There are still many unanswered questions when it comes to the energy transition, says Prof. Dr. Yves Rosefort from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts: from electricity storage and energy transport to the recycling of systems and devices. In the new research focus "Cloud Energy Lab", researchers at the UAS are networking their work in order to develop holistic solutions.
The core element of the new research focus is a central cloud. The results from research and teaching, data from simulations, test benches and real laboratories are stored in this virtual data repository. At the same time, the hardware in the laboratories can be controlled and networked via the cloud. "We are working together on an interdisciplinary basis," emphasizes Prof. Dr. Martin Kiel, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering. In addition to his specialist area and aspects of mechanical engineering, economic factors and social considerations also play a role. "This interaction in a research focus is outstanding," praises Prof. Kiel.
Linking data with each other
The advantages explained using a practical example: in the "Cloud Energy Lab", the electrical engineering experts can see how their battery reacts in conjunction with the mechanical engineers' fuel cell. They can link real long-term tests with simulated data and test scenarios: What challenges do the grids face? How can energy loads be managed sensibly? Where do we store green electricity between? "There is no single systemic solution that is equally good for everyone," says Prof. Kiel. That's why the Cloud Energy Lab aims to map the individual needs of users.
"In the ongoing discussion, I see a partially hardened front between proponents of hydrogen technology and battery technology," adds Prof. Rosefort. But both technologies are right and relevant for the future. It is not a question of opposing each other, but of cleverly networked use. "We always look at the feasibility under real conditions, the costs and the overall CO2 balance including recycling," says the researcher. The focus is also on the resilience of the energy system as a whole. What measures will secure the supply if something fails?
In the "Cloud Energy Lab", the researchers will work together with various partners from industry. Teaching also plays a key role in the new research focus. "The energy transition can only be achieved with good training in engineering studies. We are working on this at Fachhochschule Dortmund," says Prof. Rosefort. Both the mechanical engineering and electrical engineering disciplines offer green professions for the future.
Background
The NRW Ministry of Culture and Science is funding the new research focus "Cloud-Energy Lab" with 240,634.80 euros in the "Focus Forschung - HAW-Kooperation" program. Fachhochschule Dortmund is also providing its own funding. The research focus encompasses several faculties. In addition to Prof. Dr. Martin Kiel(Opens in a new tab) and Prof. Dr. Yves Rosefort(Opens in a new tab) , the professors involved include Prof. Dr. Torsten Füg(Opens in a new tab) , Prof. Dr. Vinod Rajamani(Opens in a new tab) and Prof. Dr. Markus Thoben(Opens in a new tab) , as well as the newly appointed Prof. Dr. Sönke Gößling(Opens in a new tab) .