Research in power electronics epinion

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:


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


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:


80 employees work with research and development

of PE

The companies generate total revenue of around EUR


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)


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


The companies' specific needs for research in the future - expressed

graphically

Optimisation within power electronics

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


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


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


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


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".

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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)

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Literature

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