Let's Save Energy!

The new issue of RWTH THEMEN offers insights into interdisciplinary solutions to energy challenges for a future worth living. More to find out: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/global/show_document.asp?id=aaaaaaaabxgxjcd

The Institute of Geomechanics and Subsurface Engineering at RWTH has developed a calculation tool for the “Geothermie in NRW” internet platform to simplify the process of planning geothermal plants. The Geological Survey of North Rhine-Westphalia (GD NRW) provides the platform www.geothermie.nrw.de on behalf of the North Rhine-Westphalian Ministry of Economics and now provides users with the option of quickly dimensioning geothermal probes and probe fields between 100 and 1000 meters to cover any heating and cooling requirements.

“Geothermal energy is an essential part of achieving Germany’s net zero targets and the further developed “Geothermal in NRW” platform is a powerful tool to support this. With our calculation tool, we want to help tap the potential of geothermal energy, whether for building or district heating and cooling or even electricity generation,” explains Institute Director Professor Raul Fuentes.

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The aluminum and steel industry is one of the most energy-intensive industries in the world. The “HyInHeat” research project, funded by the EU to the tune of 17.7 million Euros, now aims to test the use of hydrogen as a fuel in the high-temperature processes of the aluminum and steel industry. It will focus on the procedures of processing, in particular melting, heating and heat treatment, and will thus make an important contribution to decarbonization along the process chains of these sectors. The possible reduction of CO2 and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions with a simultaneous increase in energy efficiency through new technology would be an important contribution to achieving climate targets.

The project, which will run until the end of 2026 with 30 partners from 12 countries, is being coordinated by the Department for Industrial Furnaces and Heat Engineering (IOB) at RWTH Aachen University. The University’s Institute of Mineral Engineering (GHI) and the Institute for Combustion Technology (ITV) are also involved. “While some components such as burners have already been classified as suitable for hydrogen combustion, the holistic integration of hydrogen as a fuel in industrial thermal processes requires an adaptation of the plant technology, the process technology as well as the infrastructure,” explains the head of the IOB, Professor Herbert Pfeifer at the kick-off of the project in Aachen.

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Even if there are currently different ways to ensure energy security in France and Germany, both nations are of central importance when it comes to achieving a successful energy transition in Europe. “Gemeinsamer Weg?! Frankreich und Deutschland und die Energiewende” is the title of a panel discussion that will be held jointly by the Institut Français and RWTH Aachen University on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 7pm at SuperC, Templergraben 57. The journalist Jens Tervooren will moderate the panel discussion.

Further information can be found on the RWTH website at: France, Germany, and the Energy Transition

The current energy crisis presents all of us with major challenges. To contribute to addressing this situation, RWTH offers support this winter, providing practical tips on how all RWTH members can make a contribution to reducing energy consumption.

• To achieve a room temperature of 19 °C, position 2 on the thermostatic valves is sufficient. If you have any technical problems, please contact the problem reporting office.
• Are you going to be absent for several days? Turn the thermostatic valves back to the antifreeze position (*).
  ► Lowering the room temperature by 1 °C saves about 5 to 10 percent of heating energy
• Ventilating several times a day is better than having the windows permanently tilted. Closed windows ensure that warm heating air is not permanently escaping to the outside.
• Remember to turn down the heat when you are ventilating the room.
  ► Proper ventilation behavior can save up to 30 percent of heating energy
• Be careful not to obstruct radiators with furniture or other such items.
• Keep doors closed: A simple energy-saving tip that has a big effect. This is especially true for the door to the hallway, which may lead into the drafty entrance area.

The German government has issued an ordinance providing regulations and standards for the heating of public buildings and workplaces. In light of the ordinance, RWTH would like to point out that the operation of private electrical heating devices – regardless of whether they are privately or publicly financed – is generally prohibited. Exceptions are only permitted if agreed in advance with Department 10.0 – Facility Management as part of an approved heating strategy.

Electric heating devices need relatively high power input. The simultaneous use of electric heaters may result in overloading of the (RWTH) power grid. If used improperly, such devices also present a fire hazard, in particular due to overheating. This applies, in particular, to fan heaters.

The current energy crisis presents all of us with major challenges. To contribute to addressing this situation, RWTH offers support in the upcoming winter, providing practical tips on how all RWTH members can make a contribution to reducing energy consumption. For example, you can save energy on lighting:

• Turn on the lights only when necessary.
• When you leave a room for an extended period of time, the lights should be turned off, both in your offices and in the hallways, stairwells and other rooms.

For further tips and information, please visit the RWTH website at: Energy Saving Tips

As a result of the Russian attack on Ukraine, Germany is, unfortunately, finding itself in a tight gas supply situation. A challenge such as this can only be mastered if we all come together and do our part in the coming months.

The German government has adopted a package of measures to help significantly reduce energy consumption in Germany in the short term. This will also help implement the European Union’s energy-saving targets. The public sector, including RWTH Aachen University, is expected to lead by example.

The Federal Energy Conservation Ordinance stipulates the following mandatory regulations for university operations: Read the rest of this entry »