Post on 22-Jul-2016
description
Power Electronics Volume and demands for research in
Schleswig-Holstein
& the Region of Southern Denmark
Report
Executive summary
Companies in the cluster
Universities and institutions
Partnership – Universities and
institutions
Partnerships - Universities,
companies and institutions
The companies' needs
Fraunhofer
Risks and recommendations
5
6
15
24
28
34
38
45
The survey focuses on two primary issues:
Mapping the existing research and scientific institutions,
including:
Existing partnerships with other universities
Existing partnerships with companies
Laboratory facilities
Mapping of the companies' requirements for
competences and knowledge, including:
Delimitation of the relevant cluster of companies
Description of the companies (revenue, employees, etc.)
Identification of the areas in which companies
particularly need knowledge and competences
In recent years, innovation within power electronics has
become an increasingly important driver of growth in the
Danish-German border region. Sustainable energy, motor
control and mobile phone chargers – power electronics plays
a key role in applications like these.
The Danish-German border region has a unique position
within power electronics: Many of the Danish and German
companies that work with power electronics are located in
the Region of Southern Denmark and Schleswig-Holstein.
The power electronics industry in the area is multi-faceted,
growth-oriented and concentrated in a limited geographical
area. This means that there are positive opportunities to
create partnerships between the players and to exploit
existing synergies in the border region.
Exploitation of the synergies demands that the companies in
the border region have access to the latest knowledge within
the power electronics field.
On this background, Epinion and DSN have carried out a
survey into the need for a new research and knowledge
centre in the region.
Background and objectives
3
The survey was based on the following sources and methods:
Desk research: Review of available studies, analyses, etc. that are relevant to the issue
Interviews with 20 key representatives (10 in the Region of Southern Denmark and 10 in Schleswig-Holstein) of the important corporate
players in the region (Further details about selection criteria are given in the Companies section). The interview guides were discussed
with the client.
Interviews with 10 representatives (5 in Denmark and 5 in Schleswig-Holstein) of the research institutions with current or potential
significance for research and development partnerships with companies in the region. The interview guides were discussed with the
client.
2 interviews with representatives from Fraunhofer.
Systematic database searches for statistical data (revenue, employees, etc.)
Subsequent desk research and interviews concerning the companies' products and systematisation of research/development needs.
Follow-up work: Correspondence and interviews with corporate and university players
Ongoing discussions with the client
The data collected was subsequently systematised and presented so as to illustrate the main issues in the best possible way. In some
cases the data and information are incomplete. For example, because, for commercial reasons, the companies declined to respond to the
questions or because the information was not available. In such cases, we have made estimates based on the available data. The
comments and information provided by the individual companies are not quoted directly but rather anonymous. However, the overall
totals, estimates and trends are the most interesting data to use when considering how to seek to cover the potential and requirements
of the corporate cluster.
Method
4
Companies working with power electronics expect significant growth in coming years. 20%
growth in revenue volume is a conservative estimate. The Danish cluster employs just under
11,000 while the German cluster employs at least 16,000 people.
Despite massive investment and several formal partnerships, the existing universities cannot
meet the companies' needs. More intense research is required in the border region.
The companies want to see more application-oriented research, qualified personnel, and
better branding of the research and development environment in the region.
Fraunhofer has unique core competences and is a better marketing brand than the
universities. Fraunhofer is also in a better position than the universities when it comes to
acting as consultants for the companies. The survey has identified seven focus areas for a
possible future institute, where applications, control and regulation, and power devices are
the most important. More application-oriented research within these spheres is crucial to
ensure growth in the border region.
Finance: Limited public research funding. Are the universities overlooked and Fraunhofer
given preferential treatment?
Organisation: Can the players be organised with sufficient mandate and strength to create
appropriate distribution of roles and constructive agreements?
The funding models and regional distribution of roles must be precisely defined.
Executive summary
Companies in the cluster
Existing research and scientific
institutions
The companies' needs
Establishment of a Fraunhofer
Center in the border region
Risks and action standards
Companies in the
cluster
Number
Revenue
Expectations
The companies interviewed were asked how many people they
employed and what proportion of these were engaged in
research and development within the PE field. We sought to
estimate the company's total revenue and the proportion of
revenue for which PE development is of crucial importance.
Based on the interview data, studies of lists and other searches
for corporate material, we estimated the proportion of revenue
that is dependent on PE for the remaining companies in the
cluster*. It was not possible to identify revenue figures for a
small number of the companies. In these cases, revenue was
estimated based on the number of employees. (1 employee =
DKK 1 million) Compared to the known figures for the cluster,
this is a conservative estimate of revenue.
Key figures for the power electronics (PE) cluster
A power electronics (PE) cluster was identified in DK in the following
way:
Available surveys in this field (see literature list)
Companies identified by Lean Energy
Ongoing as part of the interviews (knowledge of other companies)
On the German side:
Companies identified by Wirtschaftsförderung und
Technologietransfer Schleswig-Holstein GmbH (WTSH) in
Schleswig-Holstein.
Own identifications
From this cluster, 9+9 companies were selected for personal
interviews. The selection criteria were pragmatic but included the
following:
Significant players/companies
Key persons with a key role with respect to PE in the company
2/3 with significant research and development activities in PE
1/3 PE end-users
A total cluster of 86 companies was thus identified. 33 companies in
the Region of Southern Denmark and 53 companies in northern
Germany as far as and including Hamburg.
7
Identification, method and estimates
Identification of the power electronics (PE) cluster
*Danfoss Power Electronics' key figures are omitted from the calculation used to make
these estimates because the proportion of this company's revenue that is affected by PE
development is assumed to differ significantly from the other companies in the cluster,
Power Electronics
Cluster
Lean Energy &
WTSH
Interviews Available reports
The nine companies interviewed in the
Region of Southern Denmark:
Total no. of employees: about 2,450
400 employees work with research and
development of PE
The companies generate total revenue of around
EUR 1.2 billion (equivalent to DKK 8.95 billion).
PE development is significant for about EUR 1 billion
revenue (equivalent to DKK 7.9 billion).
The 33 companies in the Power Electronics Cluster
in the Region of Southern Denmark:
Total no. of employees: about 10,770
The companies generate (estimated) total revenue
of around EUR
2.57 billion (equivalent to DKK 19.17 billion).
PE is significant for about 35%*** of revenue,
which corresponds to about EUR
1.51 billion (equivalent to DKK 11.27 billion).
8
Key figures for the Power Electronics Cluster in the Region of Southern
Denmark Companies in the PE cluster (Region of Southern Denmark)
Automatic Syd A/S * OJ Electronics A/S *
A/S Brødrene Eegholm PAJ Systemteknik
AXA Power A/S Pon Power A/S
Banke Accessory Drives * Pro-Automatic A/S
Dalsted Teknik A/S Rose Technology*
Danfoss Power Electronics * Safe-Light A/S
Dansk Styringsteknik A/S Sauer-Danfoss ApS
Daugaard Elektronik ApS Schneider Electric Danmark A/S
Eaton Electric ApS Servodan A/S
Fleks Tavler Siemens Flow Instruments A/S
Fyns Tavleteknik Strøh Automation A/S
Grundfos (Årslev, Fyn) Titech Electric A/S
Innotek ApS Tricon Electric A/S
JE Electronic A/S * Tricon Electronics A/S
LeanEco * Unimation ApS
Linak A/S * Wilhelmsen Technical Solutions A/S
Lodam Electronics A/S *
*** This estimate is calculated excluding Danfoss Power Electronics
* Company interviewed
The nine companies interviewed in the
Schleswig-Holstein:
Total no. of employees: about 3,640
80 employees work with research and development
of PE
The companies generate total revenue of around EUR
2.4 billion (equivalent to DKK 18.2 billion).
PE development has directly derived significance for
about EUR 152 billion revenue (equivalent to DKK
1.13 billion).
A total of 18 companies in the Power Electronics
Cluster in northern Germany (as far as and including
Hamburg)
Total no. of employees: about 16,040
The companies generate total revenue of around
EUR 5.15 billion (equivalent to DKK 38.4 billion).
PE has directly derived significance for about 6%*** of
revenue, which corresponds to about EUR 314 billion
(equivalent to DKK 2.34 billion).
Furthermore, there are 35 other companies in northern
Germany that are nominated PE companies in studies of
the field (PE:Center).
9
Key figures for the Power Electronics Cluster in Schleswig-Holstein
Companies in the PE Cluster (northern Germany as far as and including
Hamburg)
A Media Bodo's Power Systems Evers & Co. Standard Aggregatebau KG Mitex Handels- und Produktions
GmbH
Aerodyn GmbH FEAS Fabrikation Elektronischer Anlagen
und Systeme Nordisk Solar
Aldra Solar GmbH FeCon GmbH* o.m.t. GmbH
ALUTRONIC Bauelemente GmbH Ferroxcube Deutschland GmbH paratus electronic GmbH
AWS Automation - Wölbern -
Sauermann GmbH & Co KG fm-engineering
Reese + Thies Industrielelektronik
GmbH*
Beba-Energie GmbH & Co. KG* FTCAP GmbH REpower Systems SE
Bergquist Company GmbH Gemballa Electronics GmbH & Co. KG Sauer Danfoss GmbH & Co. OHG*
CRE Rösler Electronic GmbH Getriebebau-Nord GmbH & Co.KG Schnoor Industrieelektronik GmbH
& Co. KG
Danfoss Silicon Power GmbH* GreyLogix GmbH SEMATRON Deutschland GmbH
Handel und Elektronik
Dataschalt Senator Industrietechnik
GmbH Hako Group Silicon MEMS Itzehoe GmbH
DETAKTA Isolier- und Meßtechnik
GmbH & Co.KG hivolt.de GmbH & Co. KG STILL GmbH
Dispatch Energy Höhne GmbH Fabrik für
Elektrochemische Isolierung
SZE Spezial Elektronik Hagenuk
GmbH
Dräger Electronics GmbH iMCA-industrielle MicroController
Applikationen GmbH TEWS Technologies GmbH
ELAN Elektronik GmbH Jungheinrich Norderstedt AG* TRINAMIC Motion Control GmbH &
Co. KG
ELB.TRONIX GmbH KOA EUROPE GMBH Vestas Deutschland GmbH*
ELBATRON Kristonics GmbH* Vishay Siliconix Itzehoe GmbH
Elektronische Bauelemente - Mewa
Electronic Kuhnke AG WDI Elektronik GmbH
ESW GmbH Wedel M + R Multitronik GmbH
* Companies interviewed (One more company took part but asked to remain anonymous)
Companies and employees:
The cluster contains about 86 companies in the Region of Southern Denmark and
northern Germany as far as and including Hamburg.
The companies employ a total of 26,810 people in the region.
Total revenue:
The companies in the border region generate total revenue of around DKK 57.6
billion (equivalent to EUR 7.7 billion).
PE influence on revenue:
PE development has a decisive importance for about DKK 13.6 billion revenue
(equivalent to EUR 1.8 billion) for the companies in the Power Electronics Cluster
Expected growth: All the companies interviewed expected to see growth in the PE
field. However, predictions varied widely from one company to the next. It was,
however, difficult to get the interviewees to give figures. A total estimate based on
the expectations of the largest corporate players in the region is at least 20% a year
for the next five years.
10
Key figures for the Power Electronics Cluster in
the border region
The companies' development and application of power electronics are included in many different parts of the value chain and represent a wide range of varied development challenges, in terms of both their research and development areas and their complexity.
The companies' areas of application for power electronics are within the following fields: renewable energy, industrial applications, automotive industry, computers, control, regulation and aids in the widest sense, consumer electronics and marine technology.
The companies themselves engage in a broad range of areas of power electronics, for example:
Optimisation with power electronics
Materials science, construction and control of the new converters, semiconductor power electronics, construction and bonding/connection techniques
Control and regulation of power electronics systems
Triac solutions, filter solutions and microprocessors
Actuators
Solar inverters
Optimisation within power electronics
Propulsion technology, e.g. with reference to generators
Net power supply (net side requirements)
Fault analysis with reference to materials, reliability, mechatronics, hydrogen processing and conversion, power conversion, energy efficiency of e.g. Batteries
EMC technology
Power devices
11
Research and development areas How the companies use power electronics
12
Classification of the companies' needs
The
companies’
needs
Clean
tech
Batteri
technology
Soft-
ware
Energy
storage
Switch
elements
1. The companies' statements 2. Initial grouping of needs based on the
existing literature
3. Expert validation of the
classification
There are several feasible ways of grouping the different areas within power electronics. Based on the companies' direct
statements, we have listed a group of the companies' knowledge needs, which a Fraunhofer Institute could beneficially
accommodate. This grouping is based on the existing literature and subsequently validated.
Requests
to
Fraunhofer
Applications
Inverter
technology
Power
devices
EMC-
technology
Control and
regulation
Reliable
engineering
Energy
optimisation
13
Optimisation with power electronics
The companies' specific needs for research in the future - expressed
graphically
Optimisation within power electronics
Universities and institutions
Universities and research institutions:
Three Danish Institutions have (major) research programmes in the field of power electronics: University
of Southern Denmark, DTU and Aalborg University. In Denmark Teknologisk Institut and DELTA also work
with applied research in power electronics.
Six Northern German institutions have major research programmes: UAS Kiel, UAS Westküste,
Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, UAS Hamburg, Helmut-Schmidt-Universität (Hamburg), UAS
Lübeck, and UAS Flensburg
Growth in research and education:
The universities expect large growth in both research and education within power electronics – this is
due to increasing demand from the companies in the region.
Laboratory facilities:
All the universities in the region provide state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Although the quality of the
equipment available in the region is adequate there may be a need for more equipment to meet rising
demand for research in power electronics.
Blurred mismatch
There seems to be a blurred mismatch between the research needs of the companies and the research
supplied by the universities.
15
Universitites Southern Denmark and Northern Germany
16
Research in northern Germany
The universities focus on research into different parts of the power electronics value chain
Optimisation in power electronics
Research is focused on the components, modular and assembly fields
Advanced semiconductor devices, power converters, high-frequency converters and
electromagnetic sustainability simulation
Construction and bonding/connection technology of power electronic components
Thermic management of power electronic components
Reliability & Cooling with reference to the complete system (E.g. Converter technology)
Converters and devices for renewable energies and electrical mobility
Power electronic components in combination with energy efficiency
Optimisation with power electronics
Research focusing on sub-systemic and systemic fields
Power electronics applications in electrical powertrains
System integration
Grid integration of renewable energy
Power electronics application in renewable energies
17
Education in northern Germany
The German universities often offer several programmes with reference to power
electronics
Bachelor programmes often primarily teach the basics of electrical engineering while
Masters programmes succeed in more specialised teaching.
Bachelor programmes with reference to power electronics:
Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Information and Electrical Engineering (2), Information
Engineering, Electrical Systems and Automation Technology, Ecological Construction
Engineering
Masters programmes with reference to power electronics:
Automation Technology, Micro-electronic Systems (2), Wind Engineering, Electrical
Engineering majoring in Electrical Energy, Micro-electronics or Mechatronics, Electrical and
Information Engineering
Other Bachelor programmes with reference to power electronics:
Management and Engineering (Business Engineering programme)
The German universitites work closely with the companies when it comes to laboratory equipment. The
facilities include a laboratory for simulation, an EMC laboratory, a laboratory for thermic, mechanical and
circuit design
One university has published a peer-reviewed article on laboratory equipment
When the required equipment is not commercially available one of the universities builds it themselves.
This ensures that the equipment matches the needs of the companies in the region.
One of the universities expect to invest 100 - 200 k€ in lab equipment and 300 - 400 k€ in staff yearly.
18
Laboratory facilities in Northern Germany
SDU:
Finds that there is a growing interest in power electronics. In 2011, student intake was 490,
while in 2012, student intake was 665.
Each semester the students work on an engineering sciences project, e.g. building a power
electronic circuit
During the sixth semester, all students have a compulsory industrial placement. This ensures
that SDU maintains close contact with the companies which work with power electronics.
Companies which work with energy development are especially interested in students who have
a knowledge of power electronics.
DTU:
DTU produces about 25 PE graduates a year
DTU points out that special weight of emphasis is given to a combination of theoretical and
practical knowledge of power electronics.
AAU:
At AAU, the subjects are built up in accordance with a practical orientation and project work is
key to the training. Here students gain a great deal of practical experience of working with
power electronics.
Many of the study projects the students work with are inspired by specific issues facing the
industry. AAU makes contact with the companies and helps them to address specific issues.
19
Education in Denmark I
SDU:
Focus areas: Energy technology, mechatronics (especially mobility), solar cells, renewables and DC/DC converters
SDU focuses on accommodating the companies' specific needs. There is a considerable time lag between the companies' expressing a specific need and the point at which it is phased into research. SDU strives to accommodate the needs that have appeared in recent years.
Some companies feel, however, that there is too much focus on mechatronics at SDU and that this leaves too little room to specialise in power electronics.
DTU:
Focus areas: Power converters for fuel cells, digital control of DC/DC converters, and switch mode power supply.
For DTU too, it is imperative that the university meets companies' needs by implementing commercially-oriented research.
AAU:
AAU focuses on sustainable energy, including solar cells and wind power, although AAU also gives high priority to research into micro-grids and energy-efficient products.
The university's representatives also indicate that motor control, reliability and energy-efficient products are key focus areas.
Some of the larger companies in the Region of Southern Denmark feel that AAU has special focus on control engineering. This focus area is one of AAU's strong points but companies feel there is a need to foster competences within other areas of power electronics. The question is: can AAU meet these needs?
20
Research in Denmark I
At all three universities in Denmark, power electronics is a strongly prioritised field of research. However, each of the three universities has its own point of departure, and SDU deviates from the paths followed by AAU and DTU.
SDU:
Power electronics as a field of research is under expansion. This is evident from several facts. e.g. the university has recently employed a professor and a lecturer in Sønderborg. Increased focus has been provoked by keen interest from companies.
SDU focuses on e.g. mechatronics, modern micro-technology and solar cells.
At SDU in Odense, one associate professor and 4-5 Ph.D students are engaged in power electronics research. At Sønderborg, the new professor, a lecturer and one Ph.D student are engaged in power electronics research.
DTU:
DTU has a long tradition of engaging in power electronics research. This field is prioritised.
A total of 23 man-years is dedicated to power electronics research. DTU expects PE research to grow by about 50% within the next five years.
AAU:
AAU also has a long tradition of engaging in power electronics research and the field is one of the university's top priorities.
A total of about 70-75 man-years are dedicated to power electronics research. Of these, about 50 man-years are performed by Ph.D students.
21
Research in Denmark II
SDU:
Power electronics will be an important venture for SDU in the coming years. The university will be making significant investments in building laboratory facilities for use in research into power electronics.
In Odense SDU has a state-of-the-art electronics laboratory at its disposal. In Sønderborg the facilities include a unique laboratory and component manufacturing equipment.
In terms of quality, the laboratory facilities at SDU are just as good as at the other Danish universities. However, in terms of the quantity of equipment available, SDU's equipment fails to reach the level of the other Danish and international universities.
At SDU, the university is working to make its equipment "flexible" so that more of it can be assigned specifically to power electronics projects.
DTU:
DTU also have a fully modernised power electronics laboratory, which meets the companies' needs for application-oriented knowledge of power electronics.
The challenge here, however, is that the companies themselves increasingly have to approach DTU in order to make full use of the facilities.
AAU:
Will be investing more than DKK 400 million in power electronics in the next five years, of which laboratory equipment will account for DKK 100 million. In the last three years, extension of the laboratory facilities has cost the university DKK 80 million (excluding equipment).
These investments mean that AAU can work with components, converters and drivers from kW to MW.
Facilities include a reliability test lab, component testing lab and extended/long-term converter testing.
22
Research in Denmark III
Partnerships
Universities and institutions
23
Germany
Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
Fachhochschule Kiel
Helmut-Schmidt-Universität, Hamburg
Technische Universität Hamburg-Harburg
Fachhochschule Westküste, Heide
HAW Hamburg
ISIT, Itzehoe
Technische Universität Chemnitz
Universität Rostock
Universität Bremen
Leibniz-Universität Hannover
RTWH Aachen
At the national level, there is a formal/informal partnership
with the following universities/institutions :
Denmark:
SDU
DTU
AAU
Only national partnerships University/institutional partnerships
24
25
Partnerships in the border region Partnerships between Danish and German universities
There are widespread cross-border partnerships between the universities.
DTU works intensively with Technische Universität München.
AAU's internationally strong position makes the university an attractive international partner.
SDU has formal partnerships with universities in Flensburg, Hamburg, Kiel and Berlin (BAM),
and also with other universities further south. SDU does not have as well developed an
international network as DTU and AAU, and the lack of such a network makes it difficult to
establish international partnerships. SDU wants to build a partnership with Technische
Universität München
26
Partnerships with the rest of the world The Danish and German universities' global partnerships
At the international level there are informal/formal partnerships with the following universities:
Lunds Universitet
Stockholms Universitet
Other universities in Scandinavia
AU Herning
Universidad de Sevilla
German Universities' Partnerships – Summary
Research partnerships are relatively more common than educational partnerships
Partnership is either
- formal, e.g. in the form of joint research projects or via the Kompetenzzentrum
Leistungselektronik Schleswig-Holstein or
- informal, e.g. providing guidance to students in connection with dissertations, Ph.D students
from other universities, academic exchange
Partnerships
Universities, companies and
institutions
27
Partnerships with companies are very important for all the Danish universities. The universities
work primarily with the companies' R&D departments. For the universities it is imperative that the
partnership has a research perspective, i.e. that the companies' issues have a certain degree of
scientific relevance.
The companies are working "in counter-phase" relative to the universities. The companies are
looking for specific competences but it takes several years before the universities can meet the
demand. (This applies equally to candidates and research and development competences)
Major formal partnerships involve a lot of paperwork.
SDU:
Has more than 100 industrial partners in Denmark, primarily within production, e.g. Danfoss, PAJ
Systemteknik, Duus og Lodam. Of these partners, 25-30 are engaged in comprehensive development
activities.
TEK-Momentum: A knowledge bank which is intended to form the link between companies and university.
Offers company visits, financial aid and help in applying for commercial Ph.D projects.
DTU:
Has just less than 100 industrial partners, most of whom are power electronics developers. Examples
include: Danfoss, Grundfos, Vestas, IRD, Siemens, Ludwig-Bölkow, Texas Instruments and Maersk.
AAU:
Also engages in a comprehensive number of partnerships with companies. A single (medium-sized)
company is investing, for example, DKK 5 million in research at the university.
Partnerships in Denmark
28
Center Of Reliable Power Electronics (CORPE)
Will investigate how the reliability of power electronics is affected by e.g. temperature or overload
There is also focus on reducing the cost of power electronics.
Participants: Danfoss, Grundfos, Aarhus University, kk-electronic, Vestas, University of Maryland, ETH
Zürich and RWTH Aachen
Budget: over EUR 10 million
Intelligent and Efficient Power Electronics (IEPE)
The project is partly funded by The Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation
The project includes partnership with several of the larger power electronics companies. A network of
companies, which will not necessarily become engaged in research partnerships, will be set up
Participants: AAU, kk-electronic, Grundfos, Danfoss Power Electronics, Vestas, DTU, SDU, CEES, The
Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation
Budget: EUR 14.4 million
The Power Electronics Research Network (ECPE)
A European partnership focused on research, education and technological exchange
Participants include Europe's most important players
Selected participants: Danfoss, AAU, DTU, Siemens, etc.
Formal partnership agreements
29
Partnerships between universities and companies
University partnerships with different companies (the number of companies taking part in these
partnerships varies)
Companies
Are active at regional, national and/or international levels
Are both active developers and end-users of power electronics products
Type of partnership
in most cases formalised via cooperative or service agreements
at the regional level partnership on Kompetenzzentrum Leistungselektronik Schleswig-Holstein,
although not exclusively
30
Partnerships between universities and companies
Partnerships in Germany
Brief description
Network of industrial players, research establishments and universities with reference to power
electronics (3 of the universities interviewed and 3 of the companies interviewed are partners
in this network)
The players cover all parts of the power electronics value chain
ISIT is responsible for the organisation
Goals: Initiation of publicly demanded projects, strengthening cooperation between the players,
provision of innovation, competitiveness and competences required of partners in connection
with power electronics
A project was launched in 2008 to develop components for a converter and to test it in a
system.
Significance of Kompetenzzentrum Leistungselektronik Schleswig-Holstein (KLSH) from the
universities' point of view
Crucially important:
It is the only link between the different PE competences in Schleswig-Holstein.
"The PE community is linked via KLSH", "KLSH has become a great place to meet"
Bundling of local (shared) competences and key people in order to produce an industrial end
product.
Makes valuable contributions to research
KLSH as a platform for cooperative projects
31
Centre of Power Electronics in Schleswig-Holstein
Partnerships in Germany
In the ideas phase:
To set up of a PE cluster comprising companies and research establishments in the German-
Danish border region.
Goal:
To strengthen education/training, research infrastructure, innovation, exchange of information
and technology transfer within PE in the region
To represent the interests of the PE industry vis-à-vis the general public and in the political
arena
To increase international awareness of power electronics' status
Development status
Analysis to determine potential partners within industry and research
Final draft proposal completed (September 2011)
32
Power Electronic Center
Partnerships in Germany
Needs
More application-oriented
research intensity
Qualified personnel
Retention and attracting
qualified personnel
33
The companies' need for partnerships with universities/research
From the universities’ point of view, the companies have a great need to work with the
universities ("over-proportional need for electronic solutions")
From the universities’ point of view, the current number of cooperation agreements does not
cover the companies' needs ("could be twice as many")
Companies wish to see new training programs which make the connection between (Electrical)
Engineering and Management/Controlling
All the companies expect to see growth in the area for many years to come. "To activate and
maintain growth potential, there must be more research and development in power
electronics."
Together, the universities work to possess the complete palette of qualified know-how which is
required for continuing development. "But there's not happened enough!"
From the universities’ point of view, there is space and volume for more cooperation, in
particular in Denmark.
34
Need for more research intensity
Lack of qualified personnel
"Two out of three companies cannot get the personnel they need, i.e. people with development-
oriented know-how."
"Basically good employees available": academic priorities are partly in-depth knowledge but with
too little reference to the practical applications of PE.
There is a need for qualified personnel at the companies Need for training in PE generally and
specifically with reference to knowledge of PE applications
Availability of education
The companies wish to see more educational output in the field of PE. The universities agree
and therefore they are enrolling more students in the field now.
Stronger training specialisation is desired: In-depth knowledge and practical experience of PE
applications is required
35
Need for qualified personnel
It is often the case that students do not remain in the region but move abroad or to
other regions early steps to bind students to the region
The majority of the companies interviewed mentioned the lack of qualified personnel
For several reasons the region is not attractive enough to retain the strongest
candidates.
We need better branding of the research and development environment in the region
Despite the fact that some of Denmark's leading PE development companies are located
in the region we cannot attract sufficient personnel.
36
Need to retain and attract qualified personnel
Fraunhofer?
Arguments
Goals
Comments
37
According to the leading corporate players, together the universities with whom they already
work can supply high-quality research to international standards (in some cases, even
world-class). However, Fraunhofer can provide services and branding which the universities
are unable to supply.
Core competences: "Fraunhofer has much to offer and is able to compete.
In specific areas, Fraunhofer is one of the world's leading institutes" (leading corporate player)
Consultancy role: In the case of the smaller companies in particular, there is a need for the
research scientist to adopt the role of consultant in connection with what are sometimes
basic ground rules. The universities are simply not good enough at acting as consultants and
indeed they are not intended to act in this role. For the universities the issue in question has to be interesting from a research
perspective. For Fraunhofer to become involved, a research perspective is not a requirement. This means that Fraunhofer's
approach is basically different from the universities' and this makes a decisive difference to the service they provide to the
companies.
The networks are different: The universities' network typically comprises other universities. Fraunhofer has a different (more
commercial) network. If they do not have the necessary expertise in-house, they use their network. "If we have both our
university network and Fraunhofer in the region, our network will expand considerably.
Laboratory equipment: The universities have very high-class equipment but the Green-Lab exercise revealed that the de facto
requirements are other than those provided by the existing laboratory facilities. The universities are unable to provide sufficient
access to lab equipment.
Branding: Fraunhofer is a well-known brand, especially in Europe. If the companies can label their products as having been
tested by Fraunhofer, the products have much higher market value than if one of the universities were to do the same.
Attracting personnel: "By establishing a "hot spot" in the region with a different approach from the universities', Fraunhofer
can help to create synergies and attract the best people." (key corporate player)
Why a Fraunhofer Center?
38
Strong new presence in northern Europe and Scandinavia. Fraunhofer's aim is to establish
an equivalent presence in the north as it has further south, where Fraunhofer has strong and
established links, for example, with the automotive industry. The goal is to create a strong and
attractive environment and the companies in the Region of Southern Denmark and Schleswig-
Holstein are interesting. The renewable energy industries are of particular interest.
Partnership with universities. Fraunhofer is already working with universities in the region
(especially Kiel and UAS Westküste) and is hoping to make close ties with all the interested
universities. With the universities and companies, in the medium term, Fraunhofer wants to
establish a network and a "PE center".
Growth and employment. In the longer term the goal is to strengthen the industry and thus
with the universities create education and training, employment and growth in the region.
Fraunhofer has established successful cooperation with universities in other European
countries, eg in Gøteborg in Sweden. Fraunhofer is convinced that the establishment of an
institute will have a positive effect on the human resource development in the region,
especially if it happens in collaboration with the universities.
To make a profit! And thus to create the foundation for our research investment, and our
student and research scientist funding.
What are Fraunhofer's goals in northern Europe?
39
To stimulate product development at the region's companies. and thus to create positive
yield on the investment when the companies capture market share.
Attractive research and study center. Fraunhofer aims to stimulate the research and study
environment. For example, at the Itzehoe center, there are always 20 students (working,
student assistants, interns, Ph.D. students).
To stimulate interest for the natural sciences. It is difficult to promote the educational
advantages of Engineering Sciences. Students prefer to take business studies etc. rather
than Engineering Sciences. This is a fundamental problem which we are keen to resolve.
The next generation. We want to create the next generation ourselves. One important aspect
is of course the students, but it is also important to encourage young people generally to
show an interest in technical education programmes. For example, Fraunhofer runs events at
senior high schools to draw attention to the technical education programmes.
The Fraunhofer effect?
40
Assessment of a research institute from the companies' point of view
The companies interviewed in both DK and SH were generally positive about the idea of a
Fraunhofer Institute in the border region.
The companies believe that they would engage the research institute to perform tasks for
them
Due to the lack of detailed information, respondents were less specific about the potential
benefits the research institute might bring
The companies want application-oriented research and less basic research
Practice-oriented research to deliver results within the next 1-5 years is very important
Assessment of a research institute from the universities' point of view
The universities gave both positive and reluctant assessments of the research institute
On the information available, the universities find it difficult to assess the benefits and
disadvantages
There is a risk of creating inappropriate competition for research funding
In the current situation, a Fraunhofer Center would risk finding it difficult to attract sufficient
funding
"There are already many smaller university institutes working in this area, so it is difficult to
see the usefulness of yet another small institute"
"If the institute becomes a reality, we will welcome it but also in this connection we lack an
organisation which has a mandate to negotiate and reach decisions"
41
The players' comments about a Fraunhofer Center
Assessment of a research institute from the companies' and universities' points of view
Geographical proximity is important when you need advice fast.
Qualified personnel
Potential opening-up of the Danish and German markets to each other
Via partnership with a research institute, it is possible to attract research scientists and students
Significance of the research institute at the general level
Good supplement to the existing power electronics offer in the region
The "German-Danish" cultural aspect was assessed positively
Improve the attractiveness and perception of the conditions for potential companies and overall
improvement in the region profile.
Technological construction
Further potential functions of the research institute
Provider of further education
Partner within the framework of research projects with companies
42
The players' comments about a Fraunhofer Center
Homogeneous:
Growing importance of power electronics energy transition, "everything's going to be electric"
Important to create a better organised and connected R&D partnership between companies and universities in the region.
Crucial importance of Kompetenzzentrum Leistungselektronik SH for companies and universities
From some of the universities' point of view, the universities are unable to meet the companies' need for partnerships with the
universities Cooperative agreements are insufficient
Respondents feel they lack an organised center, which can create synergy and better branding of the opportunities in the
region.
Lack of qualified personnel
Assessment of a research institute from the companies' point of view generally positive
Stronger attractiveness of the region as a result of the presence of a research institute
Current awareness of the importance of sharing PE competences in order to succeed
Heterogeneous
Appropriateness of establishing a competing institute
From the companies' point of view, the need for PE knowledge and skills varies greatly
Great variation in potential thematic focus of the research institute
Assessment of a research institute from the universities' point of view "with reservations" or "positive"
43
Homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions among the players
Risks and
recommendations
44
Funding the research institute
Fundamental lack of public funding available to the universities
Some respondents expressed strong reservations about large sums of public funding flowing
into funding the research institute, as opposed to flowing into their research and teaching
Lack of integration of key people
Partial ignorance and prejudice on the part of important key people
Organisation of the players involved
Can the players be organised with sufficient mandate and strength to create appropriate
distribution of roles and constructive agreements?
The advantages of a research institute are not evident to everyone
Some respondents have no specific idea of how they could benefit from a research institute.
Its distinction from existing research institutes is not clear
The roles of the individual partners are not clear.
45
Risk involved in establishment
Milestones
1. Initial communication of the companies' detailed company PE needs (Month 1)
2. Initial formulation of business model and development plan (Month 1)
3. Communication of the companies' detailed PE needs to provide the thematic focus for the
"Institute" (or "Department" or "Application Centre") (Month 2)
4. Business model and development plan formulated (Month 2)
5. Decision to go ahead with construction (Month 4)
6. Construction phase begins (Month 7)
7. Construction phase ended / Operations begin (Month 12)
46
Establishment schedule
Involvement and integration of players
Especially the universities
Eliminate prejudice and ignorance
Use of very committed players, who have an interest in sharing
Use of the current infrastructure and skilled capacity, and especially securing knowledge-
sharing of the PE comeptences
Funding
Clarify funding model for a Fraunhofer Center (Basic funding + contract research)
Develop a detailed development plan and business model (organisation, backing, costs, funding,
etc.)
Transparency
Create transparency above all with regard to the ongoing process, funding and potential
benefits of a research institute for the individual participants
Clarification of terms: "Institute", "Department" or "Application Center".
47
Recommendations
Clear distribution of roles
Clear distribution of the future roles of the individual partners and stakeholders
Use of key persons' (networkers') potential
Use of key persons' (networkers') potential in order to encourage as many players as
possible within the PE area to take part and to approve the institute
Criteria for success here is transparency
Clear presentation of the benefits to the individual participant and to the region (image,
growth, employment via hi-tech/future technologies/technologies key to the success
of energy transition, more research funding for everyone in the region, ...)
Cluster development
Discuss implementation of supplementary competitive opportunities in the region for
the PE players ("we need structures/organisations which can develop themes and
projects on a neutral basis")
48
Recommendations
Green Power Electronics Test Lab – Green PET Lab
Lean Energy Cluster and Delta (2012)
Analysis of the Lean Energy Cluster in the Region of Southern Denmark – preliminary results
Glenda Napier (RegX)
Danish-German Fraunhofer Institute – Power Electronics: Southern Danish perspectives, potentials and stakeholders
The Region of Southern Denmark (Memorandum) (2012)
Danish-German Fraunhofer Institute – results of meetings (10.8), further process, communication
The Region of Southern Denmark (Memorandum) (2012)
Perspective interview Fraunhofer – Southern Denmark (2012) (Minutes)
Knowledge-intensive green production within the energy sector in the Region of Southern Denmark
Søren Houmøller (1st Mile) and Jon Wulff Petersen (TTO) (2010)
PE:Center – Final Draft Proposal: Establishment of a Power Electronics Center
Michael Schack (2011)
49
Literature
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