Wilfried Zorner

Centre of Excellence for Solar Engineering at
Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences
Esplanade 10, D-85049 Ingolstadt (Germany)

Tel: +49 841 9348227, Fax: +49 841 934899227
E-Mail: zoerner@fh-ingolstadt. de, Internet: www. solartechnik-ingolstadt. de

Target of an R&D project of the Centre of Excellence for Solar Engineering at Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences was to generate a concept for a cost optimised collector suited for series production. The project meant a systematic approach to the topic including the investigation of market requirements as well as a competition analysis on the basis of which a number of concepts were developed.

The Centre of Excellence for Solar Engineering at Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences

The Centre of Excellence for Solar Engineering at Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences deals with the various kinds of solar energy generation and application, i. e. photovoltaic applications as well as solar-thermal heating and hot water production. It has the following main targets:

► demonstrate the possibilities of the use of solar energy, hence increase its distribution in the market,

► provide an independent institution for consulting and information exchange,

► make it possible for the public, regional authorities and information multipliers to actually “touch & feel” solar energy technology,

► provide forward-looking education for students,

► optimise existing solar technology as well as investigate new possibilities and technologies of solar energy exploitation by applied research and development.

Apart from the set-up of a solar engineering library and a website (www. solartechnik- ingolstadt. de), the Solar Energy Laboratory is installed consisting of:

► Weather Monitoring Station: measurement and analysis of meteorological parameters,

► Photovoltaic Plant: silicon cell and thin film cell modules public power network adapted,

► Thermal Storage System Test Stand: investigation of thermal storage systems, heat pumps and entire heating systems,

► Indoor Test Stand for Solar Collectors: test facility with solar radiation simulation for solar collectors.

These test facilities (incl. Labview / Diadem) combined with sophisticated software for simulation (T*Sol, Matlab / Simulink incl. Carnot-Blockset, PvS 2000) and design purposes (CATIA, SolidEdge) make it possible to carry out R&D as well as demonstration projects mostly in cooperation with solar companies.

The R&D Project

One of these R&D projects was the basically cost oriented reengineering of an existing
solar-thermal collector. Target of this project, carried out in cooperation with Stefan Nau

GmbH, Moosburg/D, was to generate a concept for a cost optimised collector suited for series production in high numbers.

Figure 1 shows the structure of the project and its approach according to methodological design and development. Based on a thorough analysis of market and product environment (market requirements as well as a competition analysis) a number of concepts were developed, evaluated and finally detailed.

Design Optimisation of a Solar-Thermal Collector

Figure 1: Structure and Approach of the R&D Project