ITEP – Inspiring Tomorrow's Energy Pathways
Welcome to the Institute of Technical Physics (ITEP) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Our mission is to drive the energy transition and enable technological breakthroughs through excellent research, teaching and innovation. We develop advanced and future-oriented technologies for superconductor and energy applications - with the goal of a safe, efficient and sustainable energy supply.
Our approach: Together from theory to application
Our research focuses on the modeling, development and testing of materials, components and systems for sustainable energy applications. It is important to us not only to generate new knowledge, but also to transfer the prototypes, components and test systems we develop directly into industrial applications.
To this end, we develop, build and operate unique infrastructures and test facilities worldwide. Our work processes are driven by scientific and technological innovation and are supported by a structured, safety-oriented management system. We also make these infrastructures and test facilities available to our external partners from research and industry.
This enables, for example, the technological evaluation of new types of superconducting machines, feasibility studies and the design of innovative energy storage systems or the development of key components for the fusion fuel cycle.
We pass on the resulting knowledge to the next generation of technicians and scientists. Our comprehensive range of teaching, education and training courses is always up-to-date and practical. At the same time, we coordinate interdisciplinary research projects as part of national and European funding programs.
Our strength: expertise and infrastructure
Our decades of experience in the field of superconductivity cover the entire value chain - from material development to prototype construction. With our exceptional laboratory equipment and multidisciplinary expertise, we realize new energy components and integrate them into the energy system. For example, we develop technologies for the liquefaction, storage and transportation of liquid hydrogen (LH₂), for hydrogen isotope separation in the fusion fuel cycle, as well as hybrid energy transfer systems that combine liquid hydrogen with superconducting components.
Our systematic approach, our ability to react quickly to new research topics and our focus on operational safety and occupational health and safety make us a leading institute for innovative and sustainable energy solutions.
Our contribution: progress for a sustainable future
Our scientific and technical expertise combined with our modern research infrastructure forms a bridge between basic research and prototype applications: It enables innovative research work, accelerates development cycles and promotes the market integration of new technologies. For example, we are expanding the application possibilities of high-temperature superconductors and thus laying the foundation for new engineering developments. Another example is the development of the pellet centrifuge for feeding fuel into fusion reactors. Our close cooperation with industrial partners transfers our scientific findings into economical, safe and sustainable applications.
Our teaching and training qualify young talent for industry and research. Students benefit from our current research work, modern infrastructure and multidisciplinary approach. With our school laboratory, we get young people interested in science and technology even before they start their studies.
Last but not least, we make an active contribution to the scientific goals of the Helmholtz Association and strengthen the international visibility of KIT.
We are convinced that our research has a significant influence on the future of the energy system.
In recent years, the cost of high-temperature superconductor tapes has fallen continuously and production capacities have been significantly expanded.
At the same time, many AC and DC superconductor cables for various applications from low voltage to high voltage have been developed, successfully tested and used in field trials.
This current overview summarizes the most important new research and development activities on superconductor cables.
Link to paper
The IEEE Open Journal of Power Electronics (OJPEL) is a 100% open access journal that publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed papers about the development and application of power electronic systems and technologies.
Prof. De Carne has now be chosen as new Co editor-in-chief alongside Prof. Wenkang Huang from
Infineon Technologies (USA).
We congratulate and wish best of luck to further improve the quality of this important publication.
To the current PELS Newsletter
The centerpiece of a new research facility at KIT will soon be liquefying over 50 kg of hydrogen per day. The new liquefier is thus the largest non-commercial plant in Germany and will support projects of the Hydrogen Integration Platform (HIP), establish a supply of liquid hydrogen for KIT and be available for external interested parties.
Learn more