Research Projects

The control is an important system component of solar thermal systems. Programming of the control algorithms incurs significant component costs. Here, the use of the neural network methodology could result in significant cost advantages. At the same time, this also offers new possibilities for control optimization with respect to energy consumption optimization. The main objective of the “ANNsolar” project is the development and demonstration of the monetary and technical advantages of the neural network methodology. The option to generate self-learning algorithms enables the realization of complex control strategies for increased energy efficiency in a significantly simpler manner. | Duration: October 2014 - June 2018

Project in the Business Area Energy-Efficient Buildings; Topics: Low Temperature Solar Thermal, TestLab Solar Thermal Systems; Duration: July 2008 – November 2011

Project in the Business Area Solar Thermal Power Plants and Industrial Processes, Energy Efficient Buildings, TestLab Solar Thermal Systems; Topics: Efficient Heat Exchangers, Solar Thermal Power Plants, Low Temperature Solar Thermal; Duration: April 2016 - March 2019

Project in the Business Areas Photovoltaics and Solar Thermal Technology; Topics: Photovoltaic Modules and Power Plants, Low-Temperature Solar Thermal Field of Work: Module Technology; Duration: May 2013 - October 2016

Concentrating solar collectors are a key technology for the heating transition. Studies show that they can also make a significant contribution to the heat supply in Germany as a cost-efficient replacement for fossil fuels. They deliver high yields at temperatures well above 100°C (Figure 1). Concentrating solar technologies open up a viable pillar for renewable heat supply in Germany. The ProSolNetz project contributes to the dissemination of knowledge about the diverse application possibilities of concentrating solar thermal energy, also in combination with other renewable energy technologies. Municipal and system planners are provided with tools that enable rapid market introduction. | Duration: 05/2024 - 04/2027

How economically viable is solar thermal process heat in Germany? What role do investment grants from the EEW funding program play, and what is the economic viability compared to fossil fuel heat production? These questions were the focus of our study on the decarbonization of industrial heat through solar thermal process heat. Various collector technologies, temperature ranges and locations were evaluated using dynamic simulations and detailed cost models. The results show under which conditions solar thermal energy can already today provide a competitive and climate-friendly alternative to conventional heat generation. | Duration: 07/2024 - 12/2024

In Kenya's coastal regions, the lack of cold storage facilities and suitable technologies for preserving fresh produce leads to considerable losses. Both fishermen and farmers suffer from this situation and are forced to sell their produce fresh to traders as quickly as possible or at uneconomical prices. The warm weather in the region accelerates spoilage and leads to post-harvest losses, especially of fish. It is also difficult to dry fish during the rainy season and at night. Drying in the sun in open areas is prone to contamination and results in poor quality fish that cannot find access to quality markets. In the project, two solar-powered systems for producing ice and drying fish were developed and set up with local partners. Photovoltaics and electrical storage technologies as well as solar thermal energy, heat pumps and thermal storage systems are used to generate and supply the required energy. The project is being implemented in close cooperation with the partners in Kenya in order to ensure sustainable operation of the systems beyond the duration of the project. Duration: 09/2018 - 08/2024

The INNOECOFOOD project addresses the Farm2Fork approach to local production and marketing of sustainably produced food in Africa. These goals are promoted through the establishment and operation of so-called ECOHUBS and Living Labs. This involves combining innovative technologies in sustainable aquaculture for the production of fish and spirulina with the use of environmentally friendly practices in the production of insects as feed and protein sources, in combination with local innovation, knowledge transfer and economic empowerment of communities across Africa. | Duration: 01/2024 - 12/2026

Project in the Business Areas Energy-Efficient Buildings and Photovoltaics; Topics: Low-Temperarture Solar Thermal, Photovoltaic Modules and Power Plants; TestLab Solar Thermal Systems; Duration: February 2013 - July 2014

Project in the Business Area Energy Efficient Buildings; Topics: Low-Temperature Solar Thermal, Building Envelope, Venilation and Air-Conditioning, Materials and Compontent for Heat Transformation; Duration: 10/2012 - 09/2014