New ThIMo research building opens

Thuringia's Minister of Economic Affairs, Wolfgang Tiefensee, together with Andreas Krey, Managing Director of the Thuringian State Development Corporation (LEG), today inaugurated a new research building of the "Thuringian Innovation Center for Mobility" (ThIMo). LEG constructed the building for an investment of three million euros and is leasing it long-term to the Ilmenau University of Technology. "With ThIMo, we want to support Thuringian automotive suppliers in developing new, energy- and resource-saving drive systems and technologies, and in preparing themselves in a timely manner for the structural changes in the automotive industry," said Tiefensee. The new building will house test and laboratory facilities for the development and optimization of energy-efficient drive systems, particularly combustion engines. LEG Managing Director Andreas Krey is also very pleased with the development of the research and development center: “Within a very short time, ThIMo has established itself as a key driver for the desired transformation of the automotive and automotive supplier industries towards sustainable mobility. The new building provides scientists and their industry partners with ideal conditions to further accelerate the development of sustainable drive concepts in the future.” The modern, two-story building of the Thuringian Innovation Center for Mobility was constructed in the immediate vicinity of the Ilmenau University campus on the outskirts of Langewiesen and offers space for a total of 15 employees, with the potential for up to 25 in the future. In addition to office and laboratory space, it houses four engine and turbocharger test benches. The engine test benches enable the further development of both conventional and hybrid engines with outputs up to 500 hp. To better utilize exhaust gas energy for turbochargers, test benches are available that can reach exhaust gas temperatures of up to 1100 degrees Celsius. The facilities are being used, among others, by a research team led by Prof. Dr. Werner Eißler, holder of a research professorship at the Ilmenau University of Technology (TU Ilmenau) endowed by IHI Charging Systems International. The scientists aim to reduce the energy consumption and emissions of engines, as well as to increase the reliability and lifespan of modern turbochargers. Eißler is confident that, thanks in part to research activities in Thuringia, the automotive industry will offer highly efficient vehicle propulsion systems powered by sustainably produced fuels within ten years: “The Thuringian Innovation Center for Mobility (ThIMo) will make a significant contribution to environmental protection. Up to ten scientists can conduct research here on reducing CO2 emissions.” ThIMo spokesperson Prof. Dr. Matthias Hein adds: “Energy-efficient propulsion systems are a key element for the mobility of the future. The new research infrastructure gives ThIMo even greater innovative strength and a unique position in Thuringia and far beyond!” Background: ThiMo The Thuringian Innovation Center for Mobility (ThIMo) was established at the Ilmenau University of Technology (TU Ilmenau) in 2011 to advance research and development in the field of sustainable mobility. With a total budget of €29 million, ThIMo is the largest single project at TU Ilmenau. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Science funds the center with approximately €22 million – these funds are used, among other things, to finance five research groups as well as equipment and facilities. At ThIMo, scientists from up to 30 disciplines work on a project basis with industry partners on environmentally friendly and resource-conserving vehicle concepts. The research priorities and core competencies range from electromobility, energy-efficient drives and powertrains, and radio and information technology to plastics engineering and lightweight construction. ThIMo develops concrete solutions for many Thuringian companies that are partners of the innovation center. More information is available at: www.mobilitaet-thueringen.dePress release from the Thuringian Ministry for Economic Affairs, Science and Digital Society dated January 13, 2016