Energy & Process Technologies

Austria aims to decarbonize the building sector by 2040, with heat pumps playing a key role; efficient operation lowers costs and emissions. Achieving this requires a deep understanding of building thermodynamics and reliable forecasts of weather and occupancy, despite uncertainties, complex modeling, and integration challenges within existing energy systems. Prior work (e.g., MPC and hybrid physics-data approaches) faces limitations in automated parameterization and large-scale deployment. This dissertation develops enhanced and new models to enable adaptive, scalable control of heat pumps across diverse buildings, supported by HiL/SiL environments and a large database of real systems. It contributes scientifically to scalable benchmarking for building models and energy management systems and their data-driven, automated development.

As part of the project, powdered activated carbon from municipal residues is to be treated in order to achieve functionalization for specific applications. One approach focuses on in-situ functionalization: by adjusting the process parameters during gasification, the properties of the powder carbon can be changed in order to obtain activated carbon with a larger surface area. The second approach is to improve the charcoal's properties by treating it in an external reactor using various methods such as chemical impregnation and / or steam treatment. The functionalized powdered activated carbon can be used in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), for example for the pretreatment of highly polluted wastewater, for the stabilization of digester gas processes or to improve the digested sludge properties (drainability). With a view to the expected introduction of a fourth cleaning stage in WWTPs, powdered activated carbon can be used as an adsorbent for drug residues and other micropollutants in wastewater.

H2Alpin tackles the mobility transition in alpine regions through an integrated technical, economic, and organizational approach. Fuel-cell buses and initial trucks are tested under alpine conditions to gather real-world data on driving, maintenance, and energy use. Economic barriers are addressed via new procurement-platform business models and vehicle pools with leasing; hydrogen logistics applies demand and production simulations to design attractive pricing and sales models. To secure green H2 supply, detailed simulations to 2035 consider hydropower-based renewables, seasonal variability, and Tyrol's position on major transit routes. A regional implementation plan, aligned with stakeholders and standards, provides planning certainty. By the end of 2030, hydrogen-based mobility in Tyrol aims to save approximately 17,700 t of CO2.

Global water pollution from industrial and natural contaminants, as well as antibiotic-resistant germs, is a major environmental challenge. Aligned with the EU's Zero Pollution ambition and the One Health approach, the project develops novel hBN-based photocatalysts and employs energy-efficient LED light sources to degrade contaminants and pathogens. Nanostructured hexagonal boron nitride is synthesized via "ceramics through chemistry" and formed into composites with carbon, CeO2, and biosynthesized noble metal nanoparticles. The photocatalyst is combined with membrane technology to deliver an energy- and resource-efficient water treatment process that effectively removes micropollutants, PFAS, and antibiotic resistance, in compliance with EU guidelines.

The Innovation Lab is part of the INNERGY living lab to transform heat supply in Tyrol toward 100% renewable energy. As an open innovation platform, it supports complex, cross-system solutions, provides testing and validation environments, and enables scaling and replication of innovative products and services. It develops tools to design, test, and disseminate future system solutions, acts as a hub for change-makers, and strengthens the innovation ecosystem through solution-oriented, transdisciplinary collaboration and sustained coordination among key energy innovation stakeholders in Tyrol.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have come under justified public scrutiny due to severe environmental and health risks, leading to global restrictions and bans; groundwater contamination poses a particular threat. The project aims to develop cost-realistic, field-ready adsorption materials with high PFAS capacity, short contact times, and regenerability that do not leach PFAS (ionic character, high molecular weight) and are intended to outperform activated carbon. These materials will be optimized for PFAS enrichment from water to enable analyses in the low ng/L range. In parallel, efficient treatment processes will be developed, including combinations with membrane technologies and regeneration via low-temperature plasma for contaminant destruction. Field suitability will be tested with real groundwater and leachate to demonstrate and validate the potential of the new polymers for groundwater protection.

PFAS ("forever chemicals") are uPBT substances that endanger humans and ecosystems; in 14.3% of blood samples from European adolescents, levels exceed the health-based guidance value. Under the Green Deal, the EU aims to reduce exposure through measures including the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, POP and REACH regulations, the Drinking Water Directive, and new environmental quality standards; given transboundary water bodies, cross-border cooperation is essential. Inputs via process/wastewater and contaminated groundwater and drinking water must be prevented, as current treatments (especially activated carbon) are inefficient for short-chain PFAS and difficult to regenerate. The plan is to develop highly efficient, highly selective, and regenerable ion exchangers: a macroporous, amine-modified alkyl-based polymer will be functionalized via a "grafting-to" approach with fluoralkylated imidazole-based substances to synergistically couple electrostatic and fluorophilic interactions. The work includes benchmarking against commercial materials (activated carbon/ion exchangers), characterization, process development/simulation, and resin regeneration by elution and oxidation using non-thermal plasma, supported by high-performance PFAS analytics. Hydraulically optimized granulates will be scaled up, and pilot plants on both sides of the program area will be built and operated to raise awareness and showcase practical solutions.

Buildings account for 40% of EU energy use and 36% of GHG emissions; electrifying heat increases grid stress, making smart control via Building Energy Management Systems (GEMS) essential. Project Sunne links HELLA (shading) and iDM (heat pumps), supported by MCI, to integrate solar gains into building models and optimize GEMS. A core element is an automated Model Factory that learns the building's thermal digital twin from data without manual configuration. A shared data pipeline leverages existing sensors in modern shading systems to close heat-pump GEMS' blind spot—building usage and thermal behavior—without extra sensors. Beyond enhanced RC models, the project explores model-free, data-driven approaches and aligns the GEMS objective with occupant comfort and preferences.