29.04.25

Sequential combustion: The key to gas turbines firing 100% hydrogen

To achieve efficient and environmentally friendly power generation, gas turbines firing alternative, carbon-free fuels are a promising asset in the future energy landscape. To combust a variety of different fuels, gas turbines equipped with the…

15.04.25

Optimising the electricity yield of photovoltaics on flat roofs

With which measures can the energy yield of photovoltaic systems on flat roofs be optimised? Researchers at the ZHAW investigated various concepts in this regard. Among other things, they found that the use of bifacial modules in conjunction with a…

02.04.25

From Chile to the Baltic States - the REE-Lab monitors and analyses energy grids worldwide

Without precise real-time data, the cause of a blackout often remains in the dark. With its WAMS technology and real-time data exchange with many international partners, the Renewable Electrical Energy Laboratory (REE-Lab) at the ZHAW School of…

30.01.25

Should batteries in temporary speed cameras be cooled?

Is it worth cooling the batteries in temporarily installed speed measuring devices to extend their service life? This question was investigated by the Electric Battery Storage research group at the Institute of Energy Systems and Fluid Engineering…

25.10.24

Solutions for grids affected by power electronic converters

In the ASPPECT project, the Institute of Energy Systems and Fluid Engineering (IEFE) at the ZHAW School of Engineering is investigating why power semiconductor converter systems (PECs) can cause stability- and power quality problems in grids. New…

02.10.24

Practice-orientated and innovative - project-based learning at the ZHAW

From the idea to the built prototype. Students on the Mechanical Engineering program at the ZHAW School of Engineering work in a very practical way. At the Institute of Energy Systems and Fluid Engineering (IEFE), for example, they learn how to…

18.09.24

New solution for the calibration of public charging stations

As part of an innovation project, the Institute of Energy Systems and Fluid-Engineering (IEFE) at the ZHAW School of Engineering has investigated the technical feasibility and market potential of a mobile calibration- and verification device for…

05.09.24

Resilient power grid

With the ‘GridResilience’ project, the Institute of Energy Systems and Fluid Engineering (IEFE) at the ZHAW School of Engineering is breaking new ground to make the electricity grid fit for the energy transition in a cost-effective way. Instead of…

23.08.24

Improving the accuracy and reliability of instruments for monitoring of electrical power grids

The Institute of Energy Systems and Fluid Engineering (IEFE) at the ZHAW School of Engineering is working with the Swiss Federal Office of Metrology (METAS) to develop a measuring device that can monitor and analyze electricity grids with a high…

05.07.24

Are decentralised or centralised cooling systems in supermarkets more efficient?

The Institute of Energy Systems and Fluid Engineering (IEFE) at the ZHAW has simulated and compared supermarkets with different cooling systems. The aim of the researchers was an energy and economic comparison, taking into account the entire…

14.06.24

How to protect our electricity grids from cyber attacks

Today, cyberattacks could switch a large number of electrical devices on or off simultaneously and thus dangerously destabilize the power grid. Researchers from the Institute of Energy Systems and Fluid Engineering (IEFE) at the ZHAW, together with…

17.05.24

Highly dynamic simulation of an explosion safety valve

Researchers from the Institute of Energy Systems and Fluid Engineering (IEFE) at the ZHAW, in collaboration with the Spiez Laboratory, have investigated the closing function of safety valves for protective structures such as civil defence systems or…

17.04.24

Clever absorption process for drying herbs

Researchers at the Institute of Energy Systems and Fluid Engineering (IEFE) at the ZHAW have developed a new drying process for food based on the absorption principle. Until now, herbs, tea and spices have been preserved using conventional…

14.02.24

Liquid water for polar regions with Swiss innovation

Link to the report: Polar Journal

26.01.24

earlyWARN: Monitoring the stability of electricity transmission grids in real time

Researchers from the Institute of Energy Systems and Fluid Engineering (IEFE) at the ZHAW are working with ETH Zurich, Swissgrid and Hitachi Energy AG to develop the "stability monitor" earlyWARN - a safety and early warning system for trans-regional…

14.12.23

Basic study for the assessment of the energy efficiency of air conditioning refrigeration systems for the new SIA standard 384/4

Refrigeration experts from the ZHAW Institute of Energy Systems and Fluid Engineering (IEFE) are developing a basis for assessing the energy efficiency of air-conditioning refrigeration systems for the new SIA 384/4 standard - air-conditioning…

01.12.23

This is how IEFE researchers want to move our satellites in space in the future

A new type of chemical micro-propulsion system powered by water and aluminium powder is set to manoeuvre small satellites safely and reliably in space in the future. The propulsion system is being developed by a research team from IEFE, the…

24.11.23

ZHAW institutes prove functionality of foldable PV roof

The ZHAW institutes IEFE and IMES have validated the Urbanbox retractable photovoltaic roof from iWorks AG over the past few months. As part of an Innosuisse project and with the support of the Swiss Climate Foundation, the ZHAW researchers have been…

06.02.23

New KK Win centre of excellence for chillers and heat pump technology in Winterthur

KK Win is a joint initiative of the Institute of Energy Systems and Fluid Engineering (IEFE) at the ZHAW and the Swiss Technical College Winterthur (STFW). The platform is aimed at professionals from the sector and provides a quick and uncomplicated…

15.11.22

IEFE supports the development of a heat pump powered by natural refrigerant

As part of an Innosuisse project, HEIM AG has developed a particularly sustainable brine-to-water heat pump with the support of the ZHAW Institute of Energy Systems and Fluid Engineering IEFE. The prototype created by HEIM AG was put through its…