The Working Group
The Intelligent Hybrid Heating Technologies working group is primarily dedicated to researching the provision of heat from biogenic solid fuels in combination with other renewable heating options. We investigate the thermodynamic and thermohydraulic relationships in detail. Our focus is on the development of innovative systems as well as on the evaluation and creation of technical concepts. A central aspect of our work is the combined generation of heat and electricity. In addition, we attach great importance to integrating our solutions seamlessly into existing energy supply structures by relying on optimized control systems.
Focus topics of the Intelligent Hybrid Heating Technologies working group:
- Hybrid systems: research and implementation of hybrid heating systems that combine different energy sources to ensure a reliable and efficient heat supply.
- Integration of renewable energies: Investigation and development of technologies for the efficient integration of renewable energy sources such as solar energy, biomass or heat pumps in heating systems.
- System controllers: Investigation and development of advanced control systems to optimize the performance and efficiency of heating systems.
- Information and communication technology in systems with biomass plants: Use of the latest information and communication technologies to monitor, control and optimize (hybrid) biomass heating systems.
- Energy management/energy cells: Research into the implementation of energy management solutions and energy cells to achieve climate neutrality in heating systems and energy networks.
- Development of pilot plant equipment: Expansion and further development of the technical equipment in the pilot plant for carrying out experimental studies and simulations.
- Technology transfer and innovation: Promotion of the technology transfer of research results into practice and cooperation with industrial partners to develop innovative hybrid heating solutions.
Mohammad Al-Addous holds a PhD in Energy Engineering with a focus on energy storage from Freiberg University of Technology. He has more than 13 years of academic experience at the German-Jordanian University, where he most recently worked as a professor and led numerous research projects focussing on the energy - water nexus. In addition, he has extensive experience as a consultant for various projects in the energy and water sector in the use of renewable energies, where he has contributed his expertise to promote sustainable solutions.
He is currently Head of the Intelligent Hybrid Heating Technologies Group at the DBFZ, demonstrating his leadership skills and extensive expertise in the field of hybrid heating systems. His research focuses on the further development of hybrid energy systems and the provision of testing and development services for a variety of innovative technologies in this field.
Professional background
- Dipl.-Ing. Electrical Engineering, specialising in measurement and control systems (automation), Leipzig University of Technology
- MSc Computer Science, Universiteit Leiden, Netherlands
Research topics
- Data integration and communication technology integration of renewable energy generators in electricity and heating grids
- Information provision, data-based decision-making and targeted use of artificial intelligence methods, including in control systems for decentralised energy generators
- Several years of experience
- in the energy sector
- in software development
- as a project manager
Professional background
Graduate engineer (FH) in energy technology, specialising in technical building equipment
Master of Engineering Energy, Building and Environmental Technology
Experience
- Development, construction and operation of test facilities for the evaluation of heat generators and emission reduction systems.
- Measurement and evaluation of dust reduction systems for small combustion plants.
- Measurement and evaluation of biomass furnaces with regard to performance and emissions.
- Emission measurement technology including measurement methods for determining the number and distribution of particles
- Quality management and test equipment management in accordance with ISO 9001 and ISO 17025.
Member of the DIN spec 33999 and VDI 3670 committees
Michael Junold studied Industrial Engineering - Energy and Environmental Technology at HTWK Leipzig and graduated in 2007. Since 2008, he has been working as Technical Manager in the Combustion Technology Centre of the Thermochemical Conversion research area. This includes the operational management of the test centre, personnel development including the training of mechatronics engineers, investment planning and control of the research area as well as construction planning and monitoring of the test infrastructure. Furthermore, as the person responsible for test equipment in the research area, he organises the quality assurance of the measuring equipment and was involved in setting up and operating the DAkkS-accredited test centre in the field of emission measurement of solid fuel firing systems:
Professional background
- Dipl.-Ing. Mechanical Engineering, specialising in Energy Technology, Dresden University of Technology
Research topics
- Modelling of energy systems and plants in the electricity and heat sector (e.g. graph-based, agent-based)
- Linear or mixed integer optimisation of investment and operating decisions based on minimum costs
- Implementation of demand side management in heat and electricity grids
Experience
- in science (TU Dresden, DBFZ)
- in industry (BASF Schwarzheide, MTU Friedrichshafen)
- as project manager
Duaa is a research associate in the field of hybrid heating systems. Her research focusses on the combination of heat pumps and fuel cells for efficient and sustainable heat supply. In addition to her research in the field of hybrid heating systems, she works on the ETH-SOIL project and is involved in the MSc programme:
Professional background
- MSc Regenerative Energies, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH)
- BSc General Engineering, specialising in Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH)
Research topics
- Optimisation and integration of hybrid energy systems with a focus on biomass utilisation
- Hybrid energy systems for the provision of process heat
Robert Wiesner completed his training as a mechatronics technician at the DBFZ from August 2022 to January 2025. He has been working as a technician at the DBFZ since February 2025. His areas of responsibility include the supervision of plant technology and measuring equipment in scientific experiments as well as the construction of test facilities.