In this department, we deal with issues relating to energy storage, heat management and heat transfer. These topics are of crucial importance for all areas of energy utilisation and supply.
With our thermal storage systems, we are contributing to both the decarbonisation of the heat supply and the resilience of the electricity grid. In combination with power-to-heat, we create a demand-orientated heat supply from renewable energies. The flexible operation of our systems supports the stability of the electricity grid, particularly in the case of reconversion to electricity (power-to-heat-to-power). This plays a key role in meeting electricity demand in Central Europe, particularly in light of the increasing integration of renewable energies and the associated demands on grid stability.
In view of the increasing pressure to reduce primary energy consumption in the commercial and industrial sector, we are also focussing on the use of previously unused heat flows. With our heat storage systems, this waste heat can be recovered, thereby reducing the required energy demand.
In addition, storage systems continue to be essential components for the needs-based supply of electricity and heat to solar power plants and for supporting the flexible operation of power plants and industrial processes.
Our team is therefore working on innovative storage concepts for a wide range of temperatures from 100 to 1000 °C. Various technologies are used, including sensitive storage systems based on liquids and solids, latent heat storage systems and thermochemical storage systems.
Our department covers the entire development process, from materials research to the development and piloting of components through to practical application. In this way, we ensure that innovations at every level are implemented directly.
Our main areas of research include:
The development of high-temperature storage systems and heat exchangers to increase energy efficiency in power plant and process technology applications
Liquid salt storage systems for thermal energy storage in solar thermal and conventional power plants and for industrial process heat applications
Development of systems for energy conversion processes and thermal energy storage processes for industrial process technology and power plant applications
Investigation of gas-solid reactions and their application in the field of energy storage and conversion.
Our expertise in thermal process technology and our passion for innovation drive us to constantly develop new solutions to meet the increasing demands for efficiency and sustainability in energy technology.
