Thermal Energy Converters

Systems for cooling and switching, pumping, converting and conducting heat

Research in the »Thermal Energy Converters« business area focuses on technologies for pumping, converting, conducting and switching heat. For our work, we draw on more than 20 years of experience and extensive know-how on special measurement technology, simulation, material development and system integration.

Our work includes development, design and construction of efficient caloric heat pumps and cooling systems without harmful refrigerants based on magneto-, electro- or elastocaloric materials. These cooling systems are based on the highly effective transport of heat via latent heat and have the potential to fundamentally change today's predominantly compressor-based cooling technology.

Another research focus of the group is thermoelectric modules and systems, including those for high-temperature processes. The work ranges from system construction for demonstrators and functional tests on our own test rigs or in the field to simulation calculations and validation measurements for optimally designed thermoelectric modules.

One of our core competences is the development and semi-automatic production of thermoelectric modules. The modules are used as thermo-generators for waste heat recovery, e.g. in small combustion plants. As Peltier modules, they are applied in cooling applications where particularly precise temperature control is required.

Novel concepts for efficient heat transport based on heat pipes form another field of activity of the group. For example, pulsating heat pipes (PHPs) transport heat many times more efficiently than metals such as copper and have several advantages over conventional heat pipes. In addition, we are conducting research on heatpipe-based heat switches for the targeted regulation of heat flows.

Our offer for thermal energy converters includes

  • Development of magnetocaloric, elastocaloric and electrocaloric systems
  • Development of thermoelectric modules and systems also for customer-specific requirements (e.g. for waste heat utilization and temperature control)
  • Thermal management by heat pipes and Peltier modules
  • Customized development and characterization of heat pipes
  • Structural, thermal and electrical analysis of components and materials, also long-term tests of thermoelectric modules and 3D computed tomography
  • Numerical simulation
  • Customized complete systems
  • Contract measurements and measurements at the customer's site
  • Technology consulting and evaluation
  • Feasibility studies and suitability tests

News & Information

 

Fraunhofer lighthouse project »ElKaWe

Electrocaloric heat pumps

Six Fraunhofer Institutes are working on the development of efficient electrocaloric heat pumps for heating and cooling.

 

Surface and Coatings Technology

Editor's Choice

A scientific paper on the thermophysical properties of coatings in Ti (B,N) material systems, in which Fraunhofer IPM was involved, has been selected Editor's Choice of the journal »Surface and Coatings Technology«. The article was written under the leadership of the University of Leoben. As part of the publication, the Fraunhofer IPM team carried out thermal conductivity measurements (time-domain thermoreflectance).

Partners and Networks

  • ITS - International Thermoelectric Society
  • ETS - European Thermoelectric Society
  • Cluster Fuel Cell BW