The sustainable energy supply of the terminal is to be ensured through the interaction of systems with different, complementary properties:
The sustainable energy supply of the terminal is to be ensured through the interaction of systems with different, complementary properties: PV systems as well as hydrogen-powered combined heat and power plants (CHP) and fuel cells ensure electricity production. Some of the waste heat from the CHP units is used to heat an office building on the terminal. Additionally, there is a surplus of heat available that could also be used to supply consumers outside the DGT. By using hydrogen, the power supply can be maintained even if the PV systems produce little or no electricity. Electricity that the PV systems produce in such large quantities at times that it cannot be used directly is stored temporarily in battery storage systems. In addition, a connection to the public electricity grid guarantees security of supply.
The operation of the energy system at the terminal is adapted to the needs of crane systems, shore power supply for ships, charging stations for cars, terminal buildings, lighting and other small consumers. Various objectives can be pursued here, e.g. minimizing CO2 emissions, minimizing costs, minimizing or maximizing the amount of heat generated. Mathematical optimizations are carried out to adapt the operating strategy to the respective objective (see section “Mathematical modelling”).

“An intelligent local energy network couples and controls renewable energy systems in the form of photovoltaic and hydrogen-based combined heat and power plants with electrical and thermal energy storage systems, hydrogen storage systems and consumers such as buildings, shore power, charging stations and crane systems. The future supply of adjacent neighborhoods will also be considered conceptually.” Alexander Garbar, Head of Corporate Development and Strategy, Duisburger Hafen AG
Alexander Garbar, Head of Corporate Development and Strategy, Duisburger Hafen AG

The operation of the systems in the microgrid is planned to optimize selected objectives. One objective, for example, is to cause the least possible CO2 emissions. To achieve this, power-generating systems operated with green hydrogen are used whenever the PV system does not supply electricity. However, this is also linked to questions of economic viability, as the use of green hydrogen has advantages over grid electricity in terms of CO2 emissions but also incurs higher costs due to additional necessary conversion steps (hydrogen production, hydrogen combustion).
In order to investigate the effects of different operational objectives and to determine an optimal schedule for the systems regarding a specific operational objective, the microgrid is represented in a digital-mathematical model with its boundary conditions and the associated costs. This model consists of mathematical descriptions of the operational modes of the individual systems. Subsequently, the optimal schedule is identified using intelligent algorithms, taking into account those boundary conditions and costs. By examining the schedules, it is possible to determine the resulting CO2 emissions and financial costs for an operational period.

“The digital-mathematical optimization model allows us to create operational schedules for a wide variety of situations, identify critical situations in advance and answer arising questions. In this way, the operation and even the size of the plants can be optimized for different objectives and scenarios, leading to savings in costs and emissions.” M.Sc. Lennart Schürmann, PhD student in energy system optimization at Fraunhofer UMSICHT
M.Sc. Lennart Schürmann, Doktorand der Energiesystemoptimierung am Fraunhofer UMSICHT

The DGT, where the microgrid will be established, is located in an area with many port facilities, companies, and commercial as well as residential areas. All people and businesses there share the same goal: to master the energy transition. They can either do this individually by modernizing their own electricity and heating supply or they can look for joint solutions where they collaborate in a way that complements each other well (synergy). Joint solutions are more efficient and better for the environment; however, larger obstacles often need to be overcome, such as regarding timelines or necessary infrastructure measures. Additionally, business models must be developed that include everyone.
enerPort II develops solutions for future connections to make the best possible use of available energy. For example, we are examining whether and how municipal or industrial heat demands in the vicinity can be met using the waste heat generated at the terminal.
The energy system at the terminal is modular in design. This allows for future expansions as needed. Transferring the system to other locations is also possible. Thus, the enerPort II energy system is an important building block for the future of decentralized energy supply.

The DGT is surrounded by industrial companies, further commercial areas, and adjacent residential areas. This offers potential for the realization of a jointly efficient energy supply.

“The optimized operation of flexible local energy systems is already a significant step in the right direction. However, even greater opportunities lie in the targeted combined supply of multiple consumers, each with their own demand profiles. This leads to efficient decentralized energy systems. The idea behind the development of concepts for neighborhood connections in enerPort II is to identify suitable ways of doing this.” Ulrike Ehrenstein, Scientist at Fraunhofer UMSICHT
Ulrike Ehrenstein, Wissenschaftlerin am Fraunhofer UMSICHT