Departments

We believe that reducing CO2 emissions is crucial to building a sustainable future. To achieve this goal, it is essential to reduce the demand for primary energy and to use new, environmentally friendly energy sources.

As an innovative technology pioneer in the field of energy storage, we at the Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics are active in various fields of research with our five departments. We work on topics ranging from simulation in fuel cells and batteries to integrated energy systems and large-scale storage.

Together we are developing safe, predictable and highly practical energy storage solutions for various applications.

Computational Electrochemistry

Our research in the department of Computational Electrochemistry focuses on advancing the understanding of batteries, fuel cells, electrolysers and thermochemical storage devices through advanced simulation. We optimise efficiency, lifetime and cost using specialised multi-scale and multi-physics models. We use both specially developed microstructure-resolved models and simulations and cell-scale simulations. The combination of the two contributes to a novel, digitised design of electrochemical storage devices and converters.

Elektrochemical Energy Technology

The Department of Electrochemical Energy Technology is dedicated to the scientific and technical challenges of electrochemical energy conversion and storage, including fuel cells, electrolyzers, and batteries . We aim to develop solutions that balance the trade-offs between efficiency, durability, comfort, safety, cost and sustainability.

Energy System Integration

The departement of Energy System Integration focuses on the development of efficient battery systems and powerful, multifunctional fuel cell and electrolyser systems for both stationary and mobile applications. Our approach involves the careful selection of suitable components and the development of targeted system concepts based on detailed modelling and simulation calculations.

Thermal Process Technology

Energy storage and heat management are critical to all areas of energy use and supply. With our thermal storage systems, we contribute to both the decarbonisation of heat supply and the stability of the electricity grid. In combination with power-to-heat, we enable demand-driven heat supply from renewable energies. The flexible operation of our systems supports the stability of the electricity grid, especially in the case of conversion to electricity (power-to-heat-to-power).

Thermal Storage Power Plants

The success of the global decarbonisation of the energy system depends to a large extent on how quickly and in what form coal can be replaced by Carbon dioxide-neutral energy sources. It is desirable to maintain the controllable and reliable output of power plants at all times and to continue to use part of the existing power plant infrastructure.