Projects and References

New projects at a glance

Here we list the newly added projects.

 

PreNoise Wood

With the growing importance of sustainable construction and increasing demands for comfort and efficiency, timber and lightweight buildings are becoming more prevalent. However, these construction types pose specific challenges in terms of noise transmission from technical building systems. To address this issue, the Fraunhofer IBP is developing the “PreNoise Wood” research project - a groundbreaking method for predicting and reducing installation noise in resource-efficient buildings.

 

Wall Heating on Interior Insulation

If wall heating systems are installed on exterior walls in existing buildings, additional interior insulation is particularly advisable. It makes sense to consider the system as a whole as a highly energy-efficient wall heating and interior insulation hybrid system (H-WIHS). To ensure this is successful, 10 manufacturing companies and 2 trade associations are working together with the Fraunhofer IBP in a project funded by the BMWK.

 

Solar water desalination

The development of solar water desalination plants is a promising approach to sustainable water treatment in water-scarce regions. At the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP, several projects have been carried out in order to advance this technology. The aim was to evaluate the technical feasibility, identify optimisation potential and create the basis for market maturity.

 

Transparent Enclosures for Art Objects and Monuments

Every year, numerous art objects and monuments are enclosed to protect them against the weather, typically using wooden structures. The project partners have therefore developed a modular enclosure system for outdoor cultural assets exposed to the elements, using transparent membranes and an innovative ventilation system. 

All projects at a glance

Here we list our current as well as successfully completed research and industrial projects.

Cancel
  • Noise transmission from building services
    © Fraunhofer IBP

    Noise transmission from building services in timber and lightweight construction.

    With the growing importance of sustainable construction and increasing demands for comfort and efficiency, timber and lightweight buildings are becoming more prevalent. However, these construction types pose specific challenges in terms of noise transmission from technical building systems. To address this issue, the Fraunhofer IBP is developing the “PreNoise Wood” research project - a groundbreaking method for predicting and reducing installation noise in resource-efficient buildings. Based on the successful outcomes of the “ProSa” project for solid construction, “PreNoise Wood” adapts and extends those methods specifically for timber and lightweight structures. The goal is to create scientifically sound and practically applicable solutions, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling early-stage acoustic optimization of building components and technical systems, and providing reliable planning tools for noise prediction - a clear benefit for building owners, manufacturers, and planners.

    more info
  • Flagship Project BAU DNS

    IBP, IEC, IFF, IGD, IPM, ISE, UMSICHT

    The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft addresses the current challenges facing German industry. Through its flagship initiatives, it sets strategic priorities aimed at developing practical, market-ready solutions to benefit Germany as a location for innovation. The thematic focus of these initiatives is aligned with the needs of industry. The goal is to rapidly transform scientifically innovative ideas into marketable applications. The participating Fraunhofer institutes pool their expertise and actively involve industry partners from the project's outset.

    more info
  • Logo of the joint project BUOLUS.
    © Fraunhofer IBP

    Logo of the joint project BUOLUS.

    Municipalities are faced with the challenge of adapting to climate change. On the one hand, they have to choose effective and sustainable measures, and on the other hand, they have to take into account the interests of residents and act under cost pressure. Key areas where cities need to take action include structural and spatial design and urban use of land. More about this in the Buolus project.

    more info
  • Schematische Darstellung der Funktionsweise von Wandaufbau mit Wandheizung
    © Fraunhofer IBP

    Bild links: Schematische Darstellung der hygrothermischen Wirkung einer Wandheizung mit Innendämmung an einer Bestandswand montiert. Bild rechts: Schematische Darstellung mit vertikalem Schnitt durch einen Wandaufbau mit Wandheizung auf Innendämmung (H-WIHS) mit Bezeichnung der Bauteilschichten.

    When wall heating systems are installed on exterior walls in existing buildings, adding interior insulation is particularly beneficial. It reduces heat loss through the exterior wall and, at the same time, allows a transition to surface heating systems, which offer enhanced thermal comfort, lower flow temperatures, and better integration with renewable energy sources. This combination is best approached as a comprehensive, highly energy-efficient Wall Heating-Interior Insulation Hybrid System (H-WIHS). To realize this concept, 10 manufacturing companies and 2 trade associations are working in close collaboration with Fraunhofer IBP in a project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). The implementation of six real-world test areas at the Fraunhofer Center in Benediktbeuern enables a broad-based study and demonstration aimed at knowledge transfer.

    more info
  • Prototype in the Fraunhofer IBP laboratory.
    © Fraunhofer IBP

    Window with integrated prototype of the intelligent External Air Vent (EAV).

    Ventilation systems in the home must fulfill more and more requirements. In order to meet both energy and sound insulation requirements, an ever-increasing proportion of ventilation concepts have to be designed with fan-assisted systems. A fan-assisted exhaust air system in accordance with DIN 1946-6 is comparatively inexpensive and easy to install. With this system, the exhaust air is removed by fans in the rooms and replaced passively by an inflow of fresh air from external air vents (EAV). However, due to the increasingly airtight construction of new buildings, an ever-higher volume flow is needed. The high air flow means that sound insulation requirements cannot always be met. This is often particularly a problem in (inner) cities.

    more info
  • Motorcycle
    © Fraunhofer IBP

    Motorcycle on the Fraunhofer IBP vehicle test stand.

    To reduce road traffic noise, Fraunhofer IBP is conducting studies on motorcycle noise and on the potential of quiet tires.

    more info
  • Simplified topology for a prediction tool
    © Fraunhofer IBP

    Simplified topology for a prediction tool for designing sound-absorbing building façades, Immission Points 1 to 9.

    Acoustically-designed façade and balcony elements - with sound-absorbing materials and smart systems that reduce noise pollution.

    more info
  • Carbon neutral noise control model
    © Fraunhofer IBP

    Carbon neutral noise control.

    The experts at Fraunhofer IBP are analyzing the concept of combining noise control structures with photovoltaic systems and assessing the respective carbon footprint.

    more info
  • Fixation of the test vehicle
    © Fraunhofer IBP

    Fixation of the test vehicle on the all-wheel roller test bench with a rod and chain restraint.

    The ISO 362-3 standard describes the measurement of the LUrban type testing level, consisting of a combination of the simulated pass-by in a test facility and a real pass-by. Read more here.

    more info
  • Saving energy with effective sound insulation

    Highlights from research and development

    Duct system for air processing plants
    © Shutterstock / FUN FUN PHOTO

    Example of a duct system for air processing plants.

    A team of researchers from Fraunhofer IBP now wants to turn the tables by using sound insulation systems to save energy.

    more info
  • Intelligent window test setup
    © Fraunhofer IBP

    The latest innovation level is our smart window control, which, thanks to artificial intelligence, adapts to the preferences and needs of its users and automatically closes when it gets too noisy.

    Whether at home, in a hotel or at work in the office, the problem is often the same: You want to open the window to air the room, but it is very loud outside. After a short time, you close the window again to avoid the noise. The solution: automatic windows that open when ventilation is required, as detected by sensors, yet also have an automatic closing function that is activated as soon as a certain noise level is reached outside the building. However, the development in the Sound Controlled Ventilation project goes beyond simple volume control. It can also filter sounds based on their type and include the indoor noise level in the decision-making process via a microphone installed in the room.

    more info
  • Corner element in the wind tunnel
    © Fraunhofer IBP

    Corner element in the wind tunnel.

    Wind Noise generated by Façade Elements can partly reach such a high sound level that the well-being of the people inside the building and outside in the immediate vicinity can be affected.

    more info
  • Micro-perforated rim as sound absorber.
    © Fraunhofer IBP

    Micro-perforated rim as sound absorber.

    The solution presented here follows the approach to integrate a robust, purely metallic resonator with micro-perforation in the rim.

    more info
  • MAVO Polymeracoustics

    New polymeric materials and methods for improving the acoustics and sound design of electrical appliances and small electrical drives

    Polymerfoam
    © Fraunhofer ICT

    Polymerfoam

    Noise is a significant burden in everyday life and at work. Acoustically optimized products ensure more safety, comfort and the "right sound" - Fraunhofer is developing innovative solutions using polymeric materials.

    more info