Renewable Energy

We focus on research and development in the field of renewable energy sources (RES), especially solar thermal technology, heat pumps and heat and cold storage for application in both buildings and centralized heat supply systems .

For the application of renewable energy sources in buildings, we perform detailed simulations of the energy systems of buildings with a significant representation of RES and evaluate their real usability for covering local energy needs. We create our own detailed models of elements for integration into complex simulation systems as well as simplified calculation tools for balancing renewable resources in buildings.

In cooperation with industrial partners, we develop innovative solutions, usually combining multiple functions (hybrid photovoltaic-thermal collectors, dual air-water collectors, multifunctional heat and cold sources, facades with integrated energy elements, etc.), which we test in laboratories (solar laboratory, laboratory of heat pumps, test cell for advanced peripheral casing). To verify the functionality, operational reliability and efficiency of the developed and designed systems with RES, we carry out semi-operations of equipment and systems in a real environment and use, monitor and evaluate their behavior.

We translate the results of solved research projects into practice in cooperation with industrial partners, publish them at professional seminars and conferences and courses for designers.
 

Main Team Activities:

• integration of renewable energy sources into buildings and heating systems,
• dynamic simulations of advanced energy systems with renewable energy sources,
• energy concepts of buildings and entire districts (energy-zero/plus buildings, emission-neutral urban districts),
• testing of solar elements (hot water, hot air and hybrid collectors) using an artificial solar radiation simulator for repeated testing under defined stable conditions (standard, extreme),
• testing heat pumps, various specific cooling circuit equipment and thermal energy accumulators in a double test box (cold chamber, warm chamber) with controlled temperature and humidity,
• testing non-traditional layouts of heat pumps, chillers and heat recovery devices,
• ​laboratory testing of complete heat pump systems, including storage, control and hydraulic connection to the heating/cooling system and hot water extraction (emulation of building operation),
• testing of facade elements on a test cell with a controlled internal environment behind the facade.