The power grids of the future should be able to cope with the instability of weather-dependent renewable energy sources. As a major energy consumer and potential energy producer, wastewater treatment plants and sewer networks can help stabilize future renewable energy grids through demand-side management. Such an approach could also enable plant operators to reduce their operating costs. However, new control strategies for energy flexibilization need to be developed to ensure safe and efficient operation of the wastewater infrastructure.   The experts at the CLEWATEC Innovation Lab are working on the following technological challenges:  Methods for the simultaneous evaluation of weather, energy market and grid operation data  Development of control strategies for energy flexibilization and optimal operation of wastewater treatment plants and sewer networks  Integration of future power-to-gas processes in wastewater treatment plants

Biogas and wastewater treatment plants consist of large reactors of several cubic meters, which are often difficult to access and filled with opaque media. These properties make it difficult to characterize the process using conventional measurement methods. Spatially distributed process data on the quality of mixing, flow velocities, dead zones or even local process chemistry has so far been almost completely lacking. For optimization measures, it must be possible to monitor and quantify the stirring process of real fermenters during everyday operation using autonomous, real-time capable and easy-to-use measurement technology. The flow-following sensor particles in the CLEWATEC Innovation Lab are able to collect 3D data on mixing success and process efficiency in large industrial reactors in a short time without disturbing the flow and without the installation of fixed units in the tank. For this reason, FlowTracer technology offers an innovative solution for identifying process optimization potentials, especially for reducing energy consumption, in various industries. Potential applications range from wastewater treatment and biogas production to the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. We are looking for partnerships (pharmaceutical, chemical industry, biogas, wastewater treatment, research institutions) to support the development of the process by assistance in the development of specifications for industrial applications Access to industrial plants for demonstration trials Industrial plants from at least two different industries, for example biogas and pharmaceutical production  Research collaborations in the form of direct cooperation or third-party funded projects are being sought.

The IFW Dresden is the first and only institution in Germany that can produce pure carbon yarns from vapor phase deposition. The method differs from conventional methods, which merely apply carbon nanotubes to an artificial carrier thread. In contrast, the well-known outstanding properties of carbon nanotubes can be directly transferred to the microscale by vapor phase deposition. The yarns are a promising material for industrial applications due to their high thermal and electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. For mass production, the research group is currently looking for suitable industrial partners who would like to advance this key technology.