Development of Components for High-Performance Heat Exchangers
Electrical heaters and high-performance heat exchangers are key components in thermal energy systems—particularly for integrating renewable energy into industrial thermal processes. The efficiency of heat transfer into storage media, such as molten salt, is directly dependent on the performance of the heat exchanger components.
This research focuses on the application of Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) and hybrid manufacturing approaches that combine conventional technologies. These methods are ideally suited for producing heat exchanger components with complex internal geometries that promote turbulence—going beyond the capabilities of conventional manufacturing techniques.
A dedicated patent application has been filed, and a corresponding technology offer has been published:
Production of pipes with topographical internal structures
Our Goals: Maximizing Efficiency, Minimizing Material and Installation Space
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Increase the specific heat exchange surface area
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Enable integration into electrical heaters for power-to-heat applications
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Customize for high-temperature and corrosive media such as molten salt
These component developments are essential not only for modern thermal energy storage (TES) systems, but also for heat pumps, Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) components (e.g., receivers), and industrial processes with dynamic thermal profiles.