Research at the HSCG moves the region and society. We will shortly be presenting selected impact stories here : stories about people, breakthroughs and real changes that have come about as a result of our work.
Are you doing research at the HSZG and have a story that needs to be told? A successful transfer project, a spin-off or a social initiative? Let's make the impact visible together.
“Water is the coal of the future.” The visionary Jules Verne wrote these words as early as 1870. Today, more than 150 years later, we are successfully turning this quote into a technological revolution for our heat supply through the AQVA HEAT research project.
At the heart of this innovation is a fascinating physical phenomenon known as the triple point: by lowering the air pressure just above the freezing point, water is brought into a state in which it simultaneously vaporizes and forms ice crystals. We are harnessing this unique physical property to develop a completely new method of energy generation. The heat released in the process is used for heating—such as in district heating—while the resulting liquid ice can simultaneously be used for efficient cooling of buildings.
What makes this special is that ordinary surface waters—such as the Mandau River in the city of Zittau, where the project is based—serve as the energy source. Since Germany is currently grappling with the question of how to provide heat quickly and efficiently without fossil fuels, this solution brings the answer right to our doorstep. The system promises a sustainable and environmentally sound supply of heat and cooling that works even in remote locations, independent of large municipal infrastructure networks.
The system is currently being tested throughout the year to demonstrate its environmental sustainability. This marks the transition from academic research to large-scale application, which has the potential to drastically reduce the share of fossil fuels in our cities and communities.
We invite you to become part of this energy-efficient future, in which we will actually be heating with ice. Whether as a curious observer of the technology or as a potential partner for an innovative heating solution in your community: Let’s tap into the energy of the future together.
Can conventional fields be real biotopes? A project of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences shows: Yes! The video highlights how farmers and researchers in the district of Görlitz are working together to discover that simple compensation areas are often home to an unexpected number of endangered species. It is about the exciting balancing act between economic efficiency and ecology - and about how new ways are found through cooperation to protect nature without jeopardizing the harvest. A brief insight into the agriculture of the future!
Can certain plants make the fields healthier?
Can cold technology replace the warm hand of a caregiver? No - but it can strengthen them! This video shows how high-tech such as exoskeletons (supportive suits) can make the physically demanding day-to-day care work easier. This future becomes tangible in the "Living Lab" in Görlitz: There, senior citizens and carers learn how to overcome their fear of contact. In addition, the new technology navigator is presented, which helps to maintain an overview in the jungle of aids. An exciting insight into how technology can support people without displacing them.
How can modern technology support older people and caregivers?
Will unpleasant blood sampling for alcohol offenses soon be a thing of the past? This video presents a new, conclusive breath alcohol test that the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is taking a close look at. The advantages sound promising: the test should not only be faster and cheaper, but even more accurate than the classic blood test and without the need for a needle stick! The researchers' goal is ambitious: A change in the law that allows "blowing" to be used as fully-fledged evidence in court, thus relieving the burden on police and doctors.
Can you measure the alcohol level in your breath?
Experiences instead of consumption
Are we prisoners of our consumer habits? This video from Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences uses the famous allegory of the cave to show why we need to break out of old patterns if we want a happy future.
The bold thesis: much of what we buy is just a substitute for an unlived life. The project explores how Lausitz can become a pioneer for a new kind of tourism - away from mass consumption and towards genuine experience, creativity and nature. A plea for travel that not only entertains, but also has a lasting effect and brings about change.
More time for the essentials again thanks to robots
Is the traditional craft dying out? Not if the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences has its way! This video shows how state-of-the-art robotics is breathing new life into age-old traditions such as the textile industry.
The message is clear: the robot is not a job killer, but the perfect assistant. It takes over the heavy hauling and monotonous manual tasks. The aim? "More time for craftsmanship" - so that people can once again concentrate on what really counts: their skills, their creativity and the challenging tasks.