Heat is half – Heat as a key to the energy transition: More than half of Germany's energy demand is for heating and cooling. This is precisely the area addressed by the HeatLab research element. Here, thermal energy systems are examined across a wide temperature spectrum – from very low temperatures such as those for liquid hydrogen to high temperatures found in thermal power plants, for example.
The focus is on the efficient use of thermal energy: its provision and distribution, raising or lowering the temperature level through heat pumps and refrigeration systems, integration into industrial processes, and conversion into other energy forms in the context of sector coupling. Another key focus is the development and evaluation of combined heat and power (CHP) concepts.
ITES research priorities lie in the areas of hydrogen, heat, and resilience. The HeatLab serves as an important link, particularly between hydrogen and heat applications. It offers the opportunity to conduct research on various interconnected test benches together with external partners. Provided heating and cooling systems enable the replication of realistic practical scenarios. For example, the integration of heat pumps, Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC), heat storage systems, or refrigeration machines into a model system can be systematically investigated.
The close coupling of systems and components makes it possible to experimentally investigate methods for heat management and the utilization of low-temperature waste heat. In combination with simulation models and AI methods, the results are translated into practical solutions. The test field also allows questions at the interface of heat and hydrogen technologies to be addressed.
Existing and planned pilot-scale test benches cover different technology readiness levels (TRL). This allows the HeatLab to be flexibly adapted to various research and development questions – from fundamental investigations to application-oriented demonstrators within the Energy Lab network.
