Current research projects

Image In-situ investigation concerning the swelling behaviour of polymer materials under elevated pressures and temperatures
Image Characterisation of Superconductors in Hydrogen Atmosphere
Image Investigation of coolants
Image State of system and failure analyses
Image 3D - Air flow sensor
Image Refrigerants, lubricants and mixtures
Image Software modules
Image Test rigs for refrigeration and heat pump technology
Image Investigation of material-dependent parameters
Image CFE-Test of Cooker Hoods
Image Development of test methods and test rigs for stationary integrated refrigeration units
Image Tribological investigations of oil-refrigerant-material-systems
Image Testzentrum PLWP at ILK Dresden
Image Investigation according to DIN EN ISO 14903
Image Ionocaloric cooling
Image Cryostats, Non-Metallic and Metallic

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Thermal engines

210,211,212,213

Principally every refrigeration process could also work as a power cycle. In this way an energy consuming machine which provides a temperature below the ambient temperature turns into a heat engine operating between the ambient and a higher temperature. In a first step cryogenic refrigeration cycles are used reversely as heat engines, as they can handle large temperature gradients.

Thermal engines similar to the Stirling cycles

In cooperation with FOX exhaust systems, the ILK Dresden has developed a waste heat recovery system. The thermal engine dedicated for the car exhaust gas system was now presented at the International Motor Show (IAA, 2011) in Frankfurt for the first time.

With the aid of a model the functionality was demonstrated impressively.

The prototype will deliver an electrical power of 2 kW, at an exhaust gas temperature between 300 and 500°C (570 to 930°F). Currently optimization work, mainly related to generator, is underway. The figure below shows the illustration of the thermal engine in an exhaust tract.

Thermal engines related to other thermodynamic cycles

With several industrial partners heat engines are under development, which operate according to the following thermodynamic cycles:

  • closed and open Joule process
  • valve less Ericsson process

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