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...

The existing standards for photovoltaic modules are insufficient for hybrid collectors. Therefore researchers are now developing new testing procedures for these so-called PVT collectors, which produce both electricity and heat. The new guidelines are intended to make the operation of the systems and the yield forecasts more secure.  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...

At the Almería Solar Centre in Spain, a test plant for direct steam generation has commenced operation. Instead of thermal oil, water is heated in the receiver tubes in the parabolic troughs. This allows higher temperatures and saves on plant components. This year the scientists are testing the control system in the 3-megawatt plant.  more...

For the competition, 18 interdisciplinary student teams from all over the world developed and built houses that generate at least as much energy – using solar systems – as they consume. They were supported by their universities, researchers and companies. From Germany, students took part from Hochschule Konstanz University of Applied Sciences (HTWG) and RWTH Aachen University, supported with government energy research funds. Whereas the design from Constance has perfected a modular construction system, with the Aachen team the focus is on recycling. After ten disciplines, the two homes achieved 4th and 5th places.  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...

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...

At the Annual Conference of the Renewable Energy Research Association (FVEE) on 16 and 17 October 2012, scientists and industrial representatives presented innovations along with new strategies for their market introduction. In his opening speech, Federal Environment Minister Peter Altmaier emphasised that greater importance should be given to research and development in regard to the era of energy revolution.  more...

The first solar power tower in North Africa is being constructed in Algeria. The technology comes from Germany: researchers tested it using the Jülich solar tower. The German Federal Ministry of the Environment is supporting the development and export of this solar thermal power plant technology with the intention of revolutionising energy production in the earth’s sunbelt.  more...