’Climate research’ with a difference

As regards pioneering vehicle technologies, the focus is on more energy-efficient air-conditioning systems. New developments can be tested in the climatic chambers of the Institute of Thermal Engineering. No traveller wants to be without a well air-conditioned train compartment. But did you know that up to 20 per cent of the total energy consumption of a train is expended on heating and air conditioning? "This area has enormous savings potential," explains René Rieberer at TU Graz's Institute of Thermal Engineering, which is already conducting research on concrete solutions: "Currently, direct electric heating systems are primarily used in trains, in other words - resistance heating. In the near future, these could be replaced by cooling systems using heat pump function which are not only more energy efficient, but also more eco-friendly," says René Rieberer. Like a fridge. The cooling system of an air conditioner works like a refrigerator.