Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT
Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT

Chemical Energy Storage

A department in the field of energy

© shutterstock

Energy materials play a central role in the energy transition and raw materials shift. The development and application of materials for the chemical storage and conversion of energy and CO2 results in innovative processes for a successful raw materials shift and energy transition. Another focus of our work is thermal processes for efficient energy use and load balancing.
 

Catalytic Processes#

We develop catalytic processes for the storage of energy in chemical bonds and for the material use of CO2. With a close connection to basic research, innovative catalysts are developed, investigated under application-oriented conditions, and process concepts developed for their industrial application.
 

Thermal Energy Storage#

We research thermal energy storage based on phase-change slurries for stationary and mobile applications in the temperature range up to 50 °C. In addition, we develop and build components and systems for the provision of cooling.

Information material of the department Chemical Energy Storage#

You will find the complete press releases at the respective links marked (press release).

Solar Cooling

Cooling by the sun

Cooling without
electricity

Battery cooling concept for e-mobility using CryoSol®plus

CryoSol® plus

High capacity cold supply fluid and cold storage medium [+5 to +45°] / Latent Heat storage on basis of CryoSol®plus

Shaping the chemical industry sustainably

Defossilizing production chains and establishing circular, greenhouse gas-neutral material and energy conversion – the chemical industry has set itself ambitious goals in terms of sustainability. As of now, nine institutes of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft are providing support in this process: In the lead project ShaPID, they want to bundle their research activities for achieving the sustainability goals and at the same time strengthen their relationships with the industry. 

Reference projects of the department Chemical Energy Storage#

© evo AG

FlexKWK

Concept for combined heat and power
generation

A new concept for combined heat and power generation reacts to fluctuating market prices and compensates for bottlenecks in the local grid. The combination of CHP with heat storage and power-to-heat is a building block in the energy transition.

more about FlexKWK

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FlexKaelte

Making cooling supply systems more flexible

The aim of the project "FlexKaelte" is to develop basics for the evaluation of the flexibilization of cooling supply systems and to show the potential for electrical energy balancing in Germany.

more about "FlexKaelte"

© Fraunhofer UMSICHT

ElkaSyn

Energy-efficient electrosynthesis of alcohols

Power-to-x processes are needed to use CO2 as a sustainable raw material. ElkaSyn therefore focuses on a one-step process in which carbon dioxide and water are converted to methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol.

More about ElkaSyn

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Power2C4

By catalysis from ethanol to butadiene

In the "Power2C4" work package, a power-to-x process for the production of butadiene and other C4-olefins is being developed. As an alternative, safe and affordable concept, it should contribute to a climate-friendly energy supply system.

More about Power2C4

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IMOKAT

Precious metal-free catalyst for methane oxidation

To develop a precious metal reduced or precious metal free catalyst for the oxidation of methane – this was the aim of the IMOKAT project. The focus was also on shaping it into a honeycomb catalyst for technical use.

More about IMOKAT

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Single-Loop Coolant

Heat carrier fluid for spacecrafts

Fraunhofer UMSICHT and AIRBUS Defence and Space develop a heat carrier fluid for a single-loop thermal control system in air- and space-vehicles. They focus on the possible use of a Phase Change Slurry (PCS).

More about Single-Loop Coolant