The Institute of Solar Research investigates technologies and develops innovative concepts for solar thermal power plants in order to use the sun's energy efficiently and design systems that are reliable, economically attractive and sustainably for the energy supply of tomorrow.
The focus is on various technologies, such as molten salt, particle, air and silicone oil systems for solar thermal power plants. Each of these offers different possibilities for storing and using solar energy.
The institute's research also includes the systematic design and evaluation of these plants – from detailed simulation and calculation of performance and energy yield to in-depth economic analyses.
Another focus is on digitalisation: the aim is to develop AI-based, intelligent control and monitoring systems for the autonomous solar power plant of the future. These systems are designed to maximise energy yield, extend the service life of the plants and, at the same time, meet the highest safety standards.
