The number of buildings heated by heat pumps continues to rise. In recent years, air-water heat pumps have been the dominant force in this regard. More energy efficient alternatives exist, however, to outside air as a heat source. Examples include geothermal energy, ground water, exhaust air and solar thermal energy. The variety of potential heat sources and of heat exchangers tapping these presents an incredible challenge for planners. Validated concepts, objective decisionmaking guidance and analyses are consequently called for. This endeavour is supported by two research groups.  more...

Measurements on real heat generator plants show that efficiency parameters as determined by calculation sometimes deviate considerably from the values registered by measurement technology. This is especially true for heat pumps and micro CHP plants. The annual performance factor is decisive in terms of their economic success.  more...

Researchers at Munich University of Applied Sciences and TU Dresden have developed an innovative energy concept for an energy-plus district, which is to be implemented in the “Neue Mitte” of Geretsried (Bavaria) by the end of 2019. The concept combines the utilisation of different energy technologies with the goal of electrical network neutrality, i.e. maximising own coverage of electricity requirements and own use of the generated electricity.  more...

As the outermost layer of the building envelope, the façade performs numerous functions. They are to be intelligently combined to create a system that permits the application of cost-effective, multifunctional façade systems. To do this, scientists are developing a façade element with integrated organic photovoltaics, textile sun protection, a sustainable insulating material and the sensors necessary for control. The next step is to test the elements on the south façade of a multi-storey residential building.  more...

Since autumn 2016, a new passive house residential neighbourhood has been under construction at the science and technology site Berlin Adlershof. It is connected to the return feed of an existing district heating network and feeds in the solar heat generated inside the district. The project is the subject of extensive research.  more...

How can energy efficiency measures and the utilisation of renewable energy sources enable districts to get by with virtually no fossil fuel? How can smart networking of power, heat and mobility be achieved? Scientists and other stakeholders are investigating these questions in six flagship projects. Initial results and local challenges were outlined by the research teams in a panel discussion at the Berliner Energietage conference.  more...

The Smart Green Tower is being built in the city of Freiburg. The 51-metre-high building will provide living, residential and working space. Depending on the solar radiation, a building envelope made of photovoltaic modules generates more energy via the photovoltaic system than can be consumed directly. In order to utilise the surplus electricity, the designers are using a flexible internal energy storage system with lithium-ion batteries.  more...

The chemical industry is the second largest consumer of electricity within German industry. Using the example of energy-intensive chlorine-alkali electrolysis, scientists are now investigating to what extent this process can contribute to managing loads in the power grid. To achieve this the production needs to be adapted to the intermittent electricity supply.  more...

The Solar Decathlon student competition challenges the participating teams to develop completely solar-powered houses. More than 250 buildings have already been built in the 13 competitions that have taken place to date. A considerable amount of investigative spirit has gone into designing all of them, they are comparable and well documented. A freely accessible online database now provides a comprehensive overview and the framework for systematically evaluating the innovations and results.  more...

For heat pumps with geothermal heat collectors, unglazed solar collectors offer several advantages as a secondary heat source. The surface area requirement for laying geothermal heat collectors is reduced by up to 50 percent without resulting in depletion of the ground or critical freezing conditions. Researchers at the Institute for Solar Energy Research (ISFH) in Emmerthal closely investigated this together with partners in a research project. The simulation model developed is available for simulation software TRNSYS, information materials for simplified designing rules for planners will be published shortly.  more...