Solar systems technology - Innovative energy solutions for buildings and neighborhoods

Current research topics include the development of materials for water electrolysis, solar thermal collectors for a wide range of applications, heat pump technology, storage systems, building energy systems and the integration of renewable sources at district level. These components and energy systems are evaluated both by theoretical modeling and by practical tests in the field or in the laboratory using the hardware-in-the-loop method.

For this purpose, the department operates its own modern thermal test facilities, which are used for component and system evaluation. The aim is to provide reliable and economical solutions for the sustainable energy supply of residential and energy-efficient buildings. Other methods used by the department include optical measurements and material testing and the development of models to map the physical behavior of thermal energy system components.

Current research focus:

• Materials research for water electrolysis
• Switching solar collectors
• Photovoltaic-thermal solar collectors
• Heat pump development
• Heat distribution in apartment buildings
• Scientific energy monitoring in existing buildings

Methods:

• Building simulation (TRNSYS, HiSim, Polysun)
• Physical and thermodynamic modeling (Comsol, Zemax, ebsilon, Dymola)
• Optical measurements
• Material testing
• Hardware-in-the-loop measurements for system components
• Outdoor and field measurements for components and systems