Energy management systems are designed to reduce the energy consumption in buildings. A design procedure for such control tools is currently being developed in the “enerMAT” project. This is used during the project development stage. This is the phase in which decisions are made about investment and operating costs, energy savings and comfort.  more...

The privately-owned Hofmühl brewery in Eichstätt is doing it - and so is the Hütt brewery in Kassel-Baunatal. They use solar heat to support their production processes. With around 1,300 breweries in Germany, there is significant potential here for solar-supported brewing processes. The Department of Thermal Power Engineering at the University of Kassel has published a guide on using solar process heat which describes how this potential can be exploited. Now, scientists are following suit with a detailed concept for the sector.  more...

Nuremberg´s new central library unites the collections from several sites. For this purpose, a partly listed group of buildings were refurbished, converted and expanded. The focus was on achieving a state-of-the-art building and usage concept as well as excellent energy efficiency, whereby the aim was to consume 30 per cent less primary energy than stipulated by the 2007 German Energy Saving Ordinance for new buildings. Demanding indoor climate requirements, particularly for the collection of medieval documents, made the task particularly tricky.  more...

Intelligent control of thermal and electrical energy flows in buildings: researchers from Oldenburg in Germany are currently developing and evaluating concepts for a home energy management system that utilises the sun as the sole energy supplier. This makes it more economically interesting for homeowners to use their own solar power. The new system is designed to store the solar energy decentralised and control the energy flows across time.  more...

The German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology has presented a new concept for the Energy-Optimised Construction (EnOB) research initiative. This formulates new requirements for research projects and readjusts the focus, whereby the emphasis is now on interfaces between buildings and the urban energy infrastructure. Performance and efficiency analyses shall investigate the buildings in terms of their interaction with the energy systems to a greater extent than was previously the case. Particular attention shall be paid to analysing the lifecycle of the actual building operation with energy-optimised operational management.  more...

Lightweight and transparent membrane structures enable large spaces, such as courtyards in old building complexes, to be roofed over. Supplemental to the additional space created, this also achieves savings in terms of the heating and lighting. Artificial light is not necessary and the heat losses from the adjacent buildings can be reduced. However, an intelligent building management system is essential in order to create a pleasant indoor environment. To ensure that this is achieved, scientists have developed new concepts and components for the use of film and membranes in old buildings.  more...

The meter reader never rings the doorbell anymore. The Smart Meter sends the consumption data to the office by e-mail in real time. This intelligent meter is the starting point for the interactive network. The new standardised devices can do far more than calculate consumption totals. They act as control and information nodes. They allow the latest consumption data to be used to control machinery and electricity generation systems according to the supply of electricity and the grid load. They are essential if variable tariffs are to be used.  more...

In future, electricity grids will have to transport large quantities of electricity from renewable energy sources fed centrally and decentrally. Plus, we need greater reserves, storage facilities and flexibility in the electricity market due to the fluctuating supply. In the "Modellstadt Mannheim" project, a virtual energy marketplace is being developed for energy generators, consumers and grid operators. Customers can see the source and price of their electricity and influence them directly via the timing and extent of their consumption and the delivery from their own generation systems. This approach also includes gas, water and district heating.  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...

Approximately 50% of the global population lives in cities. In 2020, this figure will be more than 60%. The success of climate protections is, therefore, dependent on energy consumption and pollutant emissions in our cities and conurbations. Local councils can specify important framework conditions for implementing energy efficiency measures.  more...