The laboratory carries out fundamental research into the development of efficient heat storage systems, innovative technologies for controlling the temperature of machine components and energy-saving heating and cooling processes. Flexible test facilities are available for this purpose.

In the laboratory, students work on experimental tasks in the field of heat transfer and fluid mechanics, mainly as part of student projects (practical, project and bachelor's/diploma theses). A student practical course takes place on a heat storage test rig.

The laboratory is primarily used to work on current research tasks together with partners from regional industry, in which interested students are actively involved as part of their coursework or in their free time as student assistants.

Variable thermal and fluidic tasks are carried out in the laboratory, usually involving the generation of temperature-controlled flows, e.g. air, water or thermal oil flows. The test objects are placed in the flows and the test parameters must be reproduced realistically. State-of-the-art measurement technology is used to record temperatures, pressures, velocities and other measured variables. This data is stored and later evaluated, and the measured values are usually compared with adequate results from theoretical calculations.

• Hot-air wind tunnel for flows up to 300 °C
• Test stand for temperature control of machine components up to 200 °C
• Vortex tube for generating cold from compressed air
• Test facility for investigating heat storage modules for wood-burning stoves and innovative hot water storage tanks
• Test rigs for investigating the thermophysical material data, corrosiveness and cycle stability of heat storage materials

Work in the laboratory takes place as part of student internships, by working on tasks for which the students apply, or as a student assistant.