Thomas Leibfried

Prof. Thomas Leibfried is a Professor at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), leading the Institute of Electrical Power Systems and High Voltage Technology (IEH). His research focuses on advanced power grid technologies, including smart grid optimization, renewable energy integration, and high-voltage engineering. He oversees multiple experimental setups, such as PLC-based hardware-in-the-loop systems and distribution grid simulations. His work addresses challenges in grid stability, energy storage, and demand-response mechanisms for future energy systems.

Leibfried's contributions span academic teaching and industry collaboration, with courses on energy systems, grid control, and electrical networks. He actively participates in KIT's initiatives to modernize grid infrastructure and enhance grid resilience through novel control strategies and data-driven approaches. His research group explores cutting-edge topics like inverter-based grid systems, frequency stability, and partial discharge diagnostics in high-voltage equipment.

Notable projects include the FLEMING initiative, leveraging AI for grid monitoring, and the development of cellular-organized distribution grids for flexibility optimization. His team also collaborates on EU-funded studies analyzing the impact of electric vehicle adoption on medium-voltage grids. Leibfried’s work emphasizes practical implementations, with experimental facilities for real-time grid simulations and thermal monitoring of switchgears.