Applications in the energy industry
The future of energy supply
The global transition to renewable energies requires innovative approaches in material development and process optimization. Thermal analysis helps to efficiently test new materials for energy generation and evaluate their use in real systems. In this way, materials are developed specifically to conserve resources and reduce CO₂ emissions.
Thermal properties of fuels
The measurement of thermal conductivity, heat capacity and thermal expansion of classic fuels such as coal, crude oil and natural gas enables the optimization of combustion processes. Thermal analysis provides important data for the design of power plant boilers and turbine components and helps to achieve maximum energy yield with minimum material wear.
Energy supply through sunlight
Over 90 % of the solar modules already installed today are made from polycrystalline silicon wafers. The remainder is based on thin-film solar cells, whose market share is expected to increase to 20% by 2020 (source: DECHEMA e.V., Chemie als ein Innovationstreiber in der Materialforschung). Photovoltaics and the like are playing an increasingly important role in the fight against climate change, the protection of our resources and the energy transition.
Materials research must therefore develop solar cells that are cost-effective, efficient and durable in order to utilize solar energy effectively.
Materials of the future:
- Copper indium gallium selenide solar cell
- Thin-film solar cells
- Organic photovoltaics (polymer heterojunctions, dye-sensitized cells, hybrid organic-inorganic systems)
Innovative solar cell materials
In addition to traditional silicon, new cell types such as CIGS, cadmium telluride and perovskite are the focus of current developments. The aim of research is to improve efficiency, reduce production costs and increase service life under changing climatic conditions. Material analysis methods enable precise quality control of wafers, substrates and thin films.
Development of fuel cells
Thermal stability and electrochemical efficiency are crucial for fuel cells. In addition to polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), hybrid systems that enable flexible operating conditions are being investigated. Thermal analysis methods such as thermogravimetry or DSC enable the investigation of degradation, membrane aging and reaction behavior.
Materials of the future:
- Membrane fuel cells
- Molten carbonate fuel cells
- Solid oxide fuel cell
Sustainable energy supply through Molten Salts
The use of Molten Salts is playing an increasingly important role in sustainable energy supply. These high-temperature stable materials offer remarkable thermal properties that are crucial in applications such as nuclear fission reactors and solar power plants.
In particular, the FLiNaK fused salt, a mixture of lithium fluoride (LiF), sodium fluoride (NaF) and potassium fluoride (KF), plays a key role in these technologies as it has exceptional thermal conductivity.
Practical examples and industrial applications
- Optimization of solar thermal systems through targeted material selection
- Analysis and recycling of photovoltaic modules
- Fuel quality control for energy suppliers
- Long-term studies on heat storage materials in power plants