Welcome to the Institute for Thermal Energy Technology and Safety (ITES) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).
The ITES uniquely embodies the energy transition: our mission is to enable innovative thermal technologies for a sustainable and safe net-zero energy supply. To this end, the ITES performs research in hydrogen safety and applications [H2], heat transfer / storage / transport using water [MPS], liquid metal [KALLA], and molten salt [FTS], efficient use of alternative heat sources [EVT], magnetohydrodynamics for fusion [MHD], numerical flow modeling [FPS], analyses of the resilience of critical infrastructures, atmospheric dispersion and impact assessment of hazardous substances (e.g. radionuclides) as well as decision support systems [RESIS].
An important part of our mission is the training and education of the next generation of practitioners and engineers through apprenticeships, lectures, internships, and theses [Lectures, Openings].
On May 23, a Dutch delegation from the Arnhem-Nijmegen region visited the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Supported by EDIH AI&CS, the visit included a tour of the Energy Lab and a presentation by S. Ottenburger on systemic resilience research, focusing on AI-assisted decision-making for resilient energy planning.
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Successful master's thesis in collaboration with Siemens Energy: simulation model developed for large CO₂ heat pump
Karlsruhe, May 22, 2025 - Together with Siemens Energy, Paul Schadt has developed an innovative simulation model for a large CO₂ heat pump as part of his master's thesis. The aim of the project was to simulate the power control of the heat pump using variable speeds of the compressor and expander - an important step for the future use of such systems in grid balancing services.
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The COSMOS-H research facility at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), which opened on Thursday, May 8, 2025, makes it possible to study complex heat transfer processes in detail, even under extreme conditions such as those found in power plants or industrial facilities. For the first time, science now has an infrastructure at its disposal to research flow and boiling phenomena in detail, even under realistic high-pressure conditions.
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Geothermal fluids are partly significantly altered by the necessary process engineering interventions when extracting lithium. Therefore, a detailed investigation of the impact on well integrity and reservoir rocks is essential for sustainable and economical reservoir management. The SCHUTZGRUND project, which is investigating these effects in more detail, involves project partners from the DVGW Research Center and the KIT (ITES and AGW). The SCHUTZGRUND concept develops solutions for evaluating the impact of geothermal fluid injection. This enables the conservation of geothermal resources and the protection of the subsurface in practice.
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Experts from the Technology House Business Unit on KIT’s Campus North know how to produce individual technical items of high complexity or prototypes. Examples are highly sensitive measuring lances for the Karlsruhe Liquid Metal Laboratory KALLA. They are about to be taken into operation.
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The article "MaPLE: A versatile facility for investigating MHD convective flows" was published in the journal Fusion Engineering and Design.
Details: The article describes the experimental facility MaPLE (Magnetohydrodynamic PbLi Experiment) for investigations of liquid metal flows in strong magnetic fields. The facility is designed to enable heat transfer studies in free, forced, or mixed magneto-convective flows in simple ducts and more complex geometries relevant to liquid metal breeder blankets of future fusion reactors. MaPLE will support the development of breeding blankets for the European demonstration fusion power plant DEMO, and the international ITER project.
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In the LIMELISA project, we are developing key components for energy storage using liquid metal at a temperature of 700 degrees. The collaboration between KIT, DLR and KSB SE & Co. KGaA is closing technological gaps and promoting innovation. In this project, KSB is working with KIT to develop high-temperature-resistant pumps and valves for storing heat with liquid metals.
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In the EvA-M2 research project, measures against carbonate precipitation (scaling) in deep geothermal energy in the Bavarian Molasse Basin were developed and the application established on an industrial scale. In the past, lime precipitation led to high costs.
Stadtwerke München (SWM) was involved in the research project together with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Merseburg University of Applied Sciences (HoMe) and Hydroisotop GmbH. The project was coordinated by the Energy and Process Engineering (EVT) working group from the Institute for Thermal Energy Technology and Safety (ITES) at KIT.
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At the interdisciplinary conference “The Dynamics of Critical Infrastructure in Cities” at the Technical University of Darmstadt, S. Ottenburger gave a lecture entitled “Sustainable and resilient urban transformation: an opportunity to help shape energy systems with critical supply dynamics and well-being in mind”.
The focus was on the energy transition in cities, how the consequences of energy planning can be measured using microgrids, and the fact that only interdisciplinary research can enable a holistic, sustainable and resilient transformation.
Conference link„Computational fluid dynamics with OpenFOAM“
The format of the course allows a very flexible participation!
The course consists of four parts, each extending over two days. During day1, participants receive videos of the lectures, slides, and do the proposed exercises. During day2, teachers are available at any time for a one-to-one discussion via Zoom meeting to solve issues related to exercises and answer questions. The course will be held in English.
Objective: The purpose of the course is to acquire the knowledge and practical skills necessary to use the software OpenFOAM.
Deadline: 16. September 2024!
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