Energy efficiency

Researchers have now achieved an electrical efficiency of 99.74 percent using heat pump technology. This was made possible by advances in power electronics, which have been specially developed for electrocalorics. According to the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF, the effect is as follows: if an electrocaloric material made of special materials is...

The Association of German Engineers (VDI) has published new guidelines to help ensure the professional planning and installation of heat pumps in single and multi-family homes. The VDI guideline 4645 is aimed at experts such as planners, system manufacturers, tradesmen and operators involved in the installation and operation of hot water heating systems that work with...

According to the portal "infranken.de", the popularity of photovoltaic systems is steadily increasing. This is also reflected in discussions about the topic on social media platforms. A large community discusses the topic in groups such as "Photovoltaik: Alles Rund um die Solaranlage" (Facebook) with over 135,000 members. The community focuses on topics such as the...

When used correctly, heat pumps can guarantee both moderate costs and comfortable warmth while protecting the climate. This is the conclusion reached by the energy advice service of the consumer advice center. The heat pump draws its heat free of charge from natural sources such as air, soil or groundwater. The low temperature level that these pumps generate for heating systems is due to the...

Homeowners and builders can mitigate the effects of climate change by designing their outdoor facilities in a targeted manner. This is the conclusion reached by the Association of Private Building Owners (VPB). Consultant Norman-Marcel Dietz at VPB Hildesheim emphasizes that green, unsealed surfaces both protect the environment and improve the quality of life: "Greenery promotes the health and well-being of the...

A vacation trip is the perfect time to reduce energy consumption. This is the conclusion reached by the energy advice service of the consumer advice center. It suggests a number of measures to identify energy guzzlers at home and save money. One strategy is to only switch on appliances when they are needed. Otherwise, care should be taken to ensure that the appliances are actually...

The Wind Energy Competence Center at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Braunschweig was recently opened by Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck. It houses a system that can measure the immense torques that occur in offshore wind turbines in particular with extreme precision. The newly developed "torque standard measuring device" is capable of measuring various...

Plants operated by citizen energy companies receive remuneration for feeding electricity into the public grid without a tendering process. In addition, subsidies of up to 200,000 euros can be claimed for the planning of wind turbines. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) points this out in the brochure "Renewable energies for your...

The Federation of German Consumer Organizations (vzbv) has reacted to the European Commission's draft law on the implementation of a right to repair and rejects its current form. The draft, which envisages an obligation for manufacturers to repair products, would also restrict the consumer's right to choose in the event of a defective product. According to the European proposals...

If it is too hot in the apartment or house in summer, classic heat protection strategies can be used to cool it down, according to energy advice from the consumer advice center. These heat protection strategies include ventilation at night, the use of natural shade and the use of external heat protection on windows, such as blinds or shutters. Air conditioning and fans...