A new database has been created which makes it easier to compare energy consumption in buildings in Europe. Data is available from 27 member states of the European Union, Croatia and Serbia. Diagrams enable users to make comparisons between countries at a single glance.  more...

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) are developing an oil vapour burner that enables conventional heating oil to be burnt in a modern condensing gas boiler device. In contrast to conventional oil burners, the new system can be regulated across a wide output range. It is intended to work with low emissions and provide economic benefits.  more...

An energy park is set to be created in Mainz for completion by 2015. The idea is to temporarily store electricity from wind energy as hydrogen. This can be used as fuel, for generating heat or for reconverting the stored energy back into electricity. An electrolysis plant shall store up to six megawatts of electricity and balance out fluctuations in the distribution grid. This would make it the largest plant of its kind to date.  more...

The demands made on measurement devices for solar thermal power plants are high. Among other things, the devices measure how much solar radiation is reflected on the mirrors and receivers and whether the air is frequently clouded by desert dust. They need to be able to cope with the desert climate and deliver precise data in remote regions – with low maintenance work. For this reason, the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) is now testing measurement devices and methods in a meteorological research station in southern Spain.  more...

When producing machine components, the grinding stage is a production process with comparatively low energy efficiency. Up to 90% of the energy deployed is released as frictional heat. Large amounts of lubricants and coolants flood the workpieces and tools to cool them. The supply of coolants and their processing require enormous expenditure, including in terms of the energy. Researchers from industry and science have therefore jointly developed new processes that produce significant savings potential with minimum lubrication.  more...

What potential is provided by thermochemical storage systems? Researchers at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) have been pursuing this question. With a new test plant they are investigating the extent to which solar heat can be stored thermochemically for industrial processes and solar power plants.  more...

In order to reduce emissions, it is planned that CO2 should be separated and further processed in the plastics industry. The CO2 will be bound in the long term and will replace crude oil, which as a raw material is in short supply. In this way, the nightmare climate killer can be used as a basis for sweet dreams. CO2 will be used as a raw material to produce mattresses.  more...

Researchers at the Technische Universität Darmstadt are hoping to discover emission-free ways of burning natural gas or coal. The technology is based on flame-free combustion. Prof. Dr. Bernd Epple, head of the department of energy systems and energy technology at the TU Darmstadt, explains the ECLAIR project. His team in the research partnership is investigating the “Emission Free Chemical Looping Coal Combustion Process”.  more...

Researchers at the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg have developed lithium-ion batteries with a working life of over 10,000 charge cycles. In so doing, they have achieved a new standard in international technology development. As well as the cell configuration, the scientists have also produced a small sample series. The cells are designed as solar power batteries and for use in electric cars.  more...

Solar thermal energy is intended to cover 50 per cent of the heating requirements of a residential area being developed on the site of a former army barracks in Crailsheim-Hirtenwiesen. To ensure that this is possible throughout the year, a seasonal borehole thermal energy storage system has been installed with a volume of 10,000 m³ of water equivalent. This is the most cost-effective version to be produced so far. However, before drilling could commence for the storage system, a specialist team had to search the area for unexploded ordnance.  more...