Why energy research can be so interesting?
The DLR Institute of Low-Carbon Industrial Processes was there at the Night of Creative Minds in Cottbus on October 15, 2022.
On Saturday, October 15, 2022, after a 2-year Corona break, the Night of Creative Minds traditionally took place again in Cottbus. At 21 different locations in the city, research institutions, companies and projects presented themselves to the general public from 6 pm - midnight.
As the DLR Institute of Low-Carbon Industrial Processes, we were there for the first time and demonstrated in our test hall in Gerhart-Hauptmann-Straße why energy research can also be so interesting. At the institute, we are developing new technologies for high-temperature heat pumps to decarbonize energy-intensive industrial sectors and thus make a significant contribution to reducing CO2 and pollutant emissions in the coming decade. Over 450 visitors of all ages found their way to us and were able to learn about what we are researching through exciting hands-on experiments, including a tour of our CoBra pilot plant (a high-temperature heat pump), which was just inaugurated in September.
Our exciting hands-on experiments for young and old included a tennis ball accelerator, crafting and launching water bottle rockets, dyeing flames, and making a pocket heat accumulator. Small demo experiments were used to explain how a heat pump, a compressor and a gearbox work. Our young guests were even able to build the gearbox themselves using Lego bricks. At a vacuum pumping station, we showed all interested guests how some physical phenomena (evaporation, sound propagation, driving force) work in a vacuum.
Another highlight was a virtual stay on the ISS by means of VR glasses. To bridge the waiting time, especially for our young guests, small satellites, paper airplanes and a small astronaut to take home could be made in the craft corner under guidance.
All our guests - young and old - were enthusiastic and we, who supervised the experiments throughout the night and answered many questions about our research, also had a lot of fun and we know. We will be there again in Cottbus at the NdkK in 2023!