Teaching
Courses in Bachelor Mechanical Engineering:
- Internal Combustion Engines (VB),
- Fundamentals of Vehicle Technology (FZ),
- Simulation and Test Methods (STM) and
- Laboratory Exercises: Plants and Engines (PMS).
Courses in Master Mechanical Engineering:
- Modeling and Simulation of Combustion Engines and
- Fundamentals of Systems Engineering
In addition, project work and final theses are offered on an ongoing basis in both the Bachelor's and Master's degree programs.
Research
Below you will find an overview of current and completed publicly funded research projects.
In addition to carrying out publicly funded research projects, we also offer companies the opportunity to use our research and development services as part of contract research.
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BiReMiH2
Development of a continuous process for biohydrogen production from organic residues with hyperthermophilic microorganisms and model-based gas quality sensors
Sub-project (OTH Regensburg): Development of a model-based gas quality and level measurement, a control method including modeling of the system
The hydrogen economy has a key role to play in the transformation of the energy supply. At present, the majority of hydrogen comes from fossil sources, with a small proportion being produced using electrolysis, which requires a great deal of energy. H2 production from biogenic residues and, above all, microbial dark fermentation has great potential. The project aims to develop a continuous fermentation process for biohydrogen production from organic residues using hyperthermophilic microorganisms. A parallelized anaerobic screening system is being developed for the screening of substrates and strains, which, like the control of the fermenter, is based on a model-based gas quality sensor system. Furthermore, holistic utilization concepts are to be established for important residual material flows, including the material or energetic utilization of the fermentation residues. After completion of the project, marketing via plant sales, services and licenses is planned.
Funded by: Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK)
Funding program: Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) Project management agency: VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH
Innovation network: HY2.Zero - Mobility needs hydrogen
Project duration: Apr. 2024 - Sep. 2026
Funding amount: 220,000 €
Project partner: Hyperthermics Regensburg GmbHAudioOpt
Auditory models for predicting and optimizing sound quality
In everyday life, traffic, environmental and machine noises are often disturbing. The sound quality of product noises is also very important for acceptance. A better instrumental evaluation of such noises is necessary in order to identify negative noise effects at an early stage of development and to take acoustic measures to reduce them. Previously established psychoacoustic methods are no longer sufficient for complex tonal spectra, which can originate from various components in a vehicle, for example. The innovation of this project is to enable reliable predictions based on human perception and to make the time and cost of the acoustic development process more efficient. To this end, algorithms were developed for complex sounds that can predict the perception of tonality and dissonance when several sound components interact. As a result, the acoustic quality can be aurally accurately predicted using an objective measure and, after validation, provides a previously unavailable but necessary tool in acoustic development. In addition to the broad validation of the algorithms, a demonstrator interface is also to be developed with which the numerical and graphical outputs can be intuitively understood and easily used by future users. The validated algorithms can be exploited by licensing the algorithms or by incorporating them into the standardization process.
OligoSERS
Development of exchangeable SERS-active fiber tips for the detection of oligonucleotides in a portable measuring device
The aim of the project is to develop a simple, location-independent, reliable, fast and easily adaptable test system that can be used to detect pathogens or mutations. This is realized by an innovative genetic test system with exchangeable glass fiber tips in combination with a highly sensitive and portable SERS spectrometer. For this purpose, a test format in the form of an oligonucleotide assay is attached to a nanostructured SERS tip of a glass fiber. The detection of Raman modes in the SERS spectrometer provides information on whether a specific target sequence, which only occurs in a certain disease, is present in a patient sample. The interchangeable tips make it possible to test for a disease in series as well as for different pathogens one after the other. The portable and high-resolution Raman measuring device can be used in a variety of ways and at a wide range of locations.
Funded by: Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK)
Funding program: Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM)
Project management agency: VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH
Innovation network: NanoAnalytics and Measurement Technology in Production (NAMiP)
Project duration: Apr. 2022 - Mar. 2025
Funding amount: 220,000 €
Project partner: SIOS Meßtechnik GmbH
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LE2An
EU Stage V - Development of CR flex-fuel vegetable oil diesel engines < 56 kW, as generators and balancing energy in CO2-neutral hybrid power plants
In the ZIM cooperation project "EU Stage V - Development of CR flex-fuel vegetable oil diesel engines < 56 kW, as generator and control energy in CO2-neutral hybrid power plants", a serial CR diesel engine for operation with pure vegetable oils was functionally developed. To improve cold start and low-load operation, the injection parameters of pure vegetable oil and mixtures of biogenic additives with vegetable oil were characterized and a winter fuel was developed in accordance with DIN 51605. The project concluded with a summer/winter test of the function- and emission-optimized diesel engine incl. LE2An module on a high-alpine hybrid test stand in flex-fuel operation with diesel, biodiesel and vegetable oil.
Sub-project (OTH Regensburg): Development of a low-impact emission exhaust gas aftertreatment module for the dynamic, bivalent start-stop operation of small diesel engines with (bio)diesel and vegetable oil
The main development objective of the sub-project was the application of a diesel engine from the power class < 56 kW for flex-fuel and vegetable oil operation in compliance with the Stage V emission limits. To this end, a low-impact emission exhaust gas aftertreatment module (LE2An) was developed to reduce cold-start emissions, which is based on the use of activated carbon to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions in start-stop operation. The focus here was on the simple integration of the adsorber unit with switching valve into both new and existing systems in order to optimally supplement exhaust gas aftertreatment. Selected activated carbons were tested as adsorbents on a system test bench.
REINELUFFT?
Do new air filter systems clean up urban nitrogen dioxide?
Sub-project (OTH Regensburg): Adsorption and catalysis
The REINELUFFT? pilot study is intended to show whether and how air filter systems that remove nitrogen dioxide from the air can be used to reduce NO2 air concentrations in the vicinity of busy roads. The REINELUFFT? project has two basic objectives:
- To scientifically test post-emission air filter systems for nitrogen dioxide for use on busy roads
- to develop recommendations for the use of post-emission air filter systems to comply with EU directives for NO2 at critical locations
In the ADSORPTION & CATALYSIS sub-project, the efficiency and effectiveness of NO2 filters will be investigated. The NO2 separation effect of the filter elements under ambient conditions, ageing of the filter elements and the detailed NO2 reaction mechanism are to be analyzed and researched. To this end, measurements will be carried out at the installation site to ensure that the NO2 separation effect is investigated under real ambient conditions. Furthermore, measurements on a laboratory scale are planned, with which the reaction mechanism for NO2 capture and possible side reactions can be precisely identified. Based on this, recommendations for optimal operation will be formulated.
PCS2
Development of a portable calibration device for checking the particle counters required for the new periodic emissions test (PCS² = Portable Calibration System for Particle Counting Systems)
In order to improve air quality in Germany, the automotive industry is constantly tightening exhaust emission limits. The introduction of particulate filters has made it possible to reduce particulate emissions from vehicles with combustion engines. To date, the functionality of diesel particulate filters has been tested as part of the periodic emissions test by means of opacity measurement. However, studies have shown that not all damaged or manipulated particulate filters can be detected using this measurement method. For this reason, from 2023, the number of particles at idling speed will be checked in Germany as part of the periodic emissions test. The particle counters used for this purpose, like all other measuring devices required for the main inspection, must be checked once a year by accredited technicians. There is currently no mobile calibration device for this check. The aim of this project is therefore to develop a prototype for a future product that is suitable for mobile use. For this purpose, an inexpensive system consisting of a particle source, sample gas preparation, dilution and detector must be developed.
H2KaREE
Development of an H2/CH4 rotary engine as a range extender for electric commercial vehicles
Sub-project (OTH Regensburg): Development of a methodology for the optimization of emissions, consumption and noise of hydrogen-powered combustion engines
The H2KaREE project aims to develop a hydrogen-powered rotary piston engine (Wankel engine) as a range extender that has the same environmentally relevant properties as batteries (low-emission, CO2-neutral, low-noise and low-vibration), enables a significantly longer range than purely battery-powered electric motors, ensures reliable, long mileage and is significantly cheaper than the solutions offered to date. The aim is to target niche markets in the electric commercial vehicle sector (vans, refrigerated vehicles, municipal commercial vehicles, construction and agricultural machinery, etc.).
Funded by: Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK)
Funding program: Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM)
Project management agency: AiF Projekt GmbH
Project duration: Apr. 2020 - Mar. 2022
Funding amount: 190,000 €
Project partner: EVS Elektronik GmbHFEsMo-Tec
Research facility for the development of alternative energy storage and mobility technologies
As part of the FEsMo-Tec project, a research facility was set up to develop alternative energy storage and mobility technologies. The use of hydrogen opens up a broad field of alternative technologies that can be used in all energy sectors. The specially developed research facility therefore represents a unique and comprehensive opportunity for process testing of fuel cells/electrolyzers, combustion engines and existing as well as new hydrogen storage technologies, which is not available in its entirety as a system. The research facility is intended to enable both individual and simultaneous analyses, with which chemical energy conversion technologies can be investigated in a defined and controlled environment.
The central result of the FEsMo-Tec project is the ready-to-use, universally applicable analysis platform for the individual and simultaneous process investigation of existing and new hydrogen storage technologies. With this research facility, OTH Regensburg can further strengthen its position in its key topic of "Energy and Mobility" as well as in the core topics of the High-Tech Strategies 2025 "Sustainability, Climate Protection and Energy" and "Mobility" and build on existing projects. At the end of the project, the research facility was successfully put into operation together with the acquired sensors and technologies from existing projects.
QUARREE100
Resilient, integrated and system-serving energy supply systems in existing urban districts with full integration of renewable energies - Rüsdorfer Camp real-world laboratory
A total of 22 partners, including universities, research institutions, companies and municipal institutions, are working on the research project "Resilient, integrated and system-serving energy supply systems in existing urban districts with full integration of renewable energies (QUARREE100) - Rüsdorfer Kamp real-world laboratory" (QUARREE100).
The aim is to develop scalable and transferable solutions that allow a high proportion of renewable energies in all sectors in the district and integrate the district into the overall energy system. This requires innovative technologies that contribute to a highly flexible supply of energy sources on the scale of neighborhoods and regional associations of settlements, commerce and industry, including the coupling of the associated supply systems. These will be developed, tested and implemented in the real laboratory in this project. Furthermore, transferable tools are required for the planning of integrated, system-supporting and district-based energy systems, for which a modular system with tools ranging from simulation and analysis tools to participation concepts will be developed.
Sub-project (OTH Regensburg)
In the sub-project "Thermochemical storage for neighborhoods" (Lead: FENES, OTH Regensburg), a system consisting of an electrolyzer, a novel thermochemical Fe/FeOx storage system and a hydrogen combustion engine is being developed that can provide both electrical and thermal energy in neighborhoods. The Combustion Engines and Exhaust Gas Aftertreatment Laboratory (Prof. Rabl) has been working on the conversion of a combustion engine for operation with a hydrogen/water vapor/oxygen/argon mixture. In combination with the thermochemical energy storage system, this engine enablesCO2-free and pollutant-free operation.
Funded by: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK)
Funding guideline: "Solar Building/Energy-efficient City" as part of the 6th Energy Research Program of the Federal Government
Project Management Agency: Project Management Jülich, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
Project duration: Nov. 2017 - Oct. 2022
Project volume: €24 million
Project partners: 22 partners including universities, research institutions, companies and municipal institutionsOptiBioSy
Investigation of the potential and development of an optimization model for biogas plants in the context of the future electricity system
Sub-project (OTH Regensburg): Network, market and engine analysis, optimization model
The project aims to work out the potential of biogas plants with regard to the above-mentioned applications and which system services can be offered under which technical conditions. The focus is on biogas plants with liquid and solid fermentation and use of the gas produced in combined heat and power plants as well as on biomethane feed-in plants.
Furthermore, it will be investigated which combinations of biogas plant applications are economically optimal and which design of engine, process and plant technology is required for this.
This investigation will also be carried out to determine how the use cases and technical design would have to change for optimal economic operation of biogas plants if a market were to emerge in future for the remuneration of the ancillary services to be procured. The considerations are made depending on the size of the plant and the connection point with the grid, because the provision of ancillary services depends on the point at which the plant is connected to the grid (e.g. influence on voltage or contribution to grid relief).
With regard to the legal and regulatory framework, the project deliberately aims to look to the future, i.e. to leave the existing regulations as the status quo and instead pursue the approach in the analyses and studies of what this framework should look like in the future so that biogas plants can be operated more efficiently from an operational and economic point of view.
To the website of the Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e. V.
Funded by: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL)
Project Management Agency: Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e. V. (FNR)
Project duration: Sep. 2018 - Aug. 2021
Project volume: € 714,000
Final report: Download
Project partners:- OTH Amberg-Weiden
- Institute for Energy Technology IfE GmbH at the OTH Amberg-Weiden
EVOLUM
Fundamental studies on the injection and combustion behavior of vegetable oil fuel and transfer to an engine system of exhaust gas stage IV/V
Sub-project (OTH Regensburg): Characterization of the injection behaviour of rapeseed oil fuel and vegetable oils
The aim of the joint project is to develop the basic principles for designing the engine control of off-road engines suitable for vegetable oil with modern exhaust gas aftertreatment and to validate the results on the test bench. The research results are predominantly fuel-specific and can therefore be transferred to different engines. The results are intended to expand knowledge of the engine-relevant properties of rapeseed oil fuel and other vegetable oils in order to improve the knowledge base for the design of injectors and exhaust gas aftertreatment systems. The knowledge gained should be useful for the development of solutions for converting agricultural and forestry drive technologies, which are still largely based on fossil fuels, to renewable drives and fuels. In sub-project 2 of the joint project, the hydraulic injection characteristics of rapeseed oil fuel and other vegetable oil fuels are determined on an injection system test bench using the Moehwald HDA injection rate measuring device and an optically accessible high-pressure chamber. In conjunction with the knowledge gained in sub-project 1, this allows fuel-specific optimization of the injection parameters.
To the website of the Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e. V.
Funded by: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL)
Funding program: Renewable raw materials
Project management agency: Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V.
Project duration: Jun. 2017 - Mar. 2020
Funding amount: €229,668
Final report: Download
Project partners:NAMOSYN
Sustainable mobility through synthetic fuels
In the joint project "Sustainable mobility through synthetic fuels" (NAMOSYN), synthetic fuels for diesel and petrol engines that can be produced and used sustainably were developed and tested. These fuels can be produced using carbon dioxide from the ambient air or industrial processes and renewable energies and enable a closed CO2 cycle. Due to their chemical structure (no carbon-carbon bonds and oxygen in the molecule), they have favorable combustion properties and burn almost soot-free. This enables the use of new combustion processes in internal combustion engines, which are more efficient and cause significantly lower emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter.
Sub-project: Cluster FC1a Oxymethylene ether (OME) and Cluster FC2 C1 gasoline fuels
As part of the NAMOSYN project, two representatives of climate-neutral fuels were investigated on various system test benches (engine and injection test bench, optically accessible injection chamber, etc.) and with the aid of simulation methods for use in existing combustion engines in the Laboratory for Internal Combustion Engines and Exhaust Gas Aftertreatment at OTH Regensburg as part of the two sub-projects "FC 1A: Engine testing of OME" and "FC 2: Investigation of C1 oxygenates for gasoline engines". Synthetic fuels from the group of oxymethylene ethers (OME) represent a CO2-neutral alternative to fossil diesel fuel. For gasoline engines, it was investigated whether the synthetic fuel DMC+ (dimethyl carbonate & methyl formate) can be a substitute for gasoline and whether there is drop-in capability for blends of gasoline with methyl formate.
Funded by: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Funding program: Basic Energy Research
Project Management Agency: Project Management Jülich (PtJ), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
Project duration: Apr. 2019 - Sep. 2022
Funding amount: approx. € 1.3 million
Project coordinator: DECHEMA Gesellschaft für Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie
e.V. Project partners: 39 project partners from research and industry
