Current research projects

Image Tribological investigations of oil-refrigerant-material-systems
Image Air-flow test rig for fan characteristic measurement
Image Breakthrough Sensor for Adsorption Filters (BelA)
Image Cryogenic liquid piston pumps for cold liquefied gases like LIN, LOX, LHe, LH2, LNG, LAr
Image Calibration of Low Temperature Sensors
Image Low Temperature Measuring Service
Image Low temperature – test facilities
Image Development of a Cryogenic Magnetic Air Separation Unit
Image Computational fluid dynamics CFD
Image Lifetime prediction of hermetic compressor systems
Image Test procedures for electrical components
Image Corrosion inhibitor for ammonia absorption systems
Image Overall System Optimization of Refrigeration Plant Systems for Energy Transition and Climate Protection
Image Industry 4.0 membrane heat and mass exchanger (i-MWÜ4.0)
Image Ionocaloric cooling
Image Measurements on ceiling mounted cooling systems

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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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ZeroHeatPump

Performance management of small heat pumps without energy consumption

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Mass Spectrometer

Determining the composition of gas mixtures in the high or ultra-high vacuum range

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Tensile and compression testing

Determination of yield strength, tensile strength and elongation at break