Current research projects

Image Tensile and compression testing
Image State of system and failure analyses
Image Test procedures for electrical components
Image Ionocaloric cooling
Image Electrical components in refrigeration circuits
Image Hybrid- Fluid for CO2-Sublimation Cycle
Image Calibration of Low Temperature Sensors
Image Ice Slurry Generation
Image Performance tests of condensing units
Image ZeroHeatPump
Image Air-water heat pumps
Image Multifunctional electronic modules for cryogenic applications
Image Practical training, diploma, master, bachelor
Image Refrigerants, lubricants and mixtures
Image Range of services laboratory analyses
Image Development of test methods and test rigs for stationary integrated refrigeration units

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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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Measurements on ceiling mounted cooling systems

Comparative performance measurement

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Micro fluidic expansion valve

for increasing of the efficiency of small and compact cooling units

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Solar Cooling

Solar Cooling with Photovoltaic

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Hydrogen and methane testing field at the ILK

Simultaneously pressures up to 1,000 bar, temperatures down to –253°C

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Low noise and non metallic liquid-helium cryostat

Low-noise Magnetic Field Cryostat for SQUID-Applications