Current research projects

Image Micro heat exchangers in refrigeration
Image Influenced melting point of water by magnetic field
Image Ionocaloric cooling
Image Optimizing HVAC operation with machine learning
Image Test procedures for electrical components
Image Industry 4.0 membrane heat and mass exchanger (i-MWÜ4.0)
Image Investigation according to DIN EN ISO 14903
Image Certifiable connection types in cryogenics
Image Certification of efficient air conditioning and ventilation systems through the new "indoor air quality seal" for non-residential buildings
Image Software modules
Image Ice Slurry Generation
Image State of system and failure analyses
Image All-in-one device for freeze-drying and production of biomaterial
Image Test rigs for refrigeration and heat pump technology
Image Investigation of material-dependent parameters
Image Laseroptical measurement

You are here:   /  Home


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

Your Request

Further Projects

Image

ZeroHeatPump

Performance management of small heat pumps without energy consumption

Image

Mass Spectrometer

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

Image

Tensile and compression testing

Determination of yield strength, tensile strength and elongation at break

Image

Investigation of material-dependent parameters

Investigation of the permeation behavior