Energy transformation and energy-efficient solutions

Accelerated expansion of renewable energy sources and decentralisation of the energy supply system requires new business models, technological solutions and forms of organisation. Our microeconomic analysis takes consumption and production profiles as the point of departure for the evaluation of economic indicators (e.g. net present value or internal rate of return).

• Stream
• Excess
• Establishment of energy communities
• Fossil free 4 Industry

The technology-based strategy development of the public sector in the transition towards climate neutrality is predicated on research into and the optimisation of energy efficiency increases in manufacturing, which we provide significant support for using the LCA methodology and through the creation of energy and material balances.

• Stream
• Excess

Researching technology and product diffusion with our User Experience Sustainability Assessment (UXSA) allows us to take a systematic look at customer satisfaction and the use of sustainable products and services to identify feedback on actual customer behaviour for companies.

• User Experience Sustainability Assessment
• Hardware and software solutions for the energy transformation
• Green Experience Lab

New methods of life cycle analysis (dynamic and prospective LCA) are being developed with the aim of mapping transformation processes more accurately so that future technology development, process chain dynamics and the biosphere can be taken into account when making predictions about the effectiveness of climate-friendly measures.

• CliN Steel
• LIFE Cycle Assessment Center
• LCA für Fahrzeuge

The energy system is undergoing a profound shift towards renewables and climate-neutral production. However, the higher volatility of generation associated with this transition requires high-quality forecasting tools. We are conducting research into the development of methods and implementation of operational forecasting systems for both energy production and demand.

• Projekt Excess
• WEDDA

We offer various turnkey green photonics solutions, e.g. for energy-efficient lighting, from optical simulation, mastering and prototyping to the transfer to large-scale, cost-efficient production of optical structures and components, such as free-form micro-optics for light coupling, light guidance and light control.

• Turnkey green photonics solutions

We are developing a piezoelectric platform to power wireless sensors/sensor networks by harvesting energy from motion and vibration. This technology enables us to realise self-sufficient, energy-efficient sensor systems for sustainable products.

• Piezoelectric platform for energy supply

We are developing photovoltaics for the energy transformation. Our research aims to increase efficiency through intelligent light redirection in PV modules, as well as through new technologies for the efficient colouring of solar cells and solar glass. This opens up greater design freedom for building-integrated photovoltaics.

• Turnkey green photonics solutions

We develop chemosensors and biosensors for use in compact analytical systems for the continuous detection of chemical (O2, CO2, pH, amines etc.) or biological substances for environmental monitoring (air quality, water quality, etc.) inside or outside buildings.

• Chemosensors and biosensors for environmental monitoring

We plan and implement flexible robotics applications with a clear focus on sustainability. Our concepts integrate various environmentally friendly aspects, while implementation is geared towards flexibility to allow them to adapt to changing requirements. The aim is to design innovative robotics applications that are efficient and sustainable, too.

• Contract research focusing on flexible production
• Production automation

We use digital tools for data acquisition and advanced analysis methods to optimise production processes. The insights gained along the way form the basis for our concept development activities, which aim to enhance the efficiency and performance of the production process.

• Validation of flexible production concepts
• Technical and economic feasibility studies