Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPMThe »Thermal Energy Converters« department, headed by Dr. Olaf Schäfer-Welsen, researches technology for pumping, converting, transferring and controlling heat. We develop, design and assemble efficient thermal energy conversion systems, including caloric heat pumps and cooling systems based on magnetocaloric, electrocaloric or elastocaloric materials. Our custom-built thermoelectric modules and systems for efficient thermal management and the use of waste heat are tailored to each individual application.
Moreover, we are conducting research on novel designs for efficient heat transfer based on heat pipes and heat pipe-based thermal switches for regulating heat flows.