Darmstadt Technical University is one of only two European universities that have qualified for the international “Solar Decathlon” competition organised by the US Department of Energy. Bosch Thermotechnik supports the project as main sponsor and is represented on a competition’s council to contribute its long-standing solar technology experience.
The competition comprises 10 contests (hence decathlon) and will take place in Washington D.C. in autumn 2007. The accompanying exhibition of solar houses is designed to show both the US public and the expert community the potential of solar construction. A team of students from the “Entwerfen und energieeffizientes Bauen” department has designed the house for the competition. The competition houses are not connected to the power grid and exclusively use solar energy to power their A/C systems, to heat water and to operate the usual household appliances. “A prototype house such as the one designed by the Darmstadt students provides us with valuable insight into the domestic and climate technology of the future. It allows us to gain experience in the realisation of energy self-sufficient houses,“ says Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Sterlepper, member of the Board of Management of Bosch Thermotechnology Division.
This effort continues Bosch Thermotechnik’s tradition of embracing innovative technologies. The research project is a unique opportunity for the students to acquire future-oriented practical knowledge and to present German building technology in an international competition. The students’ approach to using energy in a highly efficient way while at the same time maintaining or even increasing the living comfort is fully in line with Bosch’s ideas. The Thermotechnology Division supports the project also because it allows the strong Bosch and Buderus brands to be presented to the US expert community. US demand for European know-how, e.g. in heating systems using renewable energies or condensing technology, is growing constantly. Power tools and the energy-efficient household appliances from Bosch also enjoy an excellent reputation in the US market. Through its sponsorship of this international event, Bosch Thermotechnik makes a contribution to creating greater transparency for consumers in the area of energy-efficient heating systems and hot water solutions,” says Dr. Thomas Volz, Head of the Solar Product Group in the Thermotechnology Division. The Bosch and Buderus brands will thus help the company to continue to expand in the USA, while at the same time making a contribution to climate protection.
