There are many places in Germany where deep geothermal energy is available as an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels as a source of power and heat. When it comes to utilising this energy, drilling is the most expensive part. Power and heat generation is only cost-effective if sufficiently high water temperatures and flow rates are found. Via GeotIS, an online information system, planners can now gain fast access to geological and geophysical data for Germany.  more...

If industrial production requires electricity on a windless winter morning, solar energy systems and wind turbines reach their limits. Then, power plants which can convert fossil fuels into electricity no matter what the time, provide the electricity quantities required. Power plant technologies are under development for coal and gas, which can generate electricity more efficient and with lower emissions than previously. A realistic comparison of the efficiencies of modern power plant processes helps in decisions on the role of coal and gas in the future energy mix.  more...

Energy-efficient buildings generally have extensive technical infrastructure involving a range of complex functions and interactions. Ever increasing demands are placed on the performance and functionality of these systems. Simulations can be used to optimise planning across all trades. Building automation systems are then used to implement the corresponding services.  more...

On 7 December 1990, an economic and ecological success story began in Germany that is still going strong. It was the day the German Electricity Feed Act was adopted. As of 1 January 1991, the operators of the German electricity grid were obliged for the first time to include electricity from wind turbines, small-scale hydropower plants, biomass and photovoltaic plants in the grid at a fixed, long-term remuneration rate. The act itself, which consisted of no more than five short articles, had a significant effect in times to come.  more...

There are now many highly efficient new buildings around ? at least on paper, anyway.  Only when a building actually goes into operation does its owner really know whether it makes the most of its potential efficiency or not. However, not enough attention is paid to the long phase of operation. A clean break generally takes place when the keys to the building are handed over: The architects and energy planners have specified target values, but actually achieving these values is either left to others or else disappears completely off the radar.  more...

Several industrial products have to go through fire during production. In the metalworking industry, in the production of glass, ceramics and building materials as well as in parts of the food industry, heating processes are key production steps. About 65% of the industry's final energy requirement is expended on it. In Germany, industry furnaces are chiefly produced by small and medium-sized companies and close to every second furnace is exported.  more...

Operation Diagnostics taps into new potential for savings in the operation of building services equipment. It was used in the Gebhard Müller School in Biberach, Germany, to support evaluation of the building concept on the basis of measurements.  more...

The increasing contribution of energy costs to rent costs is making it even more important to reduce costs and save on energy when running public buildings, office blocks and apartment buildings. In order to achieve long-term savings, one must take internal and external factors into account and also actively involve residents and building users.  more...

Problems often occur with the renovation of old buildings, such as mould formation or corrosion, which usually stem from limited knowledge of the moisture characteristics of the construction materials used in the original construction and those used today. Often construction physical properties of modern products are attributed to the historical materials discovered in the building stock.  more...