Energy

Research centre

 

Rethinking energy - together for a sustainable future. At the Energy Research Centre of the FHV and the illwerke vkw endowed professorship for energy efficiency, the research team develops innovative solutions for a sustainable energy system together with a strong network from science, industry and politics. The team operates locally, is involved in the ‘Energy Autonomy+’ initiative in Vorarlberg, participates in RUN-EU across Europe and is networked worldwide through international projects. Practical, agile and future-orientated.

Research focus

Load management

 

Can renewable energies be utilised reliably despite fluctuating supply? Development of methods for intelligent load management to shift electricity consumption over time - for example for heat pumps, refrigeration systems or electric vehicles. Model-predictive control and local algorithms are used to create autonomous solutions that function without a great deal of communication effort - from individual appliances to energy communities.

System dynamics  

Energy systems are becoming increasingly decentralised, networked and complex - what does this mean? Research into the dynamics of modern energy systems with a focus on networked storage systems, e-mobility and volatile generators such as photovoltaics and wind energy. Using high-resolution modelling and simulation of individual components and entire grids, it analyses their interaction and develops strategies for stable and efficient grid operation in the future.

Sustainable materials  

Sustainable materials such as bioconcrete, biopolymers or 3D-printed wood are considered promising alternatives - but how durable are they really? Development of methods for accelerated ageing tests to make the material behaviour visible within a few weeks. In Lab4ALT (Laboratory for Accelerated Lifetime/Degradation Testing), the research team combines state-of-the-art analytics with practical tests and supports industry and research in lifetime predictions, damage analyses and product development.

Research projects in Energy

The Energy research centre team

Would you like to learn more about research at FHV? The research team welcomes enquiries regarding collaborative projects, strategic partnerships, or opportunities to contribute to our ongoing research activities.

Research news: Energy