The Section of Thermal Engineering at Aalborg University is dedicated to advancing sustainable energy technologies through the development, optimisation, and demonstration of innovative thermal energy systems. With a strong focus on experimental investigations and cutting-edge solutions, the section addresses critical challenges in reducing CO2 emissions and transitioning to a greener energy future. 

The section leverages state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and expertise in modelling, simulation, optimization, and testing of advanced energy systems. This makes us a key player in both national and international research initiatives. 

Competence Areas 

1. Thermal Energy Systems and Optimisation

• Development and optimization of integrated CO2-neutral and carbon-negative thermal energy systems including cycles as well as components for higher efficiency and reduced environmental impact. 
• Model-based design and simulation of thermal processes and unit operations. 

2. Experimental Investigations

• Operation and optimisation of thermal and process chemical demonstration facilities, including the production of renewable fuels and chemicals. 
• Testing of electrolysis systems and fuel cells in dedicated laboratories. 
• Experimental studies of fluid dynamics in the flow laboratory for thermal and chemical processes.

3. CO2 Capture and Green Transition

• Development of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies, including direct air capture (DAC) technologies. 
• Integration of Power-to-X (P2X) solutions into existing energy systems including systems for fuel production, energy storage and grid balancing. 

4. Biomass and Advanced Biofuels

• Production and upgrading of bio-oil from biomass. 
• Development of advanced biofuels for the transportation and energy sectors. 

5. Electrolysis and Fuel Cells

• Design and testing of electrolysis systems for sustainable hydrogen production. 
• Research and design within fuel cell system technologies.

6. Thermally-driven membrane processes 

• Design and optimization of membrane distillation for water treatment for electrolysis applications. 
• Membrane distillation for the treatment of industrial effluents  
• Membrane processes for metals recovery from spent Li-ion batteries 

7. Self-Powered Energy Systems and Sensors

• Development of energy-efficient and self-sustaining systems and sensors for industrial and energy applications. 

Infrastructure and Facilities 

• On campus Laboratories: Advanced testing facilities for optimizing thermal and chemical processes. Fully operational facility for bio-oil production from biomass. Specialized laboratories for testing electrolysis systems and fuel cells. 
• Off campus demonstration Site: At the Port of Aalborg, there is a large outdoor laboratorie for testing upcomming large scale energy systems in a realistic real world operation mode. 

Collaboration and Projects 

The Section for Thermal Engineering actively collaborates with industrial partners and research institutions on both national and international levels. The section is involved in multiple EU-funded projects and focuses on attracting grants within the energy sector to support its mission.