Current research projects

IO-Scan - Integral measuring optical scanning method

Panel with indirect evaporative cooling via membrane

Cryostats, Non-Metallic and Metallic

Preformance measurements of heat exchangers

Behavior of multiphase cryogenic fluids

Low temperature – test facilities

Certification of efficient air conditioning and ventilation systems through the new "indoor air quality seal" for non-residential buildings

3D - Air flow sensor

Low Temperature Measuring Service

In-situ investigation concerning the swelling behaviour of polymer materials under elevated pressures and temperatures

Performance tests of condensing units

Pulse-Tube-Refrigerator with sealed compressor

Cool Up

Service offer for Leak Detection and Tightness Test

Computational fluid dynamics CFD

Cryogenic liquid piston pumps for cold liquefied gases like LIN, LOX, LHe, LH2, LNG, LAr

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Thermal engines

Industry

Dipl.-Ing. Gunar Schroeder

+49-351-4081-5129

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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.

Functionell model 3-cycle striling engine

Functional model of 4 cycle pulse tube engine for waste heat recovery.

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.