Electricity grids

The third phase of the research project HotVeGas launched in early January. Previous findings in coal gasification will be further developed and consolidated in a fuel database. The project will run until the end of 2019. Technische Universität München is coordinating the project. Read more

Higher temperature differences can increase the efficiency of power plants, and thus lower CO2 emissions. The lower limit is determined by the outside or ambient temperature, and the upper limit depends on material properties. As part of the research project HWT II (high-temperature material test track II), experts examined the behaviour of thick-walled pipe and fitting components during the required flexible operation at temperatures of up to 725 °C. Read more

What options are available for the co-combustion of biomass in power plants in ever greater volumes? Researchers at the Hamburg University of Technology are currently exploring this issue in a simulation based on a detailed power plant model in the 800-megawatt power class. The aim is to ensure the rate of internal consumption of power plants remains as low as possible when using regenerative fuel too. Read more

The aim of the “Thermochemical energy storage unit for thermal power plants and industrial heat” research project, TcET for short, is to achieve continuous load delivery in fossil fuel-fired power plants. Scientists at TU Munich are investigating ways to operate the combustion chambers of power plants at a constant level of efficiency in the case of fluctuating electrical power output. Read more

In October, the COORETEC research initiative organised by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy celebrated its tenth anniversary in Berlin. In recent years, around 500 research projects have been initiated and funded with more than 500 million euros invested by both the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and the industry. During the two-day anniversary symposium, players from research institutions, industry and politics reviewed the successful partnership and presented their goals for the future. Read more