Heat Technology

The Department of Heat Technology conducts research and development in the area of energy-efficient buildings and construction for home living and the workplace. Our scientists develop, supervise and evaluate nearly-zero energy, zero-emission and energy-surplus buildings. These developments incorporate all energy-related technologies pertaining to construction, heating, cooling, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting and materials-handling technology. In addition, the department creates energy-efficient concepts with a range of applications, from small communities to entire cities. The researchers elaborate energy-efficient retrofitting concepts for existing buildings and transform them into feasible construction solutions. Furthermore, the department deals with issues in urban climatology, avoiding so-called »heat islands« within densely developed building topologies, and the adequacy of daylight and fresh air supply in the urban street canyons, as well as street lighting.

For these purposes, the working groups primarily develop and research building systems and façade systems, as well as heating, ventilation, solar, hybrid, storage and energy supply systems. The department additionally prepares system analyses of buildings and heat supply systems, and analyzes and evaluates energy potential in new constructions and in existing buildings. The focus also extends to air flows in spaces and large halls, and temperature patterns in buildings during the summer. Last but not least, as part of its energy retrofitting projects, the department also deals with studies predicting the risk of mold growth in renovated buildings.

The department‘s scientists develop software tools to simulate and evaluate the lighting situation in buildings. They also generate innovative lighting system solutions for interior and exterior spaces, and provide consultations and assessment reports. The department has a diversity of singular light engineering measurement and testing facilities.

The team in the heat technology department creates and maintains computer-assisted planning instruments and information systems for end users, and develops calculation routines (»kernels«) used by software companies. The heat technology department also coordinates national and international demonstration and standardisation projects as well as guideline committees. Employees design and supervise national and international studies and transfer projects for the International Energy Agency IEA, the European Union, for the German government, federal states and communities as well as industry. Continuing education seminars round out the portfolio.