Current research projects

Image Solar Cooling
Image Preformance measurements of heat exchangers
Image Development of a Cryogenic Magnetic Air Separation Unit
Image Helium extraction from natural gas
Image Innovative small helium liquefier
Image Cold meter
Image Electrochemical decontamination of electrically conducting surfaces „EDeKo II“
Image Humidifier System for High-Purity Gases
Image Cool Up
Image Investigation of coolants
Image Cryogenic liquid piston pumps for cold liquefied gases like LIN, LOX, LHe, LH2, LNG, LAr
Image Overall System Optimization of Refrigeration Plant Systems for Energy Transition and Climate Protection
Image Air-flow test rig for fan characteristic measurement
Image Low Temperature Tribology
Image Innovative cryogenic cooling system for the recondensation / liquefaction of technical gases up to 77 K
Image Low Temperature Measuring Service

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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