Research into solar technology| Speaker: | Univ. - Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. G. Gobsch, Institute of Physics;
Univ. - Prof. Dr. - Ing. habil. H. Puta, Institute of Automation and Systems Engineering | | Coordinator: | Dr. rer. nat. D. Schulze, Institute of Physics |
Seven interdisciplinary Institutes or Departments at the Technische Universität Ilmenau, together with about 40 partners of various kinds, are working on over 20 solar energy projects. In many cases, there is close co-operation with small and medium-sized enterprises in Thüringen. It was on 04.02.1997 that solar technology as a major research focus was instituted by agreement of the Senate of the University.
- Component development – especially photovoltaic absorber films, DC/AC converters and other electrical components, collectors, heat retainers for long-term storage, central heating systems; also optimised system solutions and general automation hardware and software.
- Creation of solutions matched to market climate and demands, which will be both competitive and of interest to the labour market.
- Encouragement of interdisciplinary cooperation across the boundaries of the natural sciences, technology, the economy and industry (here the focus is particularly on SMEs). The goal is rapid conversion of the results of R&D into products, processes and services produced in Thüringen to Thüringen’s economic advantage.
- Encouragement of professional and academic training in the solar technology field.
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The general research topics currently being addressed at the Technische Universität Ilmenau as regards solar technology are:
- Pure scientific experiments to characterise the thermodynamics, flow mechanics and optics of solar heating systems and components
- Photovoltaic components and systems, control and regulation
- Development of photovoltaic absorber films, polymer-based
- Optimal solutions for complete solar energy systems
- Measurement and light technology in the solar sphere, daylight-controlled systems
- Commercial and employment implications of solar energy
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Research into "Image Processing, Pattern Recognition and Engineering Vision Systems" | | 
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3D measurement of
shoemakers’ lasts
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Image processing, pattern recognition and technical vision systems are of special importance in Thüringen’s industrial history. They are the modern manifestation of the long preoccupation (both commercial and academic) with optics and precision engineering in these parts. Such innovative Thüringen enterprises as Jenoptik and Carl Zeiss are involved on the industrial side, as are many other small and medium-sized companies.
The Thüringen Ministry of Education has for many years supported research in the fields – including that of “Image Processing, Pattern Recognition and Technical Vision Systems”. The Technische Universität Ilmenau has devoted a Co-Ordination Office to this theme, managed within the Graphic Data-Processing Dept.
Lead projects
After a comprehensive needs analysis, four lead projects have been organised within the research theme, to be the basis of a structured approach to the funding of particular investigations and to provide an academic framework
http://kb-bmts.rz.tu-ilmenau.de/kb-bmts/Leitprojekte/default.htm
The four lead projects are:
- Recording and analysis of 3D surfaces
- Flexible inspection and diagnostic systems for quality control
- Image production and processing in medicine
- Complex monitoring and servicing systems with human-machine interaction, using multimedia
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Communications and Information Network
http://kb-bmts.rz.tu-ilmenau.de/kb-bmts
A comprehensive communications and information network has also been organised to underpin the activities within the research on the subjects concerned. The network is the means of providing information on practically all the Thüringen companies and other establishments active in the relevant fields.
There are databases for
- Cameras
- Lenses
- Lighting
- Frame grabbers
- Software systems and applications
and these contain facts and figures in the realm of image processing and image analysis which are accessed by users from far beyond the borders of Thüringen. The use analysis tool proves that there are about 3600 clicks per month, mainly from the USA. Germany is the second most frequent user. The IC network is thus contributing significantly to increased awareness of Thüringen companies and products and the potential synergy effects from the marketing point of view must be obvious.
The Co-Ordination Office has now begun to set up a graphics databank which will be similarly available. Because it will contain reference data, it will act as a support in the objective comparison of image processing methods and procedures. Likewise, it will enable the efficiency of algorithm implementation to be evaluated.
Another database is also in its initial stages, this time collecting together the sort of high tech instrumentation components which tends to involve high expense. By this means, currently unused resources will be opened up so that smaller companies and infant enterprises can make use of them. The database will describe not only where and when but also indicate the conditions of use. | 
