ENERGY

For many years, the FiW did research in the wastewater sector for the development of energy concepts based on hydrogen. With this concept surplus regenerative energy could be stored. We do studies, think of new concepts and also process development or optimisation. For example, we want to add oxygen, produced electrolytically, into the wastewater treatment process and make concrete designs for hydrogen production, storage, transport and use.

In this context, the FiW is doing research on available technologies for the separation and reuse of CO2 from different waste gas sources. It becomes clear that CO2-neutral fuels and CO2-neutral basic chemical materials can be produced by methanol synthesis. That is why the methanol synthesis has is a key element of the work.

When considering future energy supply systems, the use and storage of (surplus) thermal energy is getting more attentionRegardless of many development and optimisation efforts of available components, a special need is recognised in the networking of the entire energy infrastructure, the interaction of the individual components and the provision of regenerative energy sources. These models can also include the sewers. If the simulation for the sewer network is also made for hydraulics and materials, the results of the data can be used as parameters for the optimisation. For example, modelling of the sewer network can be used to show the behaviour of impoundment, remobilisation and discharge. In addition, the effects of shock loads but also steady loads on the sewage treatment plant can be seen. From these simulation results, action and optimisation potentials can be developed for operators of wastewater treatment plants and network providers.

Dynamic simulations with computers make it possible to analyse complex systems. In addition, it is possible to design control units with the help of the simulation and to analyse the system behaviour of the heating network. In the planning phase, the simulation is used to create a technically and economically optimal dimensioning and planning of the heating network, including storage. Our motivation is the real implementation of innovative heat island concepts in a project region.

To realize the big energy revolution with success, especially at the base, overall strategies, technical innovations, social innovations as well as new cooperation and marketing models are necessary. The project "Regional Dialogue Energy Transition - render", funded by the German Federal Ministry of  Education and Research, is developing new perspectives in this context together with many stakeholders by using the example of Aachen and its city region (Germany).