Solar systems department

The activity of the department “Solar Systems” includes research work on the integration of solar generated energy from component to application in buildings and quarters. Traditionally, the focus has been on the development of cost-effective and reliable solar thermal systems with their components solar collector/solar circuit day storage tank. Today, these are regarded as system components of integrated systems for regenerative energy supply and further components are taken into consideration: from photovoltaic subsystems and heat pump technology to geothermal applications and the interaction with conventional fossil components. System evaluations are carried out both in the laboratory and by theoretical modelling.

The range of topics covered by the department thus extends from the development of solar absorber materials and system-oriented development of components for solar thermal systems to the conceptual design and field research of energy supply systems for residential buildings and quarters. The department plans, constructs and operates extensive thermal technology test facilities.