A Resounding Success – University at Zittau Municipal Utilities

With “A Day for You,” Stadtwerke Zittau (SWZ) hosted an interesting family day for young and old on May 28 at its company grounds on Friedensstraße in Zittau. The event took place in a new format, featuring many surprises, interesting facts, and insights into the fields of electricity, gas, water, and district heating. The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences was also in attendance.

The Zittau Power Plant Laboratory (ZKWL) and the Energy Technology Cabinet (ETK) opened their doors to the public. At the ZKWL, visitors could explore three experimental facilities of the Institute for Process Engineering, Process Automation, and Measurement Technology (IPM) spread across an area of 350 m². The facilities are used for experimental research in the fields of energy engineering and mechatronics and reflect the long tradition of teaching and research at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. Using the THERESA test facility, a clear demonstration was given of the challenges posed by maintaining a stable power supply in an era of fluctuating photovoltaic and wind power feed-in, and how existing and future power plants can compensate for these fluctuations. At the Magnetic and Catcher Bearing Test Bench (MFLP) experimental facility, the function of a magnetic-bearing turbine rotor was clearly explained. Magnetic bearings for rotating machines offer a way to eliminate friction losses and thus increase the efficiency of turbomachinery. At the Thermochemical Test Field, research on the use of thermal and cold storage systems in connection with combined heat and power plants as well as heating and cooling systems was presented.

In addition, the Faculties of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science as well as Mechanical Engineering were represented in the ZKWL hall and presented their teaching and research activities.

At the ETK, visitors took the opportunity to tour the former Zittau Teaching and Research Reactor (ZLFR). On the upper floor, they were able to observe a simulated reactor startup. On the same floor, small experiments in renewable energy technology were demonstrated, in which a hydrogen-powered fuel cell propelled a small vehicle. In the basement, a cloud chamber was on display that makes alpha and beta radiation visible. Also present was the Faculty of Business Administration and Engineering Management, which presented two simulations dealing with regional energy markets and the optimization of combined heat and power (CHP) plants, respectively.

Throughout the afternoon, the ZKWL and the ETK were very heavily frequented by visitors. A large number of very interesting conversations took place with the students and university staff who were present. Explanations were given, guidance was provided, lively discussions took place, and the wide variety of questions were patiently answered. Last but not least, an elderly couple took an interest in the reactor simulator. They had already visited the ZLFR back in the 1980s as part of a “brigade.” Before long, they were both seated at the control panel of the former training and research reactor, operating the buttons for the “Reactor Start” simulation as if it were yesterday.

All in all, it was a successful day at the SWZ, marked by an atmosphere of interest and relaxation, which inspires us to do it again.

The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences would like to thank all students and staff for preparing and organizing the Open House. We would also like to thank Stadtwerke Zittau for enabling the university to present its educational and research programs.