Steam Booster Cooling System

As part of a research project ProSolarDSKM, a demonstration plant for solar thermal process steam and chilled water generation with evacuated tube collectors, steam jet chiller and latent heat storage was set up at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences and its operating behavior was investigated. The motivation of the project was to develop technologies to increase efficiency and sustainability for industry and production. The system was used to research the aforementioned technologies and is operated as a solar building cooling system at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences.

After the project ended, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences and gec-co Global Engineering & Consulting-Company GmbH decided to bring the steam jet cooling system to a region spoiled by the sun and geothermal energy. This gives the university the opportunity to test the existing steam jet refrigeration system for geothermal air conditioning and increasing the efficiency of geothermal power plants. In addition, this international cooperation results in the potential to develop and implement further joint R&D projects.

Since the geothermal wells in Turkey produce steam in addition to thermal water, the drive medium for the steam jet chiller is already available and can be used. This circumstance is unique and means a novelty in the energetic use of geothermal energy. A market analysis of Turkey shows that mainly electricity-driven refrigeration plants are used there for air conditioning. With such plants a multiplicity of large buildings is supplied (e.g. hotels, hospitals, shopping centers etc.) and due to rising electricity prices and unstable regional electricity grids alternatives to the current-driven cold supply are looked for.

The steam jet refrigeration plant of the Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences was brought to Turkey and set up there. Soon the entire plant will be put into operation.

For students there is permanent the possibility to deal with research questions and/or technical challenges in the context of the Steam Booster Cooling Systest within the scope of project and bachelor theses. Open topics can be found at student research or by direct contact with the responsible staff member.