The department Technical Innovations (TI), led by Dr. Bodo Groß, offers diverse, creative and practical solutions for various tasks in the fields of measurement technology, electrical engineering, and electronics, development of problem specific hard- and software, modeling and simulation as well as practical work in the field of chemical-physical analysis. For more conceptually oriented work, the department TI can be supported by the other IZES departments, or supports them in the processing of their work.
One focus of TI’s research work is the design and implementation of measuring technology tasks as well as the related monitoring of innovative methods and technical solutions. The current activities are particularly in the field of measuring tasks for different projects, for example in the area of electromobility and the development/optimization of low emission solid fuel boilers as well as in the area of energetic optimization of public buildings. In this context, a low energy wall heating system was implemented on the campus of the University of Saarbrücken and equipped with extensive measuring technology.
A further focus of the department is the planning, development and implementation of electromechanical systems. Currently, the department is implementing a solar-powered, semi-autonomous, charging station for up to four Electrical Vehicles (EV) as well as a renewable hydrogen refueling station for fuel cell driven. The EV’s charging station is supported by Vanadium-Redox-Flow battery.
Complementary to the fields of electrical and measuring technology, the department develops specialized hardware – including the design, layout and production of the electronic components – as well as the associated software for individual, remote controlled measuring tasks. In this field, the department has developed a mobile data logger for collection, archiving and evaluation of operating data from the EV fleet of IZES, a controller for a self-developed electrostatic precipitator and a stationary monitoring system (INES-Box) for the monitoring of single energy converters, combined systems and complex energy supply systems.
In addition, the department develops in close cooperation with predominantly regional and national companies new process and measurement methods. Examples are a two-stage biogas cleaning process to achieve natural gas quality, an electrostatic precipitator – suitable for complete integration into biomass boilers – as well as a state of charge sensor for Vanadium-Redox-Flowbatteries.
In the field of software-based modeling, the department has wide experience, especially with the software tools Matlab/SIMULINK and TRNSYS. On example of the models developed by the department is the physical model of a Stirling engine using Matlab/SIMULINK and verified with real data. Furthermore, Matlab/SIMULINK is currently being used for the modelling and/or optimization of a semi-autonomous, rechargeable charging station for EV’s and a similar model is planned for a renewable hydrogen refueling station. The TRNSYS software provides a tool for dynamic building and plant simulation. This software is currently mainly used for the modeling and simulation of innovative building concepts using low-energy system components. Several individual components of such systems have already been created as models in TRNSYS and have been validated with the help of real data from test bench measurements and/or laboratory scaled devices.
The scope of the department Technical Innovations is rounded off by the field of chemical and physical analysis. There are two microgaschromatographs, various measuring and analysis devices for exhaust gas, flow, moisture, dust etc., two particle measuring systems, a high-resolution thermographic camera (suitable for building thermal imaging as well as inspections at technical installations), ultra-fine weighing machine, screening machine, briquetting press, several line recorders, an ultrasonic flowmeter, as well as numerous range of measurement devices and instruments.