Current research projects

Image Electrical components in refrigeration circuits
Image Cryogenic liquid piston pumps for cold liquefied gases like LIN, LOX, LHe, LH2, LNG, LAr
Image Low Temperature Tribology
Image High temperature heat pump
Image Ice Slurry Generation
Image Calibration of Low Temperature Sensors
Image Performance tests of refrigerant compressors
Image Computational fluid dynamics CFD
Image Certification of efficient air conditioning and ventilation systems through the new "indoor air quality seal" for non-residential buildings
Image Laseroptical measurement
Image Calibration leak for the water bath leak test
Image Reduction of primary noise sources of fans
Image Thermostatic Expansion Valves
Image Refrigerants, lubricants and mixtures
Image Helium extraction from natural gas
Image In-situ investigation concerning the swelling behaviour of polymer materials under elevated pressures and temperatures

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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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Practical training, diploma, master, bachelor

Student training - Education at ILK

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Test procedures for electrical components

Insulating properties of hermetic compressors

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3D - Air flow sensor

Anemometer for determination of 3d-air flow