Management

The Institute of Thermodynamics and Sustainable Propulsion Systems is active in research and teaching in the fields of thermodynamics, propulsion systems and transport and environment. The focus is on the development of environmentally compatible solutions for current challenges.

Application-oriented research and its direct input into teaching are the cornerstones of our activities. The attitude "Theoretical preliminary work has always been cheaper than the experiment, especially than the experiment not supported by any theoretical background", which has been coined since the foundation of the institute more than 100 years ago, is still valid in principle and is lived today, even if, of course, the "theoretical background" has changed considerably: Numerical simulation, phenomenological and data-driven modeling and their methodological further development form the backbone of the research work, along with excellent experimental equipment and measurement technology.

In the case of drive systems, sustainable fuels up to hydrogen play an essential role in addition to the analysis and simulation of engine work processes and the overall system.  Questions concerning the emission of pollutants and climate-relevant gases as well as the environmental impact of traffic are in the focus. The research and development of environmentally compatible, sustainable propulsion systems makes for an extremely exciting and challenging time, whereby competence and application of thermodynamics are always of elementary importance for targeted and effective action. This is true regardless of whether we are dealing with the thermal management of vehicle powertrains with battery electric systems, the thermodynamics of fuel cells, or internal combustion engines with sustainably produced fuels such as e-fuels.

Six research areas represent the focus of the research and teaching activities. These range from thermodynamic system considerations to the measurement and simulation of emissions and energy efficiency, from cooperation in the design of legislative frameworks to air quality considerations in urban areas, as well as tunnel ventilation and safety, including fire cases.

Find out about the current status of our research and teaching activities of our more than 100 employees as well as a competence that is also reflected in countless literature references, more than 1000 diploma theses and 350 dissertations.