Current research projects

Image Electrical components in refrigeration circuits
Image Low Temperature Tribology
Image Ice Slurry Generation
Image Investigation of coolants
Image Electrochemical decontamination of electrically conducting surfaces „EDeKo II“
Image Range of services laboratory analyses
Image Innovative Parahydrogen Generator Based on Magnets
Image State of system and failure analyses
Image Ionocaloric cooling
Image 3D - Air flow sensor
Image Air-flow test rig for fan characteristic measurement
Image Lifetime prediction of hermetic compressor systems
Image Optimizing HVAC operation with machine learning
Image Innovative Manufacturing Technologies for Cryosorption Systems
Image Preformance measurements of heat exchangers
Image Filter Tests

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Thermal engines

Industry

Dipl.-Ing. Gunar Schroeder

+49-351-4081-5129

Power Generation from Waste Heat

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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Further Projects

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Innovative cryogenic cooling system for the recondensation / liquefaction of technical gases up to 77 K

high performance efficiency, environmental friendliness, compactness, cost-effectiveness

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Intelligent innovative power supply for superconducting coils

Compact, powerful power supply with 4-quadrant converter

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Laseroptical measurement

PIV and LDA / PDA

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Multifunctional electronic modules for cryogenic applications

Electronic with less wiring effort - more than 100 sensors via one feedthrough

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Certifiable connection types in cryogenics

Detachable and permanent connections, adhesive bond / form closure / force closure