Prof. Dr Georg Bastian, Professor of Applied Optoelectronics and Laser Physics at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, is expanding his research collaborations in Japan during the 2013/2014 winter semester. This involves a three-month international research placement in the field of thermoelectrics.
Kleve/Kamp-Lintfort, 3 September 2013: Prof. Bastian is currently conducting research into high-temperature thermoelectric modules for the Faculty of Technology and Bionics at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. These are semiconductor devices capable of efficiently converting thermal energy at high temperatures into electrical energy. From October 2013, he will spend a research semester in Japan to devote himself to fundamental research in the field of thermoelectrics. The DFG is funding Prof. Bastian’s stay to help establish international research collaborations.
During his research semester, Prof. Bastian will be working on new high-temperature thermoelectric modules in collaboration with Prof. Dr Yasuhiro Hasegawa from the Institute of Environmental Sciences at Saitama University and Dr Naruhito Kondo from Toshiba Corporation. As part of the joint research activities, the applications of new Japanese components for renewable energy technology in Europe are being investigated, amongst other things.
“High-temperature thermal energy is found in many areas: in car exhausts, in concentrated sunlight, in domestic heating burners and in various industrial processes. The conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy lies at the heart of every large power station. With Toshiba’s thermoelectric generators, this can also be achieved with high efficiency even from small heat sources such as a single heating burner. This field of research requires further development, efficient components and clever integrated systems. This opens up a wide range of applications and contributes to the energy transition,” says Prof. Bastian.
During his stay in Japan, Prof. Bastian hopes to further expand Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences’ international contacts and attract new research partners. There are already numerous collaborations between Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences and foreign universities, as well as international companies.
