After lunch at the Badenova cafeteria comprised of giant
portions of lasagna or spaghetti, we visited the battery performance testing
laboratory of the Fraunhofer Institute. At the request of manufacturers or on
their own initiative, the testing lab conducts rigorous testing of many types
of batteries, inverters and battery systems to evaluate their efficiency,
quality and durability.
Finally, we concluded our day with a visit to the new town
hall of Freiburg. Prior to the completion of this building last year, Freiburg’s
services were scattered among 16 different buildings. This building was
designed to be a net producer of energy on an annual basis. The heating,
cooling and lighting systems are not only highly efficient but also linked
together in a highly sophisticated and intelligent building automation system.
Further, the building employs geothermal, solar thermal, and photovoltaic
systems to produce energy. Photovoltaic modules located vertically around much
of the exterior of the building are an eye-catching element of the design.