“You can never solve problems with the same mindset that created them.”
Albert Einstein.
The 9th edition of the “Business Meets Science” event series in Zittau was once again informative and engaging.
Electrical engineers are a particularly important target group in terms of the skilled workforce needed by companies in the Upper Lusatia energy region. That is why the organizers of “Business Meets Science” chose the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science as the venue. The beautifully designed stairwell in the university’s newly renovated Building I was practically overrun by the approximately 140 interested visitors—such was the level of interest this year in the joint event organized by the Business Association, the university, the Chamber of Crafts, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In a relaxed and informal atmosphere, however, everyone managed to find a spot, confirming the newfound sense of calm at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.
The keynote address of the evening was delivered by Thomas Hörtinger, Head of Technical Power Plant Management at LEAG in Cottbus, under the title: “Challenges Facing Energy Suppliers in Lausitz from an Energy and Sociopolitical Perspective—The Interrelationship Between Conventional and Renewable Energy.” Hörtinger made it clear that, in addition to the enormous need for flexibility in coal-fired power generation and ensuring grid stability, lignite-fired power plants enable flexible integration with renewable electricity generation.
Representatives from the university’s departments of Energy and Electrical Engineering then reported on the current state of research into innovative technologies for energy storage, the transmission capacities of power grids, and challenges in designing the power grid of the future.
Afterward, the new electrical engineering training laboratories were open to visitors under the guidance of experts. Here, they were able to observe current flows with the naked eye—electricity you can practically touch.
Anyone who couldn’t attend really missed out. But no later than January 10, 2019, when “Business Meets Science” returns, companies will once again have the opportunity to see for themselves the university’s capabilities and innovative strength.
Source: IHK Wirtschaft (Author: Matthias Schwarzbach)
Contact
Dipl.-Ing. Sabine Scholz
Research Management and Transfer
Tel.: 03583 612 4575
Email: s.scholz@hszg.de