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
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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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
