Working areas and focuses of research at Garching
| Biomass | Electrochemical Conversion and Storage | Energy Systems | Geothermal Energy | Chillers and Heat Pumps | Latent Heat Storage | Solar Thermal | Heat Storage Systems |
Biomass
We deal with various questions on the energetic use of biomass. Our main focus lies with energy concepts, simulation and measuring the reduction of fine particle emissions of combustion systems and heat and power generation.
Electrochemical Conversion and Storage
In this field of activity we develop and optimise various types of fuel cells with the main focus being on DMFC and SOFC. Furthermore complete fuel cell systems can be investigated on special test rigs. Complex software tools provide us with the necessary means for simulation and optimisation of an entire system.
Energy Systems
The main focus of this working area is the design of innovative energy concepts on the basis of detailed system calculations. Activities extend from the dynamic simulation of a single building and its system technology to municipal energy concepts for city districts or entire supply areas.
Geothermal Energy
The research group geothermal energy applications covers a range of activities. One main focus is the work at shallow geothermal energy systems, like bore hole heat exchangers and ground water use. The second area is the research in the field of thermal heat stores like aquifer stores, bore hole heat exchanger stores, pie stores and pit stores. Further research projects deal with the use of deep reservoir geothermal energy.
Chillers and Heat Pumps
In the field of chillers and heat pumps research activities extend from fundamental investigations into heat and mass transfer to refrigerant and sorbent properties for efficient absorption chillers and heat pumps. Furthermore detailed cycle modelling and energetic/economic analysis is provided together with the scientific support for planning and implementing of pilot installations.
Latent Heat Storage
In the working area “latent heat storage”, heat and cold storages based on the solid-liquid phase change are being developed. One example of such a phase change material (PCM) is water/ice, as used in ice storage. Due to their high storage density in small temperature ranges, latent heat storages are often applied in energy technology, particularly in the building sector.
Solar Thermal
In this working area we investigate the thermal use of solar energy as well as the use of solar energy combined with the seasonal heat storage.
Heat Storage Systems
In the field of sorption systems we are working on applications of solid and liquid sorbents for heating, air conditioning and dehumidification/drying. At the same time these systems are capable of efficiently storing thermal energy. The covered range of possible services stretches from experiments on the fundamentals of ab- and adsorption to the installation and monitoring of demonstration plants.