Zettl, Franziska Tischbein, Antigona Selimaj © Martin Braun
The Chair of Active Energy Distribution Grids at the Institute of High Voltage Equipment and Grids, Digitalization and Energy Economics (IAEW) currently employs five female researchers who demonstrate how varied and exciting a technical degree and subsequent doctorate can be.
Each has a unique educational background – from electrical and industrial engineering to physics and computer science. What they all have in common is a shared motivation: A passion for science and a desire to shape the future through technological innovation. Their topics range from the design of protection systems and cybersecurity to the use of AI in network operations. Whether simulating on the computer or experimenting in the lab, each contributes their unique knowledge and can build new expertise in previously unknown areas.
Antigona, team leader of the Resilient Grid Control Technology group, explains her motivation for studying industrial engineering with a focus on electrical engineering:
„Even at school, I was very interested in maths and physics. I was also fascinated by electrical engineering as a branch of physics, and I thought that combining it with business administration would open up excellent career opportunities.“
STEM professions are not only in high demand in many sectors, they also offer excellent career prospects. The high need for skilled professionals ensures job security and stable career prospects. These professions also open up international opportunities, whether through projects abroad or working in international teams.
Making a social contribution to the energy transition is now particularly important to Antigona. In this respect, she feels it is her responsibility to act as a role model for young women who also want to pursue a career in STEM professions:
„I would like to set a good example and encourage young women to develop their own potential.”
When it comes to doctorates, everyone agrees that they allow you to constantly learn new things and develop yourself. In addition to personal growth, this position would offer the opportunity to play an active role in shaping social development. Being active in research would therefore mean to work on precisely those projects that have the potential for meaningful change.
„Doctoral studies allow us to work on cutting-edge technological and scientific innovations,” explains Antigona.
The work of the Chair of Active Energy Distribution Networks is characterised by a wide variety of projects carried out with both research and industrial partners. There are simulative projects, where computer models are used to analyse and predict complex systems, and laboratory-based projects, where practical experiments and physical tests are carried out on energy systems.
The research projects are often closely linked to the doctoral topics of the staff and lead to the publication of research results in renowned scientific publications. The exchange with other research institutions and universities promotes an intensive scientific discourse and contributes to the further development of the projects. In addition, participation in international conferences offers the opportunity to present research results to a wide audience and to gain new insights.
Industrial projects at the IAEW are a unique opportunity to actively participate in the strategic decisions and innovation processes of companies. These projects enable staff to gain relevant practical experience during their doctorate and to make a significant impact at an early stage. By working directly with industry partners, they not only enhance their technical expertise, but also develop important project management and strategic planning skills. They can also build a strong network of industry partners during their time at university.
In addition, a doctoral degree offers a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development. By taking on new positions within the Institute, employees can strengthen and expand their leadership skills. This experience is crucial for a successful career in industry and prepares them for future leadership roles.
Be inspired and find your own way!
On our website we inform you about our study programmes.
Lecture – Batteries for the energy transition:
Exponential market growth, price reductions as a game changer – and what comes next and after the lithium-ion battery?
Prof. Dr. Dirk Uwe Sauer, ISEA Institute of RWTH Aachen University Wednesday 9. 4. 2025, 17:00-18:30,
Admission free, lecture/discussion Zoom, later video
The expansion of stationary energy storage systems as an element of the power supply system is increasing significantly as a result of an unexpectedly sharp fall in the costs and prices of lithium-ion battery cells. The global market for electric vehicles is also continuing to grow strongly. In China, around 50% of new vehicles sold last year were electric vehicles. Price reductions, not new technologies, are the key to these developments. In the presentation, we will discuss the reasons for the price reductions and the consequences, in particular for the establishment of our own battery cell production in Europe.
In addition, the status of alternatives to lithium-ion batteries will also be discussed, namely lithium-titanate, solid-state electrolyte, lithium-sulphur and sodium-ion batteries. The technologies can offer higher performance, lower weight or the replacement of rare or more expensive raw materials and are very interesting as alternatives and additions to the current portfolio.
Cooperation with: Department of Computer Science at RWTH Aachen University, FZ Jülich, Regional Group of the German Informatics Society (RIA), Regionaler Industrieclub Informatik Aachen (Regina) and Aachen Group of the German University Association
Use the following QR code to access the webinar and video
Daimler and Benz grant for research into innovative blood pressure measurement technology
© MedIT
Markus Lüken was awarded a scholarship for the year 2025 by the Daimler and Benz Foundation for his research work on monitoring blood pressure fluctuations with inconspicuous sensors.
After studying electrical engineering and information technology at RWTH Aachen University, Markus Lüken completed his doctorate at the Chair of Medical Information Technology (MedIT) with a thesis on the inconspicuous monitoring of gait stability in Parkinson’s patients. Lüken is currently head of the Biomedical Measurement Technology and Signal Processing working group at MedIT. His research focuses on non-invasive sensor systems and machine learning for medical diagnostics. In his current project, he aims to develop a non-invasive, patient-friendly way of monitoring blood pressure in everyday clinical practice, in order to provide the best possible assessment of the patient’s condition.
According to the foundation’s website: ‘Fluctuations in blood pressure and especially high blood pressure can have serious health consequences, but often go undetected.’
In accordance with this relevance, the young scientist is developing an inconspicuous sensor system that is integrated into the patient’s bed and serves to continuously monitor blood pressure trends without the aid of the conventional cuff. By combining multimodal, innovative and non-detectable measurement methods, parameters are collected that allow conclusions to be drawn about the development of blood pressure.
The Daimler and Benz Foundation has set itself the objective of strengthening the autonomy of the next generation of scientists and of supporting the academic careers of young and committed scientists after their doctorates, irrespective of their disciplines.
Further information on the 2025 scholarship holders is available on the official website of the Daimler and Benz Foundation.
Scholarship holder develops protective helmets made of snail shells
© Judith Peschges
Bayode Adeyanju from Nigeria is developing innovative protective helmets at the Chair of Electronic Devices (ELD) that combine natural and artificial materials.
In February of this year, the scientist arrived at the Chair of Electronic Devices at RWTH Aachen University, having been awarded a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Until May, he will be conducting research under Professor Max Lemme’s supervision, with the objective of developing stable helmets that optimally absorb shocks and offer particularly good protection. For the purposes of his research, Adeyanju is combining artificial Kevlar fibres with natural snail shell nanoparticles. In the context of Nigeria, where snail shells are commonly viewed as a nuisance and a potential environmental concern, their high calcium content renders them of interest for materials research. The scientist crushed both materials and ground them finely. The substance was then combined with epoxy resin, and subsequently filled into a mould, where it underwent a process of hardening. Subsequent tests were then conducted to ascertain the impact resistance, hardness and density of the helmets. The combination of the favourable properties of the two base materials forms the basis for the production of high-performance protective helmets.
In his study, Adeyanju presents the results of his research, which indicates that the combination of natural and artificial materials enables the development of innovative protective materials. At RWTH, the scholarship holder utilises state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment to characterise selected materials. Such studies would not be possible at his home university in Nigeria.
‘Knowledge is power,’ says Adeyanju, adding: ‘RWTH has everything it takes to change the world.’
The first thing he noticed in Aachen was how the streets became quieter in the early evening as people went home, says Bayode Adeyanju. This is very different from his home country of Nigeria, where he is used to having friends and family over. Even though Aachen is quieter in the evenings than Nigeria, Adeyanju felt welcome from the start of his research stay. AMO GmbH, a non-profit research organisation, is also contributing to this by supporting his four-month stay. And after one month at RWTH Aachen, Bayode Adeyanju is sure that he would like to come back and continue his cooperation with the Chair of Electronic Devices (ELD).
‘I have received a great deal of support from my colleagues at the ELD and at AMO, as well as from the students, and I feel very happy here,’ says the scientist.
Adeyanju decided to apply to the DAAD two years ago and was accepted last year. The German Academic Exchange Service is a prominent funding organisation that facilitates international student and academic exchange. Funded by German universities and student bodies, the organisation aims to prepare future specialists and managers to act responsibly and to create lasting connections worldwide. This objective is pursued by fostering professional and cultural networks among scholarship holders. Since its foundation in 1925, the DAAD has sponsored more than 2.9 million young academics in Germany and abroad. It is institutionally supported by the Federal Foreign Office.
With its motto ‘Change by Exchange’, the DAAD emphasises the importance of international understanding and cooperation. Another of the organisation’s central concerns is to support developing countries in establishing efficient universities, thus contributing to social, economic and political development.
Internship opportunities in Singapore
The Chair for Distributed Signal Processing at RWTH Aachen University, in cooperation with its partner in Singapore, enables funded stays abroad as part of its 6G research programme on future communication technologies.
The public Institute for Infocomm Research (A*STAR I²R) in Singapore is dedicated to developing innovation in digital technologies. The Institute’s research agenda is focused on meeting concrete societal challenges and takes a systems-oriented, multidisciplinary and transformative scientific approach. In this context, the institute cooperates with the Chair of Distributed Signal Processing (DSP). Together they pursue the 6G research programme on future communication technologies. This programme covers key areas of 6G networks and beyond. These include, for example, integrated communication and sensing, AI-native communication and networks, novel modulation schemes as well as networks and physical systems of digital twins.
To apply for a financially supported research stay within the framework of the following programmes, interested students are advised to obtain a recommendation from the DSP:
Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA) – Bachelor or Master students apply for a stay of two to six months. The current application cycle closes on 31 March 2025 at 23:59 GMT +8 (Singapore time). This year, students are expected to start their stay between September and December 2025.
A*STAR Research Attachment Programme (ARAP) – PhD students spend a minimum of one and a maximum of two years at A*STAR research institutes under the joint supervision of A*STAR researchers and faculty members from their home university.
The scholarships are offered by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore’s leading public research and development agency. As a science and technology organisation, A*STAR aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, and plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leadership for the wider research community and industry.
For further information, please contact Professor Haris Gacanin from the DSP at the following e-mail address: harisg@dsp.rwth-aachen.de
Funded internship in Tokyo
The Chair of Distributed Signal Processing at RWTH Aachen University, in cooperation with its Japanese partner, is offering a fully funded internship for students demonstrating exceptional potential in the area of networking and wireless communications. The programme is aimed at both Bachelor and Master of Science students.
As Japan’s only national research institute specialising in the field of information and communication technology, NICT maintains the Beyond 5G R&D Promotion Unit, which collaborates with the Chair of Distributed Signal Processing on joint research projects. The aim of the scientific work is to design and evaluate next-generation wireless networks, taking into account cutting-edge information and communication technology and other technology areas.
An internship at the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) involves the study of Beyond 5G use cases, with the verification of relevant communication functions and interfaces being a key element of this. One use case that proves relevant in this context is, for example, the integration of radio resource management and optimised energy management. In addition to this, contributions to the development of Beyond 5G Proof-of-Concept are to be expected, based on the defined use cases. This will be developed in cooperation with the testbed facilities of the Chair of Distributed Signal Processing. Interns will participate in regular meetings and discussions with the NICT team during their internship work, where they will receive guidance. At the end of the internship period, students are required to summarise the results and prepare a report.
The internship is based on the Beyond 5G/6G White Paper and aims to establish a long-term international research cooperation between NICT and the Chair of Distributed Signal Processing. The interns will spend four to six months in Tokyo. The financial costs associated with the stay, including travel, accommodation, overseas travel insurance and a daily allowance, are covered by the offer.
In order to participate, it is necessary to have a general knowledge of programming with pseudo-code, as well as excellent written and oral English skills and an excellent knowledge of fundamental principles in communications. Furthermore, the following Bachelor of Science or Master of Science courses must have been completed with a grade of at least 2.0:
For Bachelor of Science students: Fundamentals of Computer Science 4 – Introduction to Machine Learning Methods.
For Master of Science students: Signal Processing for Mobile Communications, Signal Processing in Multi-Antenna (MIMO) Communication System, Estimation and Detection Theory.
Applications must be submitted three months before the planned start of the internship. They can be sent throughout the year to Professor Haris Gacanin at the following e-mail address: harisg@dsp.rwth-aachen.de. Further information can also be requested at the above e-mail address.
‘MOSAIC’ : Improve acoustic well-being
HEAD-Genuit-Foundation approves new research training group ‘MOSAIC’ at RWTH Aachen University, UKA and TU Berlin
The HEAD Genuit Foundation is supporting the establishment of the new research training group ‘Acoustic well-being in a multi-domain and context-dependent spatial approach (MOSAIC)’ at RWTH Aachen University. Coordinated by RWTH Aachen University, the RWTH Aachen University Hospital and TU Berlin are also involved. Professor Janina Fels from the Chair of Hearing Technology and Acoustics at RWTH and Professor Marcel Schweiker from the RWTH Chair of Healthy Living Spaces are the scientific directors.
The MOSAIC research training group is dedicated to researching acoustic well-being in different indoor and outdoor spaces and during various activities such as learning, working and relaxing. Special attention is paid to the new research area ‘Soundscape’, which investigates environmental factors and their influence on hearing perception.
The interdisciplinary research group takes into account numerous factors that influence the acoustic experience. These include interactions with temperatures, lighting conditions, air quality, room height and room geometry. Research is also being conducted into how people react physiologically to different acoustic environments. In order to answer these questions, the research group uses laboratory experiments as well as field studies, interviews and surveys.
A total of eight chairs are involved in the Research Training Group, including seven chairs at RWTH Aachen University and the UKA and one at TU Berlin. The participating chairs include:
- Hearing Technology and Acoustics (Professor Janina Fels)
- Healthy Living Spaces (Professor Marcel Schweiker)
- Energy-efficient construction (Professor Christoph van Treeck)
- Building and Indoor Climate Technology (Professor Dirk Müller)
- Occupational, social and environmental medicine (Professor Thomas Kraus)
- Urban Planning (Professor Christa Reicher)
- Housing (Professor Florian Fischer-Almannai)
- Psychoacoustics (Dr André Fiebig, TU Berlin)
‘The funding from the HEAD Genuit Foundation will give an important boost to research into acoustic well-being. The MOSAIC research training group is helping to gain sound scientific knowledge and develop innovative solutions for an improved acoustic environment,’ – Marcel Schweiker (translation)
Rainer Waser appointed senior professor
Senior Professor Rainer Waser with Professor Max Lemme (left) and Rector Professor Ulrich Rüdiger (right). Photo: Heike Lachmann
A true interdisciplinary all-rounder with a lot of heart.
Professor Rainer Waser is a real jack-of-all-trades. The head of the Institute of Materials of Electrical Engineering 2 is not only an electrical engineer, but also a physicist, chemist and extremely knowledgeable in the fields of philosophy and sociology. Although Professor Waser officially retired last summer, he will fortunately remain with us as a senior professor.
In 1992, Waser was appointed university professor at RWTH Aachen University, and five years later he also became director of the Peter Grünberg Institute at Forschungszentrum Jülich.
RWTH Rector Ulrich Rüdiger describes him as a ‘stable bridge between Aachen and Jülich’ and this title is well deserved. With his support for the founding of the ‘Jülich Neuromorphic Computing Alliance’, he supports cross-institute work and the ‘Jülich Aachen Research Alliance’, i.e. the connection between the research centre and RWTH Aachen University, is still particularly close to his heart.
‘Not just immersing myself in one discipline, but building bridges has driven me throughout my life’ – Professor Rainer Waser (Translation)
Professor Rainer Waser’s interdisciplinary approach earned him the Leibniz Prize, the highest honour awarded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), in 2014.
‘He is an exceptional personality not only because of his depth of expertise and his love of knowledge, but also because of his willingness to cooperate and form alliances’ – RWTH Rector Professor Ulrich Rüdiger (Translation)
Professor Waser began his academic career at Darmstadt Technical University, where he graduated in 1979 with a degree in chemistry, specialising in physical chemistry. Already
During his studies, he was supported by the German National Academic Foundation. After graduating, Professor Waser worked as a research assistant at the Institute of Physical Chemistry at Darmstadt Technical University and received his doctorate summa cum laude in 1984 on the formation of surface complexes. His work at Philips Research Laboratories brought him to Aachen, where he worked from 1984 to 1992, before being appointed Professor at the Institute for Materials in Electrical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University in 1992.
‘We also celebrate your tireless commitment to research and teaching and your ability to inspire and lead others.Your expertise will continue to be a valuable asset to our university’ – Professor Max Lemme (Translation)
We congratulate him on this very well-deserved honour and take his efforts to connect not only scientific approaches, but also people, as an example.
You can find a detailed portrait of Professor Rainer Waser here.
(Deutsch) Neuromorphic hardware : Kick of event in January
The NeuroSys future cluster at RWTH enters its second phase
At the beginning of this year, the Cluster4Future NeuroSys (Neuromorphic Hardware for Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Systems) is entering its second phase.
The Clusters4Future initiative is part of the German government’s High-Tech Strategy 2025 and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
At the kick-off event at the end of January, more than 90 participants discussed their ideas and technologies for the development of neuromorphic hardware in the Super C at RWTH Aachen University.
Neuromorphic systems are modelled on the basic building blocks of the brain, neurons and synapses. Neuromorphic hardware is a resource-saving but powerful basis for energy-intensive artificial intelligence research operations. The aim is to create a technology basis for neuromorphic components and alogrithms, building on the basic research carried out at RWTH Aachen University and the Jülich Research Centre. The coordinator of the future cluster is Professor Max Lemme, Head of the Chair of Electronic Components at RWTH Aachen University.
Learning neuromorphic AI chips could soon enable energy-efficient on-site data processing and thus offer promising prospects for future working methods, smart city concepts and the Internet of Things. Various contributions from autonomous driving to learning systems and personalised medicine will also be delivered.
The second phase of the project is planned for three years and will see RWTH collaborating with a wide range of experts from research and industry.
Further information on the project can be found here
