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Research at in.RET

Research focus:

GreenTech

The in.RET conducts significant research in the field of GreenTech and deals with interdisciplinary and application-orientated engineering issues.

The focus is on resource and energy efficiency, the use of renewable energies and intelligent networking.

Our conference format:

RET.Con

Once a year, the in.RET organises the Conference for Regenerative Energy Technology (RET.Con). This conference offers companies and research institutions a platform to present their latest research and development work and to engage in scientific and professional dialogue.

Logo RET.Con 2027

Fields of work

in.RET advises companies, organisations and authorities on energy efficiency and energy use, draws up energy and sustainability concepts and identifies potential savings. It takes a position on energy supply, regenerative energy technology and energy policy with professional associations and standardisation organisations. The in.RET also supports sustainability management in Nordhausen.

A central focus is the combination and integration of renewable energies into existing heat and power supply systems. This includes the further development and optimisation of technologies as well as system integration, whereby interdisciplinary issues of energy technology, control technology and economics are addressed.

Equipment

The laboratories belonging to in.RET are used to carry out our research and service projects as well as laboratory practicals, which are offered to students in the higher semesters as part of university teaching. The facilities are located partly in the three laboratory rooms of the in.RET and partly in the premises of the AUGUST-KRAMER-INSTITUTs (AKI) and on the neighbouring open space.

Our laboratories:

Research projects

in.RET is involved in ongoing and completed research projects that develop practical solutions for industrial and energy supply issues. Here you will find an overview of our current and completed projects.

Ongoing research projects

KLIMA-N² - Sustainability in Thuringia. On the way to a strong university network

02/2026-01/2028

Project management:

  • Prof Dr Björn Machalett (FH Erfurt)
  • Apl. Prof. Dr Bettina Hollstein (University of Erfurt)
  • Dr.-Ing. Pascal Leibbrandt (HS Nordhausen)
  • Prof Dr Jens Wolling (TU Ilmenau)

Research question:

Double rotating wind turbine

01/2025-12/2026

Project management:

  • Prof Dr Thomas Link

Research question:

An innovative rotor concept is being investigated as part of the project. The focus is on developing the aerodynamic and structural calculation models for the entire system, on the basis of which an initial demonstrator is to be planned, constructed and tested. The analytical and numerical results as well as metrologically recorded data should provide important findings for further development and optimisation.

Northern Thuringia regenerative

06/2025-10/2026

Project management:

Research question:

The project pursues a holistic approach to increasing local value creation from the generation, storage and utilisation of renewable energies through the use of innovative technologies.

Thuringia teaches and learns sustainably

04/2024-12/2027

Project management:

Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena, Prof Dr Frank Pothen

Research question:

The "Thüringen Lehrt und Lernt Nachhaltig" (ThüLeNa) project aims to establish sustainability as a core competency in engineering education in Thuringia. Seven universities are working together to develop digital modules on sustainability-related topics. These modules can be flexibly combined and result in a cross-university certificate programme.

Pro Thuringian Engineering Life Cycle

07/2022-12/2025

Project management:

Research question:

The aim is to strengthen the engineering sciences by offering supplementary courses for students of engineering degree programmes that can be used across universities throughout the entire student life cycle.
Expected benefits: Increase in motivation to study, interest in studying, study satisfaction, study success and strengthening of graduates' labour market skills.
Each sub-project will be led by two universities, with all other Alliance universities also being involved. The programmes from the ProTELC project are made available across all locations on the online learning platform "Glocal Campus".

Completed research projects (selection)

Show all

KLIMA-N - Network for more sustainability in Thuringia

10/2022-01/2026

Project management:

  • Apl. Prof. Dr Bettina Hollstein (University of Erfurt)
  • Prof Dr Björn Machalett (FH Erfurt)
  • Dr.-Ing. Pascal Leibbrandt (HS Nordhausen)
  • Prof Dr Jens Wolling (TU Ilmenau)

Research question:

The "CLIMATE Network for More Sustainability in Thuringia" (KLIMA-N) project aims to transform universities in Thuringia into sustainable institutions. In cooperation with four universities, sustainability-oriented projects are being implemented in the areas of education for sustainable development (ESD), energy, mobility and biodiversity. The project creates a network that contributes to the development of solutions for sustainability and promotes the transfer of knowledge and innovation to society.

Development of a spherical scroll machine for primary use as an expander machine in an ORC system (VASP)

05/2022-10/2024

Project management:

  • Prof Dr Thomas Link

Research question:

A scroll machine on spherically curved carrier plates is being developed within the project with the aim of improving thermal management. The central objects are the theoretical design based on models and simulations to be developed as well as the subsequent construction and experimental investigation of the VASP concept in the laboratory.

Research group Phase-changing pumped storage power plant

01/2019-12/2021

Project management:

Research question:

The subject of the research work is the process of a phase-change pumped storage power plant designed at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences.

Development of a permanently operating magnetic separator for use in free-fall pipes

Project management:

The project is being carried out in cooperation with the research group led by Mrs Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dannewitz and Prof Dr rer. nat. Poerschke.

Research question:

This project is concerned with the development of a new type of magnetic separator that enables the continuous separation of iron particles.

Development of a process for carbon frame production based on a RIM process with integrated pneumatic core

Project management:

Research question:

The project aims to develop and test a new process for manufacturing a bicycle frame made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (carbon) based on a vacuum infusion process. 

Zero-emission engine for stationary storage solutions - experimental investigations

Project management:

Johannes Haller, Thomas Link

Research question:

The core of the project is an engine process that promises a higher level of efficiency than conventional diesel or petrol-like hydrogen combustion without emitting pollutants. 

Next Generation [BIOGAS] - one step ahead

Project management:

Research question:

Regionally specific, holistic analysis of follow-up concepts to assess the financing requirements of existing plants worthy of preservation

Translation of quality assurance manual for motors and drives

Project management:

Research question:

Qualification and testing of photovoltaic modules

Project management:

Research question: