Research Group MicroEnergy Systems

Journal Papers

  • Ustun, T. S.; Hussain, S.M.S.; Kirchhoff H.; Ghaddar, B.; Strunz, K. and Lestas, I. (2019): “Data Standardization for Smart Infrastructure in First-Access Electricity Systems.” Proceedings of the IEEE, 1–13. Link.
  • Kirchhoff, H.; and Strunz,K. (2019): “Key Drivers for Successful Development of Peer-to-Peer Microgrids for Swarm Electrification.” Applied Energy 244: 46–62. Link.
  • Strenge, L., H. Kirchhoff, G. L. Ndow, and F. Hellmann. (2017): “Stability of Meshed DC Microgrids Using Probabilistic Analysis.” In 2017 IEEE Second International Conference on DC Microgrids (ICDCM), 175–80. Link.
  • van der Straeten J, Groh S, Pelz S, Batteiger A, Kirchhoff H, Realpe Carrillo N, and Martina Schäfer (2017): From dualism to convergence – A research agenda for energy access. Center for Technology and Society Discussion Paper Series. 38/17. TU Berlin Verlag. Berlin.
  • Magnasco, Annika, Hannes Kirchhoff, Shahriar Chowdhury, and Sebastian Groh. (2016): “Data Services for Real Time Optimization of DC Nanogrids with Organic Growth.” Energy Procedia 103 (Supplement C): 369–74. Link.
  • Kirchhoff H.; Kebir, N.; Neumann, K.; Heller, P.; Strunz, K. (2016): Developing mutual success factors and their application to swarm electrification: microgrids with 100 % renewable energies in the Global South and Germany, Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 128, 1 August 2016, Pages 190-200.
  • Lindner, K. (2016): From Kilowatt-hours to Customer Experience: Anchoring service design in the off-grid energy sector, Touchpoint 7(3):66-67 · January 2016
  • Krause, A., Nehls, T., George, E., and Kaupenjohann, M. (2016): Organic wastes from bioenergy and ecological sanitation as a soil fertility improver: a field experiment in a tropical Andosol, SOIL, 2, 147-162.
  • Groh S, Taylor H (2016) The role of microfinance in energy access – changing roles, changing paradigms and future potential. Enterprise Development & Microfinance.  Vol. 26(4). pp. 307-324.
  • Krause, A., Kaupenjohann, M., George, E., & Koeppel, J. (2015). Nutrient recycling from sanitation and energy systems to the agroecosystem- Ecological research on case studies in Karagwe, Tanzania. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 10(43), 4039-4052.
  • Chowdhury SA, Aziz S, Groh S, Kirchhoff H, Leal Filho W. (2015): Off-grid rural area electrification through solar-diesel hybrid minigrids in Bangladesh: resource-efficient design principles in practice. Cleaner Production. 95. pp. 194-202.
  • Groh, S. (2014): The role of energy in development processes—The energy poverty penalty: Case study of Arequipa (Peru). Energy for Sustainable Development, Volume 18, p. 83 - 99. Download
  • Bischoff, A. (2012): Insights to the internal sphere of influence of peasant family farms in using biogas plants as part of sustainable development in rural areas of Germany. Energy, Sustainability and Society, Volume 9, Issue 2, May 2012.
  • Gaul, M. (2012): A comparative study of small-scale rural energy service pathways for lighting, cooking and mechanical power. Applied Energy.
  • Gaul, M. (2012): An analysis model for small-scale rural energy service pathways — Applied to Jatropha-based energy services in Sumbawa, Indonesia. Energy for Sustainable Development.
  • Hagen, Z. (2012): A basic design for a multicriteria approach to efficient bioenergy production at regional level, Energy, Sustainability and Society, Volume 9, Issue 2, doi:10.1186/2192-0567-2-16.
  • Tillmans, A.; Schweizer-Ries, P. (2011): Knowledge communication regarding solar home systems in Uganda: The consumers' perspective. Energy for Sustainable Development, Volume 15, Issue 3, September 2011, pp. 337-346. Download
  • Laufer, D.; Schäfer, M. (2011): The implementation of Solar Home Systems as a poverty reduction strategy? A case study in Sri Lanka. Energy for Sustainable Development, Volume 15, Issue 3, September 2011, pp. 330-336.
  • Schäfer, M.; Kebir, N.; Neumann, K. (2011): Research needs for meeting the challenge of decentralized energy supply in developing countries. Energy for Sustainable Development, Vol. 15, No. 3. (September 2011), pp. 324-32.

Books and Reports

  • Kirchhoff, H. (2015): “Identifying Hidden Resources in Solar Home Systems as the Basis for Bottom-Up Grids.” In Decentralized Solutions for Developing Economies: Adressing Energy Poverty through Innovation, edited by Sebastian Groh, van der Straeten Jonas, Brian Edlefsen Lasch, Dimitry Gershenson, Walter Leal Filho, and Daniel M Kammen, 23–32. Springer Proceedings in Energy. Cham: Springer.
  • Groh, S.; Straeten, J.; Lasch, B. E.; Gershenson, D.; Leal, W.; Kammen, D. (2015): Decentralized Solutions for Developing Economies: Addressing Energy Poverty Through Innovation. Springer. Link
  • Kebir, N.; Spiegel, N.; Schrecker, T.; Groh, S.; Scott, C.; Aliaga G. (2013): Exploring Energy SME Financing in Emerging and Developing Countries. Sustainable Business Institute. Oestrich-Winckel.

Contributions to Edited Volumes

  • Friederici, K.; Lindner, K; Tillmans, A. (in print): What is left in the dark – illuminating the black box „user“: In: W. Leal Filho et al. (Eds.), Handbook of Renewable Energy. Springer International Publishing.
  • Beermann, H.; Dornberger, U.; Sebitosi, B.; Groh, S.; & van der Straeten, J. (2015): Value Chain Thinking and Energy Projects – A Problem-Centred Value Chain Approach to Energy Based Upgrading of Rice Farmers in the Philippines. In S. Groh, J. Straeten, B. E. Lasch, D. Gershenson, W. Leal, & D. Kammen (Eds.), Decentralized Solutions for Developing Economies: Addressing Energy Poverty Through Innovation, Springer,  109–122
  • Bakteeva, A.; & van der Straeten, J. (2015): Financing Energy Efficiency and Climate Adaptation Measures on Household Level in Kyrgyzstan – Market Based Approaches in a Post-Soviet Country? In S. Groh, J. van der Straeten, B. E. Lasch, D. Gershenson, W. L. Filho, & D. Kammen (Eds.), Decentralized Solutions for Developing Economies: Addressing Energy Poverty Through Innovation, Springer, 209–216.
  • Straeten, J. V. der, Friederici, K., & Groh, S. (2014). Taking a Micro-Perspective on the Global Challenge of Climate Change: The “Microenergy Systems” Research Focus at the Technische Universität Berlin. In W. L. Filho, F. Alves, S. Caeiro, & U. M. Azeiteiro (Eds.), International Perspectives on Climate Change, Springer, 135–149
  • Laufer, D.; Schäfer, M. (2012): Analyse eines Innovations-modells. Implementierung einer dezentralen Energieversorgung in Entwicklungsländern am Beispiel von Solar Home Systems. In: Decker, M./ Grunwald, A , Knapp, M. (Hrsg): Der System-blick auf Innovationen. Technikfolgen-abschätzung in der Technikgestaltung. Berlin: edition sigma, S. 359-367
  • Müller, P., Kebir, N., Stark, R., Blessing, L.: (2009): PSS Layer Method – Application to Microenergy Systems. In: Sakao, T. & Lindahl, M. (Eds.): Introduction to Product/Service-System Design, 3-30
  • Schultze, C.; Köppel, J.; Hagen, Z.; Demmeler, M.; Korte, B. (2008): Planerische Ansätze für naturverträglichen Biomasseanbau - erschienen in: Wissenschaftsverbund Um-Welt: Nutzungskonflikt bei nachwachsenden Rohstoffen; Tagungsbericht 2007. Rostock: Univ., 2008, 38-52.
  • Köppel, J.; Hagen, Z. (2007): Strategien zur naturverträglichen Biomassebereitstellung auf Landkreisebene (Bsp. Ostrprignitz- Ruppin, Chiemgau) in: Reich, M & Rüter, S. (Eds.): Energiepflanzenanbau und Naturschutz, Schriftenreihe Institut für Umweltplanung: Umwelt und Raum, Band 1, Universität Hannover, ISBN: 978-3-86955-473-0.

Conference Proceedings

  • Schäfer, M. (Ed.) (2015): Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply: Proceedings of the International Conference (2015, Bangalore) (in cooperation with K. Mallikharjuna Babu, Daniel Kammen, Noara Kebir, Daniel Philipp). Download.
  • Schäfer, M.; Kammen, D.; Kebir, N.; Philipp, D. (Ed.) (2014):Innovating Energy Access for Remote Areas: Discovering Untapped Rescources: Proceedings of the International Conference, University of California, Berkeley, 19th to 12th of April 2014. Berlin: Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin. Download.
  • Schäfer, M.; Kebir, N.; Philipp, D. (Ed.) (2013): Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply. Proceedings of the International Conference, Technische Universität Berlin, 28th of February-1st of March 2013. Berlin. Download.
  • Schäfer, M.; Kebir, N.; Philipp, D. (Ed.) (2011): Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply. Proceedings of the International Conference, Technische Universität Berlin, 7th-8th of April 2011. Berlin: Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin. Download.

Contributions in Conference Proceedings

2016

  • Magnasco A, Kirchhoff H, Chowdhury SA, Groh S (2016) Data services for real time optimization of dynamic DC nanogrids. Applied Energy Symposium and Forum, REM2016. Energy Procedia. Vol. 103. pp.369-374.
  • Aziz S, Chowdhury SA, Groh S (2016) The success of solar diesel minigrids in Bangladesh: a case study of Sandwip Island. Applied Energy Symposium and Forum, REM2016. Energy Procedia. Vol. 103. pp. 316-321.
  • Koepke M, Groh S (2016) Against the odds: The potential of swarm electrification for small island development states. Applied Energy Symposium and Forum, REM2016.  Energy Procedia. Vol. 103. pp. 363-368.
  • Kebir, N. (2016): The PSS Quality Framework for Solar Home Systems, Proceedings of the Africa EU Symposium on Renewable Energy Research and Innovation, 8-10 March 2016 at the Pan African University, Tlemcen, Algeria.

2015

  • Groh S, Philipp D, Edlefsen B, Kirchhoff H. (2015): Swarm Electrification - investigating a paradigm shift through the building of microgrids bottom-up. In: Decentralized Solutions for Developing Economies. Groh S, van der Straeten J, Edlefsen Lasch B, Gershenson D, Leal Filho W and Kammen DM (Eds.). Springer Proceedings in Energy. XXIV. Pages 3-22. 
  • Abd Elrehim, H. & Kirchhoff, H. (2015). Techno-Economic Feasibility of PV Irrigation in Egypt. In: Martina Schäfer (Hg.) Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply. Proceedings. Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin, Berlin. 95-100.
  • Barthel, B. (2015): Applying Postcolonial Technoscience to domestic Biogas. Reflections on the genesis of a German-Tanzanian biogas project. In: Martina Schäfer (Hg.) Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply. Proceedings. Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin, Berlin. 162 - 167.
  • Cañizares, F., Kirchhoff, H., Gomis-Bellmunt, O. & Ranaboldo, M. (2015). Development of a heuristic algorithm to design stand-alone microgrids for rural electrification projects considering distributed generation. In: Martina Schäfer (Hg.) Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply. Proceedings. Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin. 66-70.
  • Chowdhury, S. A., Hasan, A. S. M. M., Kirchhoff, H. & Groh, S. (2015). Solar DC Grids for Rural Electrification. In: Martina Schäfer (Hg.) Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply. Proceedings. Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin. 71-75.
  • Groh, S. & Taylor, H. (2015). The role of microfinance in energy access – changing roles, changing paradigms and future potential. In: Martina Schäfer (Hg.) Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply. Proceedings. Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin. 110-116.
  • Groh, S. (2015). You are what you measure! But are we measuring it right? An empiric analysis of energy access metrics based on a multi-tier approach in Bangladesh. In: Martina Schäfer (Hg.) Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply. Proceedings. Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin. 129-136.
  • Kirchhoff, H., Schmid, M., Adelmann, P. & Strunz, K. (2015): Passive Droop Control in a Decentralized 12 V DC Energy Access Microgrid with Lead Acid Batteries. In: Martina Schäfer (Hg.) Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply. Proceedings. Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin, 61-65.
  • Krause, A., Klomfaß, J., Müller, A., Nehls, T., George, E., and Kaupenjohann, M. (2015): Kohlenstoff- und Nährstoffrecyling mit Bioenergie- und ökologischer Sanitär-Versorgung, Conference Paper, Workshop „Biokohle im Gartenbau – Verwertung von organischen Reststoffen zur Schließung von Energie- und Stoffkreisläufe“, 23./24.06.2015 im Botanischen Garten Berlin, Germany.
  • Krause, A., Nehls, T., George, E., and Kaupenjohann, M. (2015): Field Experiment on a Tropical Andosol in Karagwe, Tanzania Using Organic Wastes from Bioenergy Provision and Ecological Sanitation. Book of Abstracts Tropentag 2015 "Management of land use systems for enhanced food security - conflicts, controversies and resolutions", September 16 - 18, Berlin, Germany, E. Tielkes (Ed.), p. 108.
  • Krause, A., Müller, A., Lettow, F., Klomfaß, J. (2015): Sauberer Kompost – sauberer Dünger : Schadstoffarme Reststoffe aus der Stadt als Pflanzendünger nutzen. ForschungsReport Spezial: Ökologischer Landbau 2015. 4, 8-9.
  • Müller, A., Krause, A., Klomfaß, J., Schwarzer, N., Lettow, F., Ziebart, C., George, E. (2015). Composts based on urban organic waste and human faeces and their nutrient availability for plant production. 50. Gartenbauwissenschaftliche Jahrestagung und Internationales WeGa-Symposium, Freising-Weihenstephan, BHGL-Schriftenreihe, 31, 94.
  • Van der Straeten, J. (2015). Electrification in Tanzania from a Historical Perspective – Discourses of Development and the Marginalization of the Rural Poor. In: Martina Schäfer (Hg.) Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply. Proceedings. Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin. 156-161.

2014

  • Beerman, H., Dornberger, U., Sebitosi, B., Groh, S., & van der Straeten, J. (2014): Value chain thinking and energy projects – A problem-centred value chain approach to energy based upgrading of rice farmers in the Philippines. In: Schäfer, M., Kammen, D., Kebir, N., Philipp, D. (Hg). Micro Perspectives in decentralized energy supply. Conference Proceedings 2014, pp. 143-148.
  • Groh, S., Phillipp, D., Edlefsen Lasch, B., & Kirchhoff, H. (2014): Swarm Electrification – Suggesting a Paradigm Shift through Building Microgrids Bottom-up. In: Schäfer, M., Kammen, D., Kebir, N., Philipp, D. (Hg). Micro Perspectives in decentralized energy supply. Conference Proceedings 2014, pp. 69-73.
  • Groh, S., Phillipp, D., Edlefsen Lasch, B. Kirchhoff, H., Islam, D., Khan R., Chowdhury, S., & Kammen, D. (2014): The Battle of Edison and Westinghouse Revised: A comparative analysis of AC/DC micro-grids for rural electrification.
  • Kirchhoff, H. (2014): Identifying hidden resources in Solar Home Systems as the basis for Bottom-Up Grids. In: Schäfer, M., Kammen, D., Kebir, N., Philipp, D. (Hg). Micro Perspectives in decentralized energy supply. Conference Proceedings 2014, pp. 126-129.
  • Löffler, D., Lindner, K., Hurtienne, J. (2014): Mixing Languages? Image Schema Inspired Designs for Rural Africa, Conference Paper, CHI '14 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems.
  • Realpe, N. (2014): How to scale up green Microfinance? A comparative study of energy leading in Peru. In: Schäfer, M., Kammen, D., Kebir, N., Philipp, D. (Hg). Micro Perspectives in decentralized energy supply. Conference Proceedings 2014, pp. 98-101.

2013

  • Barthel, B. (2013): Developing a small-scale biogas digester in rural Tanzania. An ethnographic approach for the analysis of an untypical innovation journey. In: Schäfer, M., Kebir, N., Philipp, D. (Hg). Micro Perspectives in decentralized energy supply. Conference Proceedings 2013, pp. 133-136. Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin, Berlin.
  • Groh, S. (2013): The role of energy in development processes - The Energy Poverty Penalty: Case study of Arequipa (Peru). In: Schäfer, M., Kebir, N.; Philipp, D. (Hg). Micro Perspectives in decentralized energy supply. Conference Proceedings 2013, pp. 112-116.
  • Groh, S., Philipp, D., Edlefsen, B., Kirchhoff, H. (2013): Swarm Electrification - suggesting a paradigm change through building up microgrids bottom-up. Conference “Energy Systems in Transition: Inter- and Transdisciplinary Contributions”. 9th - 11th of October 2013 in Karlsruhe, Germany.
  • Kirchhoff, H.: Analysis of the Potential for Energy Products and Services in Rural Areas of Tanzania. In: Schäfer, M., Kebir, N., Philipp, D. (Hg). Micro Perspectives in decentralized energy supply. Conference Proceedings 2013, pp. 15-18.
  • Van der Straeten, J., Federici, K., Groh, S. (2013): Taking a Micro-Perspective on the global challenge of climate change: The Microenergy Systems research approach focus at the Technische Universiät Berlin. European and Latin American Academic Conference on Climate Change Management. Antigua. Guatemala.

2011

  • Becker, P., Krause, A. (2011): Development of Adaptive technologies in the Project Biogas Support for Tanzania ”BiogaST”. In: Schäfer, M., Kebir, N., Philipp, D. (Hg). Micro Perspectives in decentralized energy supply. Conference Proceedings 2011, pp. 236-237.
  • Bischoff, A.: The Internal Sphere of Influence of Peasant Family Farms in Using Biogas Plants as part of Sustainable Development in Rural Areas of Germany. In: Schäfer, M., Kebir, N., Philipp, D. (Hg). Micro Perspectives in decentralized energy supply. Conference Proceedings 2011, pp. 82-93.
  • Hagen, Z. (2011): A basic design for a multicriteria approach to efficient bioenergy production at regional level. In: Schäfer, M., Kebir, N., Philipp, D. (Hg). Micro Perspectives in decentralized energy supply. Conference Proceedings 2011, pp. 94-107.
  • Krause, A. (2011): Hydrothermal carbonization as innovative technology in sustainable sanitation in Tanzania. In: Schäfer, M., Kebir, N., Philipp, D. (Hg). Micro Perspectives in decentralized energy supply. Conference Proceedings 2011, pp. 238-240.
  • Lindner, K (2011): Quality Issues in the Market Based Dissemination of Solar Home Systems. In: Schäfer, M., Kebir, N., Philipp, D. (Hg). Micro Perspectives in decentralized energy supply. Conference Proceedings 2011, pp. 220-228.
  • Müggenberg, H., Raabe, T., Schweizer-Ries, P., Tillmans, A.: Rural Electrification in Developing Countries: Social Acceptance of Small Photovoltaic Lanterns in Ethiopia. In: Schäfer, M., Kebir, N., Philipp, D. (Hg). Micro Perspectives in decentralized energy supply. Conference Proceedings 2011, pp. 189-196.
  • Tillmans, A., Schweizer-Ries, P.: Taking the User’s Perspective Regarding Knowledge on Solar Home Systems in Uganda. In: Schäfer, M., Kebir, N., Philipp, D. (Hg). Micro Perspectives in decentralized energy supply. Conference Proceedings 2011, pp. 197-206.

Completed Dissertations

Groh, Sebastian (2015): The role of access to electricity in development processes: approaching energy poverty through innovation. unv. Diss., Aalborg University. Download

Gaul, Mirco (2012): Beurteilung der Leistungsfähigkeit ländlicher Energienutzungspfade und ihrer Auswirkungen auf lokale Lebensgrundlagen - Ein Analysemodell, getestet an Nutzungspfaden für Jatropha auf Sumbawa, Indonesien, unv. Diss., Technische Universität Berlin. Download 

Laufer, Dino (2011): Der Beitrag von Mikroenergie-Systemen zur
Armutsminderung in Entwicklungsländern. Untersuchung von drei technik- und innovationssoziologischen Typen von Konstellationen in Sri Lanka, unv. Diss., Technische Universität Berlin. Download

Discussion Paper

The discussion paper describes on 20 pages an interdisciplinary research approach for the analysis of microenergy systems. The aim of this discussion paper is to develop a fundamental understanding of microenergy plants and systems and to discuss their integration into the established energy sector of developing and industrialised countries as well as into the overall system of society with regard to ecological, economic, social and political aspects.

Publisher is the PhD study course Microenergy Systems. The editors were Prof. Martina Schäfer and Dipl.-Ing. Daniel Philipp.

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