Strengthening regional cooperation with the EconomyThe University of Aalen receives a sponsorship of millions for new research projects

Deep Insights: Doctor Andreas Kopp, who is working on the new research project INSPECTOR, examines battery materials with the help of an electron microscope

Mo, 28. May 2018

Aalen University is continuing to expand its collaboration network of companies and research institutions. Soon, two new research projects will begin, with a total volume around one million euros. The focus of these projects is on energy storage and energy-efficient machinery. Both projects will last two years, and be supported by federal funds, the Europäischen Fonds für regionale Entwicklung EFRE, as well as by companies. Twelve universities near the University of Stuttgart are participating in the projects, and seven of those universities are from East Württemberg.

INSPECTOR and INTEGER are the titles of the recently successful nationally-funded research projects. Both new projects at the Materials Research Institute of Aalen University (IMFAA) address the challenges in the fields of energy storage and energy efficiency in electrical drives and generators. In the project INSPECTOR, under the management of Prof. Dr. Gerhard Schneider and Dr. Timo Bernthaler, quality control in Li-Ion battery production is the focus. The intent is to develop new processes to identify arising problems in production. This process is also interesting, as it could be used to compare batteries from different manufacturers and even allow for making statements about their lifespan. Seven mostly regional companies from SME’s to market leaders are involved with the project.

The focus for project INTEGER, under the management of Prof. Dr. Dagmar Goll, is the growth in energy efficiency of energy converters for electric mobility, automated production as well as energy production (wind energy). Here, the availability of powerful and, at the same time, low-loss electric drives and generators plays a central role. Until now, computer-based designs were unable to adequately take into account the irregularities of materials and components. The project, in which the University of Stuttgart, five SME’s and a large corporation are participating, should patch these holes.

„Baden-Württemberg is the most innovative region in Europe. The universities of applied sciences contribute significantly to this strength. With their application-oriented research, conducted together with regional small and medium-sized enterprises, the University of Aalen makes an important contribution to knowledge and technology transfer in the economy. We want to further strengthen that. To facilitate that, we are working with the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE) to promote the two research projects: INTEGER and INSPECTOR“, says Minister of Science Theresia Bauer.

Picture Credits: © University of Aalen/ Thomas Klink