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Video: DLR Institute of Solar Research – Research for solar energy generation
Who we are and what we are researching on: The video introduces the institute and shows footage from the various research areas.
The Institute operates two solar towers in Jülich. The picture shows on the left the experimental solar thermal power plant with its volumetric radiation receiver tilted forwards, and on the right the Multifocus Tower with its three research levels during solar irradiation.
At the Plataforma Solar de Almería (owned and operated by CIEMAT), the Institute of Solar Research has developed methods for measuring the optical quality of heliostats, including the use of drones.
The Institute of Solar Research focuses on the harnessing of concentrated solar power on Earth. We develop, test and optimise innovative technologies to use concentrating solar thermal systems not only to generate electricity, but also to provide heat and fuels. Our research also focuses on condition monitoring and quality assurance of solar thermal power plants and photovoltaic systems, solar energy meteorology and energy-related building assessment. Our overall aim is to contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy and the reduction of fossil fuels through the use of solar energy.
Support for industry
Based on our system's expertise, we support industrial companies in the supply of electricity, heat and fuels from sustainable energy. We consider all sustainable generation and storage technologies. The Institute's researchers develop analysis tools and measurement techniques for industrial plants. These are used to measure and predict solar irradiation and to record the energy requirements and operating status of components and systems in which energy is generated or converted. The Institute also researches solar technologies that can be integrated into or on buildings or agricultural land to improve land use. We also contribute to sustainability by optimizing processes in the chemical industry.
Institute management and staff
The Institute is jointly managed by Prof. Dr Robert Pitz-Paal and Prof. Dr Bernhard Hoffschmidt. The approximately 140 research and administrative staff are based at DLR headquarters in Cologne, at the DLR sites in Stuttgart, Jülich, Oldenburg and in Almería, Spain.
Research infrastructure
The institute's researchers have access to various laboratories and industrial-scale test facilities for experiments. Unique in Germany are the two Solar Towers Jülich: the Solar Thermal Test Power Plant and the Multifocus Tower. They have a total of four test chambers that provide space for various solar irradiation experiments. The German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and industrial companies use the large-scale facility to test technologies for solar thermal power plants and the production of solar fuels under realistic conditions.
In southern Spain, our researchers have access to Europe's largest test centre for concentrating solar technologies, the Plataforma Solar de Almería, which is owned and operated by the Spanish research centre CIEMAT. In Almería, we also work on the application of photovoltaic technologies, including in agricultural areas and greenhouses.
Translating research into applications
The Institute of Solar Research sees itself as a bridge between basic research and large-scale implementation and application in industry. We therefore work closely with industrial companies on many projects. Five companies have already emerged from the Institute to commercialise and further develop the Institute's technical innovations.
Funding our research
Our basic research is mainly funded by the Helmholtz Association. For applied research in close cooperation with industry, we receive additional funding from third parties. These are tied to specific projects or research areas for a limited period of time and come primarily from the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, European Union funding programmes and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
