Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT

Competencies

Fraunhofer UMSICHT plays an important role when it comes to research and the development of technological solutions for a sustainable energy sector and raw materials industry. Our expertise has proven itself in a wide range of projects. Our creativity, quality, and efficiency in brainstorming, consulting, and putting new knowledge into practice reflect the passion with which we advance projects. This makes Fraunhofer UMSICHT a reliable partner for projects, analyses, and scenarios.

Fraunhofer expertise for business, politics, and society in the fields of energy, processes, and products

Energy

Energy Systems Engineering

We know our way around energy systems engineering and its applications. We advise on its conception, calculation, design, planning, and integration. We specialize in small, high-speed turbomachinery such as ORC supersonic and micro steam turbines and the continuous improvement of energy plants and processes.

To the competence Energy Systems Engineering

Energy

Energy Systems

We develop and optimize energy-efficient and economical energy systems. We specialize in local energy systems to supply to buildings or even urban quarters and in the integration of renewable energies. We optimize the dimensioning and operation of energy supply plants and storage facilities in future markets.

To the competence Energy Systems

Energy

Electrochemical Energy Storage

We develop electrochemical energy storage systems for the demand-oriented provision of electricity. Our concepts contribute to the sector coupling of energy and production. We specialize in the development and manufacture of batteries and in the technological, economic, and systemic evaluation of power-to-x technologies.

To the competence Electrochemical Energy Storage

Energy

Chemical Energy Storage

We develop materials for chemical storage and the conversion of energy and carbon dioxide. Thermal processes for efficient energy use and load balancing are another focus of our work. We offer catalytic expertise, are familiar with phase-change slurries and cold supply.

To the competence Chemical Energy Storage

Energy

Electrosynthesis

The Electrosynthesis department focuses on the production of hydrogen and the question of how CO₂ can be electrochemically converted into starting materials for industries. The department is also home to the Energy Think Tank. It focuses on interdisciplinary reflections on overarching topics and the implementation of current research projects.

To the competence Electrosynthesis

Processes

Biorefinery and Biofuels

From sustainable, fermentatively produced, bio-based raw and residual materials, we produce biofuels and second-generation bio-based chemicals that do not conflict with food. Our goal is to replace unsustainable products over the short to medium term.

To the competence Biorefinery and Biofuels

Processes

Photonics and Environment

We use light: For material structuring, in 3D printing for additive production, to expose plants to light, for the decontamination of (waste)water. We develop tailor-made photonic production systems that are efficient and flexibly adaptable and increase the performance and functionality of materials and components. We are one of Germany’s pioneers in building-integrated food production.

To the competence Photonics and Environment

Processes

Information Technology

With our target group-specific information management, we supported application development, modeling and simulation. Our goal is to make processes efficient.

To the competence Information Technology

Processes

Process Engineering

We develop concepts for process-related production. The focus lies on the modularization and digitization of process engineering. We offer models for later investigation, modeling, simulation, and optimization in a dynamic overall system. We focus on biotechnology for environment and energy, bioprocess engineering and fluid separation, biomass and residue utilization, membrane and food technology.

To the competence Process Engineering

Processes

Strategic Projects

We bundle strategic projects of the field of processes and are the contact for cross-departmental initiatives of the energy and raw materials turnaround. In the Processes think tank, we take up new technological approaches, evaluate them and develop them further in an application-oriented manner.

To the competence Strategic Projekts

Products

Circular and Bio-based Plastics

We develop customized bio-based plastics for a variety of applications like films, fibers, filaments, injection molded parts, and others. We offer expertise in polymer chemistry, material development, plastics processing and recycling, production scale-up and materials testing. We can provide material samples on an industrial scale.

To the competence Circular and Bio-based Plastics

Products

Product Development

With the focus on product development, we modify and functionalize plastics and natural materials such as leather, wood and stone. We offer expertise in coating and particle technology, compounding, as well as the comminution and addition of various materials. As an innovative process, we use, among other things, compressed carbon dioxide as a solvent and dispersing agent.

To the competence Product Development

Products

Sustainability and Participation

We develop tailor-made sustainability strategies, help to close loops, and evaluate the sustainability of products, processes, and services. We support innovation processes and focus specifically on user integration, stakeholder management and new formats for citizen involvement.

To the competence Sustainability and Participation