Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Microsystems and Solid State Technologies EMFTReliable electrical power transmission places high demands on electrical connections. Current, temperature, mechanical stresses, and environmental conditions all affect their performance and reliability. Fraunhofer EMFT investigates and evaluates electrical connections under realistic operating conditions and develops solutions for reliable and efficient power transmission.
Efficient power transmission
Reliable Electrical Connections for Demanding Applications
Monitoring of electrical connections and power transmission with sensors
Our services
Analyzing Power Transmission: Investigation of electrical and thermal properties, as well as identification of losses and critical operating conditions
Testing Electrical Connections: Experimental investigation under defined electrical, thermal, and mechanical loads
Evaluating Faults and Aging: Analysis of fault patterns and damage mechanisms, as well as assessment of connection quality and reliability
Monitoring Conditions: Development and investigation of measurement and monitoring methods for the early detection of critical operating conditions
Power Transmission Under Real-World Conditions
During the transmission of electrical power, current, temperature, mechanical stresses, and environmental conditions influence the behavior and reliability of an electrical connection.
The Fraunhofer EMFT investigates these relationships under realistic operating conditions. In doing so, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties are characterized, and critical operating conditions are identified:
- Electrical loads: current, voltage, contact resistance, power loss
- Thermal loads: heating, temperature distribution, heat dissipation
- Mechanical loads: vibrations, contact forces, mechanical stress
- Operating conditions: load cycling, temperature cycling, environmental influences
Reliability and Condition of Electrical Connections
Changes in electrical and thermal properties can indicate aging, wear, or incipient damage. Fraunhofer EMFT investigates suitable measurement parameters for condition assessment, analyzes the causes of faults, and supports the early detection of critical operating conditions.
Measurement → Analysis → Condition Assessment → Optimization