Current
Project Leader: Tim Franken
Time Period: 08.2022 - 07.2026
Website: Energie-Innovationszentrum
Goal:
In the ESC Lab, the three levels for sector-coupled energy systems - heat, electricity and mobility - are to be mapped in a CO2-neutral cycle approach based on hydrogen. At all levels, the corresponding elements of the cycle approach will be developed and optimized, starting with hydrogen production at different pressure levels and process technologies according to the desired application (high pressure --> mobility, low pressure --> further synthesis). This is followed by the further processing of the hydrogen into the synthetic hydrocarbons methane and methanol, and their conversion back into electricity in the oxyfuel process for emission-free recycling of the exhaust gases, in the form of highly concentrated and pure CO2, into the material cycle. Each of the three levels is optimized and further developed for use in the cycle system in an understanding-based and simulation-supported development process in close exchange with the EIZ facilities EECON, DIVERSY, Scale-Up Lab, MoWes and SCL.
In the new ESC Lab to be set up, advanced measurement technology will be used to achieve a detailed characterization of the materials, components and process control as well as the optimization of their interaction. For this purpose, a novel model-based simulation and optimization platform will be developed based on detailed experimental analyses, which will enable extensive prototype validation in the early development period.
Project Leader: Hayat El Harrab
Time Period: 10.2022 - 09.2025
Website: BTU-BAM Graduiertenkolleg
Goal:
The operation of gas engines with green hydrogen from renewable energy sources is a future technology to achieve CO2-neutrality in the energy and transport sector. To increase the thermal efficiency of such piston engines the increase of compression ratio and charging of the intake air are applied. This leads to higher compression pressures and temperatures during the engine operation cycle. Further, to avoid galling and excess thermal stresses of the piston rings and cylinder surfaces, lubricating oils are necessary.
Due to the higher thermal auto-ignition propensity of engine oils compared to hydrogen, the oil can cause self-ignition under certain conditions, leading to low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) phenomena. The LSPI creates strong pressure gradients within the combustion chamber, which can destroy the components, such as piston and valves. For example, low oil viscosities and high calcium content could enhance high pre-ignition rates. Hence, it is important to improve the knowledge of the impact of lubricant properties on LSPI in hydrogen engines.
In the joint research project between BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, Chair of “Thermodynamics / Thermal Process Engineering”, and BAM Competence Centre “H2Safety@BAM”, the lubricating oil self-ignition process within hydrogen/air-mixtures will be investigated. Two approaches will be facilitated to investigate the self-ignition process: 1. An experimental investigation of the influence of lubricant oil properties under engine-relevant conditions, 2. A numerical investigation to understand the effects of physical and chemical processes on lubricant oil self-ignition. The results will contribute to the H2 safety for gas engine operation by proposing optimum lubricant properties to avoid LSPI, while ensuring appropriate lubrication.
Poject Leader: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Fabian Mauß
Time Period: 10.2021 - 10.2025
Website: WIRE
Goal:
By 2030, the bio-based economy is expected to have grown significantly in Europe. One of the pillars of this bioeconomy is the concept of BIOREFINERY, the sustainable processing of several kinds of waste and biomass into a spectrum of marketable products and energy. While in the past many research efforts have been conducted towards understanding, modelling and designing conversion processes that can sustain a true circular economy, this KNOWLEDGE IS QUITE FRAGMENTED and UNEVENLY DISTRIBUTED across Europe. Several countries lack proper policies and public engagement to endeavour the challenges ahead. HARMONIZATION must start on ROBUST KNOWLEDGE, and the ability to cover the WHOLE VALUECHAIN, from source materials up to the markeatable products… and that’s WIRE mission.
The WIRE COST Action broadly organizes into 4 KEY WORKING GROUPS (WG) that bring together experts from ACADEMIA, INDUSTRY and TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER organisations and range (1) Raw Materials, (2) Biorefinery Conversion Technologies, (3) Biorefinery Applications and (4) Communication and Dissemination. These WG will proactively contribute to (i) Promote circular economy, (ii) Promote bioenergy and bioeconomy, (iii) Promote Research & Innovation in the field (iv) Promote applied research towards biorefineries implementation (v) Promote EU-wide harmonisation of the scientific and technical approaches, thus facilitating ENGAGEMENT WITH POLICY-MAKERS and industry (vi) Pave the ground for a more effective link with the relevant INDUSTRY sectors and gathering their interest.
A series of meetings and events are planned to deliver the main aim of influencing positively the future landscape in Science and Technology in this important field of BIOREFINERIES.
Project Leader: Jana Richter
Time Period: 01.2020 - 03.2023
Website: T-Cell
Goal:
In the future, 22 scientists from 10 chairs and working groups at the Cottbus site will work together in a multidisciplinary manner in the "TURBO Fuel Cell R&D" project.
With the development of the highly efficient, hybrid energy converter consisting of high-temperature fuel cells and micro gas turbine (design: TURBO Fuel Cell) in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft (IKTS Dresden), an important contribution will be made to increasing the effectiveness of energy utilization. This is accompanied by a reduction of the primary energy demand and the technical realization of the energy turnaround is supported by the effective linking of the gas and E-network by the "TFC1.0-Energy-Server".
Within the framework of this project funded by the BMWi (7th Energy Research Program), the component systems required for hybrid systems of micro gas turbines (MGT) and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are being developed from existing and new subsystems in project phase 1.
The "energy converter of the future", based on a micro gas turbine-fuel cell cycle (MGT-SOFC / design: TURBO Fuel Cell), provides the solution for the highly efficient reconversion of hydrogen and methane from renewable energy sources. This takes place in the MGT-SOFC with an electrical efficiency of more than 65- 70% (world record, TFC design 1.0).
Within the scope of the project, in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS from Dresden, the system components required for such a hybrid system (SOFC, high-temperature fuel cells) with the necessary properties, such as those required for the hybrid, "Cottbus TURBO Fuel Cell 1.0", will be developed. In part, already existing subcomponents are to be adapted for use and further subsystems with required properties are to be developed.
The multidisciplinary project (phase 1, Jan. 2020 to Dec. 2021) is being funded by the BMWi as part of the immediate action program for lignite regions.