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Jana Ihrens, M. Sc.

Technische Universität Hamburg

Institut für Mechatronik im Maschinenbau (M-4)

Gebäude O (Eißendorfer Str. 38)

Raum 013

Tel.: +49 (0) 40 30601-4210
jana.ihrens(at)tuhh.de

 

My focus is on the analysis and optimization of complex electrical networks, both in the maritime sector and in land-based applications. A particular area of expertise in my work is the optimization of ship energy grids, where efficiency and reliability under dynamic requirements are key. A special focus is on DC power systems on ships. These offer enormous potential for reducing emissions in shipping and simplifying the integration of renewable energies. I take a highly systematic approach to this: I develop detailed models in Simscape and Simulink and validate them through extensive PHiL (Power Hardware-in-the-Loop) investigations in the PHiLsLab. For me, the key to translating theoretical concepts into robust electrical solutions is the coupling of real power electronics with powerful real-time simulations. I am particularly fascinated by the holistic view of energy technology systems, as a reliable and sustainable energy supply forms the backbone of every modern application. 


Research

Research focus:

  • Electrical power systems
  • Microgrids
  • Power Hardware-in-the-Loop

 

Research projects:


CV

since 10/2025Group Lead, Hamburg University of Technology, Institute for Mechatronics in Mechanics
08/2020 - 02/2025Research Assistant, Hamburg University of Technology, Institute for Mechatronics in Mechanics
10/2017 -
06/2020
M. Sc. Student Electrical Engineering, Hamburg University of Technology
10/2019 -
05/2020
Masterthesis at WEINMANN Emergency Medical Technology GmbH + Co. KG
09/2018 - 10/2018Research Assistant, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador
10/2013 -
09/2017
B. Sc. Student General Engineering Science, Hamburg University of Technology, Thesis: Provision of Control Reserve with Wind Powerplants - An International Comparison of the Frame Conditions

Teaching

Lecturer:

  • Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering

Help and Organization:

  • Applied Design Methodology in Mechatronics (ADMM)
  • Measurement Technology for Mechanical Engineering

Publications

  • Hartwich, Timon S. and Ihrens, Jana and Kern, Thorsten A. Entwicklung einer Methode zur betriebsoptimierten Netzentwicklung und Quantifizierung der Simulationskomplexität maritimer Energiesysteme. Maritime Research Forum 2023. [doi]

  • Ihrens, Jana and Bahadori Rad, Shayan and Kern, Thorsten (2023). Complexity of meshed and bidirectional maritime DC-System Simulations. [doi]

  • Ihrens, Jana and Eckert, Kathrin Marina and Smirnova, Irina and Thorsten A. Kern (2024). Structuring of electrorheological fluids in polymer matrices for miniature actuators. Heliyon. 10. (20), [doi]

  • Ihrens, Jana and Möws, Stefan and Wilkening, Lennard and Kern, Thorsten A. and Becker, Christian (2021). The Impact of Time Delays for Power Hardware-in-the-Loop Investigations. Energies. 14. (11), [Abstract] [doi] [www]

  • Ihrens, Jana and Schneider, Timo and Kern, Thorsten A. (2022). Assessing the Complexity of DC-System Simulations. 1-4 [doi]

  • Malpricht, Marlin and Ihrens, Jana and Kern, Thorsten A. (2025). Analysis of DC–DC converters as critical components for maritime DC grid simulation. Electric Power Systems Research. 247. (111788), [doi]

ORCID iD iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-1523-9511

Student works

Supervised Theses (finished):

  • Bluhm, B.: Development of a methodology for determining the simulation accuracy, Project Work, 2024

  • König, O.: Analysis of the simulation accuracy for simulations of maritime DC grids, Bachelorthesis, 2023

  • Malpricht, M.: Identification of Critical Components regarding the Simulation Complexity of (maritime) DC Grid Simulations, Project Work, 2023

  • Bahadori Rad, S.: Analysis of the impact of intermeshedness and bidirectional power flows on simulation complexity, Master's thesis, 2023

  • Sureshkumar, S.: Comparison of the accuracy of power hardware-in-the-loop investigations and pure simulations, Bachelorthesis, 2023

  • Droste, D.: Cost optimization of simulation complexity for maritime DC grids, Project Work, 2023 
  • Schneider, T.: Analysis of the complexity of simulation models of maritime direct current networks, Master's thesis, 2022
  • Bouaami, S.: Passenger simulation for load forecasting on ships, Masterthesis, 2022
  • Beckmann, T.-M.: Evaluation of the applicability of AC (switching) components in DC networks, Bachelorthesis, 2022
  • Blettrup, N.: Systematic design of drive lines in small vessels considering the matching of propeller and electric motor, Bachelorthesis, 2021
  • Droste, D.: Development of a test rig for electrosensitive hydrogels as actuators in Braille displays, Bachelorthesis, 2021
  • Malpricht, M.: Development of a generic electrical power system structure for DC grids on different types of ships, Bachelorthesis, 2021
  • Madan Chalgeri, N.: Design of a Test Bench for Investigation of the Suitability of Electrosensitive Hydrogels in Applications for Fast Switching Braille Displays, Project Work, 2021
  • Prünte, P.: Evaluation of different measurement techniques for supraharmonic impedance measurement, Project Work, 2021
  • Moreau, K.: Communication systems for the Integration of RES in DC-grids on ships, Bachelorthesis, 2021