Research and Development at the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture

We get to the heart of the matter

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Engineering & Architecture

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research is our passion

Research means more than working through a project plan, achieving milestones and covering our costs with acquired projects. Research interests and motivates us. We continue to evolve through close study of current research topics on the international stage, through our quest for new development solutions for the market, and through intensive exchange with our industry partners in the service sector and in research. This evolution benefits not just our research activities, but also the training we offer our students: they are exposed to the latest developments and promising innovations in the real world.Partners in commercial enterprise, the public sector and politics benefit from our experience gleaned from one thousand research projects, and from the networks we maintain with Switzerland’s Federal Institutes of Technology (ETH) and other universities with whom we conduct a lively dialog. Thematically, we cover a diverse range of disciplines, including architecture, civil engineering, building technology, interior archi tecture, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, information technology and business engineering, and are well placed to work on a whole range of issues presented by our regional, national and international partners. The research we conduct would not be possible without the goodwill and support from funding institutions such as the Swiss Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI), the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF), the Swiss Federal Office of Energy and other partners not specifically listed here; they facilitate our applicationoriented projects at the financial level. We maintain sixteen competence centers across our School’s disciplines, all focused on applied research and development and service projects. Furthermore, the researchers form interdisciplinary teams in order to tackle projects in our two metathematic research focuses, “Building as a System”, and “Intelligent Solutions for the Energy Turnaround”. Our longstanding research at levels of buildings and neighborhoods, plus our activities in energy research have earned us a high reputation as a research institution.

Prof Dr Andrea Weber MarinHead of ResearchLucerne School of Engineering and Architecture

www.hslu.ch/t-forschung

Editorial Research Brochure 2014

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5 Introduction BUILDING AS A SYSTEM

CoMPEtEnCE CEntERS

7 Envelopes and Solar Energy

8 Typology and Planning in Architecture

9 Center of Excellence for Embedded Systems Applied Research

10 Facade and Metal Engineering

11 Structural Engineering

12/13 Center for Integrated Building Technology

15 Introduction INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS FOR THE ENERGY TURNAROUND

16 Thermal Energy Systems and Process Engineering

17 Innovation in Intelligent Multimedia Sensor Networks

18 Distributed Secure Software Systems

19 Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines

20 Integrated, Intelligent, and Efficient Energy Systems

21 Electronics

22 Product Innovation | Management

23 Mechanical Systems

25 Aerospace Biomedical Science and Technology

26 Licht@hslu

27 Knowledge and Technology Transfer

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Research focus “Building as a System”Prof Dr Andrea Weber Marint +41 41 349 34 77, [email protected]

“Building as a System” is one of two research focuses maintained by the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture. Our specialists in architecture, interior architecture, civil engineering and building technology conduct an interdisciplinary dialog with the user at various levels – from the material, component, building to the neighborhood level.“Building as a System” has been an object of intense scrutiny by our School for a number of years, and we are well placed in this area thanks to our interdisciplinary competencies. The fact that we are the only university of applied sciences and arts in Switzerland to conduct research in building technology contributes to our high profile. The four disciplines within the scope of the building work closely together in teaching and research, observing the built environment from a number of perspecti ves, focusing on holistic research, planning and development solutions.The building as the system boundary is no longer sufficient – our research now expands to the neighborhood level, and encompasses structural as well as energyrelated and societal aspects. The latter include for example networking the energy supply of an area, or the social processes at stake when a neighborhood is developed for the future. We provide input to cantons, towns, investors and planning offices when they consider sustainable visions and plans for areas and districts.

The following pages profile the competence centers involved in the “Building as a System” metaresearch focus.


reSearch focuS: “BuiLDing aS a SyStem”

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competence center envelopes and Solar energy www.hslu.ch/ccease

Good architecture should be sustainable and contribute to the change in the way energy is generated and used. This is a technical and design challenge. We are involved in developing technologies and concepts with this in mind: out of a sense of responsibility for mankind, the environment and the economy.

Our interdisciplinary team is fo cused on the building envelope. Arranged as two research groups – “Material, Structure and Energy” and “Photovoltaic & Light”– we explore innovative technologies and materials and develop systems, concepts and methods to integrate these into architec tural design. We have gained international recognition for our applied research in the areas of photovoltaic, daylight control, the use of textiles in architecture and the interplay between climate and comfort. We publish our findings in peerreviewed journals and file patent applications. We nurture the next gene ration of research talent through a doctoral program in partnership with the two Federal Institutes of Technology (ETH) in Zurich and Lausanne.

Project example: new planning models for daylight control systems Daylight control systems facilitate the optimal use of daylight in buildings by directing it to the back of rooms where it is most needed. We develop models capable of visualizing complex surface properties in climatebased daylight simulations. As a result it is possible to generate reliable comparative data for use in planning, verifying and optimizing the suitability of systems of this nature for a variety of buildings, orientations and climatic zones.

Head of the Competence Center Envelopes and Solar Energy: Prof Dr Stephen Wittkopft +41 41 349 39 67, [email protected]

the glass dome of the Reichstag building in Berlin provides the debating chamber with natural daylight and serves as a means of ventilation.

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Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture Research, Building as a System

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competence center typology and Planning in architecture (cctP) www.hslu.ch/cctp

We make a significant contribution to the theme of transformation and cooperation in architecture.

Our buildings and cities are under constant pressure to adapt. Responding appropriately to this situation is a responsibility of great social relevance. The main focus of our scientific research is the transformation and use of buildings and urban districts. Within the context of these changing requirements, we analyze the system behavior, impact and performance of various types of interior spaces, buildings and urban districts. Through this we understand architectural space as our habitat. The solutions we develop are guided by their consequences for the users – by the interaction between man and the built environment. We approach these complex tasks through three interacting focus areas in architecture and interior architecture in addition to our basic research.

Project example: Less is more As resources become increasingly scarce, sufficiency – using the least raw materials and energy possible – must be imperative. However, this change in behavior should offer some form of advantage, otherwise very few people will voluntarily convert. Based on the example of cooperatively planned neighborhoods, we research sufficiency in terms of the benefits it generates. Dynamic neighborhoods reduce individual consumption. In exchange, the community offers social interaction and coopera tion. We analyze the impact of cooperative systems on architecture and our way of life.

Head of the Competence Center typology and Planning in Architecture (CCtP): Prof Dr Peter Schwehrt +41 41 349 33 48, [email protected]

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Dynamic neighborhoods reduce individual consumption. In exchange the community offers social interaction and cooperation.


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center of excellence for embedded Systems applied research www.hslu.ch/ceesarwww.iHomeLab.ch

At the iHomeLab research center, we consider innovative solutions for enhanced energy efficiency, safety, security and comfort by incorpo-rating intelligence in our buildings and homes.

Our interdisciplinary research team works on intelligent energy efficiency solutions aimed at facilitating the energy turnaround. Our research on ambient assisted living is looking at the provision of technical support that would enable elderly people to remain in their homes longer. What these two research fields have in common are smart technologies that enable buildings to interact intelligently.

Project example: Saving energy intelligently with iKnowWatt The iKnowWatt socket that we developed in partnership with the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, Landis + Gyr, BKW, ewz, Feller and Swisscom, recognizes the devices and appliances plugged into it, measures their energy consumption and issues advice on how to save energy. This makes it possible to compare electrical equipment and replace the items that waste energy. As a result, the user has a greater awareness of, and more control over, their personal energy consumption. Tests have shown that Swiss households using it can save up to 15 percent electrical energy.

Head of the Center of Excellence for Embedded Systems Applied Research: Prof Alexander Klapprotht +41 41 349 35 99, [email protected]

the intelligent iKnowWatt socket helps save energy.


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competence center facade and metal engineering www.hslu.ch/ccfm

We research, develop, test and advise within the specializations building envelope, metal engi-neering and constructional glass and lightweight structures.

By deploying new materials, joining and anchoring technology and optimizing wind load models with the help of numerical simulations, we develop energy efficient, sustainable facade systems. We also consider aspects such as the structural safety, serviceability and building physics of building envelopes. Our interdisciplinary team offers our industry partners development and researchoriented services tailored to their requirements. They benefit from excellent laboratories, testing facili ties and simulation tools. Our certified testing laboratory (accreditation no. STS 209) is a “notified body” under EU legislation for windows and doors in buildings as well as curtain wallings in accordance with product standards EN 14351 and EN 13830.

Project example: Plant-covered facades – safety first! Green walls based on wire ropes and mesh, create a natural atmosphere, cast welcome shade and are increasingly used as climatic buffers in building envelopes. However, plants are a huge target for wind and snow load. This exerts very large forces on the metalwork and the anchoring. We have a dedicated test bed on which we can study these forces and develop load models for the safe and economical dimensioning of facadebased green walls.

Head of the Competence Center Facade and Metal Engineering: Prof Dr Andreas Luiblet +41 41 349 34 79, [email protected]

the testing facility on Horw campus where the forces exerted on green walls are studied (summer 2013).


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Head of the Competence Center Structural Engineering: Prof Dr Klaus Krehert +41 41 349 34 75, [email protected]

competence center Structural engineering www.hslu.ch/ccki

Our research and development projects adopt a responsible approach to the resources used in construction. We develop concepts with the aim of driving the evolution of building compo-nents and methods to make them more efficient and longer-lasting.

The growing demands for performance, efficiency and sustainability influence the construction of new buildings and the structural upgrading of existing building stock. We develop, test and optimize solutions for complex scenarios in the realm of solid and composite construction and geotechnics. For this we rely on our full expertise in analyzing, simulating, calculating and testing the building components. Our materials tes ting laboratory (accreditation no. STS 209) is unique in Switzerland and possesses a range of com putercontrolled calculation and simulation tools.

Project example: Clever bonding technology enhances

comfort and saves energy It takes a lot of energy to cool old buildings equipped with glass facades. The simplest way to prevent overheating in the summer is to shade the facade. The solutions we have developed involve fitting the latter with shade blinds using bonding technology, an approach that is virtually noninvasive and thus produces no heat bridges. In partnership with Schenker Storen AG of Schönenwerd, we developed solutions that address the immense challenges presented by effects on the building’s envelope (temperature fluctuations, weathering and structural integrity) and the fabrication (installation and servicing).

In the test laboratory of the CC Structural Engineering: a blinds element is bonded to the glass and subjected to load.


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Head of the Center for Integrated Building technology: Prof Urs-Peter Mentit +41 41 349 33 17, [email protected]

center for integrated Building technology (Zig) www.hslu.ch/zig

Our activities concentrate on the energy efficiency of buildings. We consider the building as a system in a holistic context, such as a district. Two of our focal themes are “Transformation Build-ing Park” and “Energy Concepts for Districts and Areas”. Other focal themes include “Building – Human – Energy” and “Air and Water Purity”.

We consider the building as a system consisting of building envelope, building technology, and energy production systems, and we optimize their interaction. The building is not only a system in isolation: it is also part of a broader context. The integration of various buildings within a thermally and/or electrically networked surrounding is a further step toward greater energy efficiency – one of our focus themes. Another topic is the use of simulation methods. We are also a certification body for “Minergie”.

Project example: Intelligent network The “Suurstoffi” district of Risch/Rotkreuz is to be heated without using one drop of oil: we were involved in working on an innovative energy concept and developing a low temperature district heating and cooling network. All the buildings in “Suurstoffi” are interconnected via a network of pipes through which water circulates. As a result, the buildings can be efficiently cooled or heated as required by exchanging thermal energy between them. Surplus heat in the summer is stored in the ground using geothermal probes and is retrieved in the winter to heat the buildings. The system will be monitored for at least five years to check whether it manages to achieve the ambitious targets.

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An innovative energy supply solution for an entire district: the “Suurstoffi” in Risch/Rotkreuz.


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center for integrated Building technology (Zig)Competence Center Testing Laboratory for Building Technology, accredited to ISO/IEC 17025

www.hslu.ch/zig

Our research activities concentrate particularly on “Building – Human – Energy” and “Air and Water Purity”. We focus on ventilation appliances and systems to develop them further and to optimize their effect-iveness, especially in the realms of cleanroom technology.

Head of the Competence Center testing Laboratory for Building technology at ZIG: Dr tjeerd de neeft +41 41 349 32 71, [email protected]

We specialize in performance and fluidic measurements, acoustic measurements on building components, noise transmission in buildings, ventilation efficacy using tracer gas, assessments of thermal comfort and air quality, as well as concepts, measurement and testing procedures for air and water purity in buildings. We provide training and issue expert reports in all these areas. Moreover, we strive to develop our measuring methods further, especially with regard to flow noise and continuously evolving tracer gas methods. As an accredited testing center, we carry out measurements on heat exchangers and ventilation units for national and international certification bodies and organizations.

Project example: Clean air for indoor rooms In a project examining the “Level of Hygiene of Ventilation Systems in Switzerland” coordinated by the ZIG, experts examined 100 ventilation systems in the country and investigated their hygienic conditions. Among other things, the study showed that the cleanliness of a ventilation system does not depend on its age, but on how well it was planned, installed and maintained.

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An expert examines a ventilation system for its hygiene.


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Energy turnaround

Solar thermal

pellets

lightWind farms

Waste

Power stations

Water

Nature conservation

Ground source

Law

Turnaround

Bio Tidal power station

Solar cells

Bio electricity

Eco electricity

Silicon

Environment

Opportunities

Eco heat

Greenhouse effect

Wood

Co²

Building as a System

Electricity

Network

Regenerative

Nature

Storage

Source

Users Photovoltaic arrays

Renewable energies

Energy efficiency

Hydropower

Wind

alternative Incentive programs

Pumped storage Adaptation BrandBiomass

Efficiency

Combustion

Geothermal

Biogas

Sustainability

Climate protection

Economy Offshore

SolarmobilSun Heating costs

Heat sources

EcologyTransport

Climate politics

Heat pump

Business

Eco

Intelligent solutions for the Energy Turnaround

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Water turbines Energy supply Moon

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Construction

Market

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Research

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Research focus “Intelligent Solutions for the Energy turnaround”: Prof Dr Andrea Weber Marint +41 41 349 34 77, [email protected]

We work on intelligent, fitformarket solutions delivering enhanced energy efficiency in buildings, neighborhoods and industry; sustainable utilization of “new” renewable energies; and resource optimization through intelligent networks. Our research and services support commercial enterprises to prepare for the energy turnaround by making their systems, processes and products ecologically efficient throughout the life cycle. Nine of our sixteen competence centers devote their wideranging knowhow to energy research. The researchers are specialists in energy efficiency in neighborhoods, buildings and industry with a focus on building technology, thermal energy systems, storage and mobility and on renewable biomass and hydropower energies. We are currently deve loping the “Smart Grids” topic, which we approach from an engineering and businessadministrative angle.

Commitment to a sustainable future Complexity is a feature of the issues in the area of energy – and a welcome challenge for us: thanks to close cooperation with business partners and other universities, we are able to view and tackle the energy turnaround from a variety of perspectives and develop pragmatic, viable solutions. We are committed to a coordinated approach to energy research in Switzerland. We are a member of the interuniversity Swiss Competence Centers in Energy Research (SCCER), which enables us to work alongside the ETH and other universities. Our task is to drive those innovations that facilitate a sustainable realization of the energy strategy. Along with our applied research, this includes the transfer of research results into teaching activities and the market.

The following pages contain an outline of our competence centers, whose work is devoted to the research focus “Intelligent Solutions for the Energy Turnaround”.


inteLLigent SoLutionS for the energy turnarounD

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Head of the Competence Center thermal Energy Systems and Process Engineering: Prof Dr Beat Welligt +41 41 349 32 57, [email protected]

competence center thermal energy Systems and Process engineeringwww.hslu.ch/tevtwww.pinch-analyse.ch

We support private companies and the public sector in developing environmentally friendly processes that are more energy efficient and less polluting.

The competence center specializes in applied research and development and provides advanced services in the areas of energy, process and environmental engineering. The focal points include heat pumps, refrigeration systems and thermal energy storage as well as pinch analysis and sorption processes and procedures for the use of bioenergy for heat and power generation. Our experts develop and optimize the concepts, technologies and unit operations necessary for efficient energy and material conversion processes that ultimately require less resources. We employ uptodate methods in the fields of measurement technology, analysis and simulation.

Project Example: Reduce Co2 Emissions and Increase Profits with PinCH Analysis Pinch analysis is the key to increased energy efficiency and profitability in industry. Energy consumption of industrial processes can be reduced by up to 40 percent using this method. The userfriendly software PinCH, developed by the competence center and supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) and the Swiss Private Sector Energy Agency (EnAW), enables the cost effective and practical application of pinch analysis. We provide comprehensive support in the application of pinch analysis in practice as well as through courses with a strong applied focus.

Donald olsen and Beat Wellig in the laboratory demonstrating the “PinCH” software, which helps to improve energy efficiency in industrial processes.

Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture Research, Intelligent Solutions for the Energy turnaround

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competence center innovation in intelligent multimedia networkswww.hslu.ch/iimsn

We specialize in product inno vations based on real-time reliable data and sensor networks.

Our research and development is dedicated to new technologies for distributed embedded systems – from vision sensors to power line and wireless communication networks, for which we design intelligent architectures, network protocols and digital signal and data processing algorithms. Our goal is to increase performance in terms of speed, realtime availability and reliability through the optimized use of the available resources. Applications are focused on avionics and power distribution for the future AllElectric Aircraft, in which electromechanical actuation increasingly replaces hydraulic actuation, Smart Grid data networks, cost effective person counting systems and autonomous indoor navigation systems.

Project Example: Guiding visually impaired persons We have designed a fully autonomous navigation system for visually impaired persons, together with our industrial partner AIONAV Systems AG and organizations for the blind. A person using that system can navigate through complex buildings without the support of technologies like GPS. The system has been awarded several technology and innovation prizes, and we are now developing a prototype.

Head of the Competence Center Innovation in Intelligent Multimedia networks: Prof Dr Ulrich Derscht +41 41 349 35 25, [email protected]

Finalist of the Swiss technology Award 2012: the autonomous navigation system for visually impaired persons.


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competence center for Distributed Secure Software Systemswww.hslu.ch/d3s

Our research focuses on interactions and integration across independent computer systems. Such systems aim to support users and their tasks in a common and coordinated way.

The increasing penetration of work and leisure by distributed networked computer systems and sensors opens the door to novel applications, but also raises issues regarding, for instance, security. We inves tigate the technical principles that support the systems of this nature and work with business partners on developing the fundamentals for new and innovative services. The “eProcess” research group examines secure distri buted software systems designed to support business processes. The “Mobile Systems” research group looks at innovative solutions in the realm of mobile information and communication technologies.

Project Example: Increased efficiency and flexibility through BPM Light Business process automation has been around for a while. However, it can be expensive and is only viable for repetitive tasks and wellstructured processes. The processes of many commercial enterprises are, by contrast, dynamic, continually changing and sporadic. In the “BPM Light” project funded by the Swiss Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI), we have developed together with bbv ICT Solutions an agile business process management product capable of accommodating dynamic processes. Distributed computers have secure access to it via the web.

Head of the Competence Center Distributed Secure Software Systems: Prof Jörg Hofstettert +41 41 349 33 14, [email protected]

BPM Light has been designed to facilitate the automation of dynamic business processes.


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Head of the Competence Center Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines: Prof Dr Ernesto Casartellit +41 41 349 32 36, [email protected]

competence center fluid mechanics and hydraulic machineswww.hslu.ch/fmhm

We analyze and optimize the flow in a wide range of products. Our aim is a consistent increase in the efficiency of fluid dynamic com ponents and systems.

Our expertise covers experimental and numerical fluid mechanics. We conduct measurements and experiments in our hydraulic laboratory or in the field, e.g. at hydroelectric power stations. We investigate flow in a wide variety of components and systems, including for example pumps, turbines and desalination plants. Our simulationbased applicationoriented research activi ties range from microchip flows for analytical devices, multiphase flows with nonNewtonian fluids relevant to process engineering and heat transfer in gas turbines, all the way to hydroelectric power stations at a scale of 1:1.

Project Example: When water is harder than steel We investigate the correlation between the transport of suspen ded sediment in power plant water, the wear on the turbines, and their loss in efficiency; using many years of data collected from our suspended sediment monitoring program. Thanks to our research, power stations run more efficiently, because the erosion of Pelton turbi nes and other steel components by solid matter in the water is an unwelcome expense that affects operational costs and profits.

the optical 3D scanning system monitors hydroabrasive erosion on a Pelton turbine.


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competence center for integrated, intelligent, and efficient energy Systemswww.hslu.ch/iiee

In accordance with our claim “Grid-Living and Mobility”, we develop solutions for innovative drives and motors in the realms for industry and mobility, storage and microgrids, thus contributing to a sustainable energy supply.

We research sustainable and intelligent approaches to energy storage and drive systems, such as new drive trains in electric bicycles and efficient lighting. Our work also focuses on distributing and supplying energy and designing intelligent electricity grids in combination with mobility. Our excellent infrastructure allows us to manufacture prototypes in the shortest possible time.

Project Example: Intelligent grid management of energy storage systems and mobility for the energy future. By 2050, Switzerland should be deriving one third of its energy from renewable sources. One step along the way is the storage package we have developed in partnership with Kamoo AG and CKW for the modular “Vision: R4” home designed by Renggli AG. This package provides an intelligent approach to controlling the output of a photovoltaic array for supplying the household’s energy needs and charging electric vehicles. The storage system is optimized to achieve maximum costeffec tiveness as well as excellent autonomy. The network that exports the surplus electricity and imports the required electricity is regulated by an intelligent management system. The storage system will be commercialized as part of a subsequent phase.

Head of the Competence Center for Integrated, Intelligent, and Efficient Energy Systems: Prof Vinzenz V. Härrit +41 41 349 33 13, [email protected]

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on the left: the storage package that controls the output of the PV plant for supplying the household’s energy needs and charging electric vehicles.


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competence center for electronicswww.hslu.ch/electronics

We are an expert partner for high-end analog and digital electronic solutions.

As a team of lecturers, research associates, assistants and master’s students covering an array of disciplines, we are well positioned to tackle crossdisciplinary problems in the realms of electronics and physics, and to pursue practical approaches for product development. Our knowhow in communication engineering, embedded system design, lowpower electronics, sensors and automation and control technology is used in sensor networks, visible light communication, and wired and wire less communication systems.

Project Example: Data transport at altitude In partnership with Frey AG from Stans and with funding from the Swiss Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI), we have developed a wired communication system that is commercially viable. The solution consists of not only using the cable of an aerial cableway to transport the cabin, but also to transport several hundred kilobits per second of multimedia data between the drive station and the cabin. This entailed applying new principles of digital signal processing to the specific channel characteristics of the traction cable. As an example, this technique is capable of displaying information – such as weather forecasts, local restaurant menus, etc. – on a screen in the cabin.

Head of the Competence Center for Electronics: Prof Zeno Stösselt +41 41 349 33 90, [email protected]

the newly developed data motorway in the traction cable of an aerial cableway conveys digital signals to the cabin.


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competence center for Product innovation | managementwww.hslu.ch/ccpim

We are the ideal point of contact for commercial enterprises looking to change their business models and to innovate their technological products and services to be ready for the changes in the energy production and energy consuming sectors.

We work closely with our clients in helping them develop strategies designed to boost their innovation processes, generating ideas, introducing them to the market and monitoring success during implementation. We also understand the implications of changes to markets, both in terms of regulation and competition and can integrate these into the innovation strategy.The main market segments we are active in are: energy production, energy supply and energy efficiency in buildings and in the industry.

Project Example: Strategy workshops help prepare for the future Together with Swisspower, the industrial association of Swiss municipal utilities, we have agreed on a strategic collaborative venture aimed at creating an innovation platform for all of their members. Combining traditional management approaches with design thinking and adaptive business process modeling, we look at possible scenarios, future customer outcomes and identify the key success factors. Armed with these findings, we develop new business models and technical solutions that will allow the companies to successfully face the challenges associated with market liberalization.

Head of the Competence Center for Product Innovation | Management: Markus Raschket +41 41 349 37 40, [email protected]

Attendees of a strategy workshop tackle market scenarios, future customer needs and success factors in the context of energy companies.


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competence center for mechanical Systemswww.hslu.ch/ccms

We consider mechanical systems in their entirety, rather than just focusing on specific components or properties. This holistic approach includes a systems concept, design, manufacture and application. We cross the traditional boundaries of pure mechanics by pursuing efficient and effective interdiscipli-nary design solutions.

The focus of our competence center lies on the product development process. The scope of our research ranges from indepth questions, like the underlying mechanics in steel and transmission line cables to the development of autonomous systems, like a cleaning robot for photo voltaic panels. Our expertise lies in design, simulation, mechanics of materials, hydraulics, automation, production and measurement engineering. Because the systems approach is increasingly important, our technical and methodological skills in these areas are our greatest strength.

Project Example: optimized grinding of high-performance turbines Water turbine blades have to be as finely ground as possible to ensure optimal efficiency. In a joint project with Andritz Hydro AG we succeeded in automating this laborious manual task in a cost effective approach, using a sevenaxis articulated robot capable of delivering highly flexible threedimensional milling and grinding. The project is funded by the Swiss Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI).

Head of the Competence Center for Mechanical Systems: Prof Ralf Baumannt +41 41 349 32 55, [email protected]

“Sophie”, the articulated robot in the mechanical engineering laboratory at the Horw Campus.


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competence center aerospace Biomedical Science and technologywww.hslu.ch/spacebio

The Competence Center Aero space Biomedical Science and Technology specializes in conducting biomedical and biotechnological experiments in space. Our studies shed light on the perception and effects of forces working on biological systems.

Our competence center is a leading research facility in the field of aerospace biology. We conduct experiments on cell cultures subjected either to microgravity or to other gravitational environments. We also develop instruments for use in biomedical research in space. Our findings are of value to astronauts as well as to sports, rehabilitation and geriatric medicine. In addition, we run the Biotechnology Space Support Center called BIOTESC, which supports researchers conducting experiments in the European space laboratory “Columbus” on board the International Space Station.

Project Example: Muscle atrophy in space Astronauts lose muscle mass due to exposure to microgravity. The symptoms are similar to those experienced by elderly people. To study the cellular mechanisms that lead to muscle wasting, we have worked alongside the industry to develop an appara tus with which cells can be cultivated and studied under microgravity. This is the first time equipment of this kind is being used in space.

Head of the Competence Center Aerospace Bio-medical Science and technology: PD Dr Marcel Eglit +41 41 349 36 18, [email protected]

Marcel Egli and staff members experiencing weightlessness during a flight to study the effects on muscle cells.

Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture Research

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[email protected]/licht

1: Light quality in the context interior space We develop concepts for high quality illumination of rooms that fully address their unique requirements. Deploying quantitative and qualitative methods, we examine the effects of the physical environment and the extent to which it affects the perceptions of those who use it.

2: Innovative light technologies We support commercial enterprises with our networks and knowledge of current and future light technologies, with the goal to improve their competitiveness and profitability. The new technologies offer a vast potential for unique and innovative light products.

3: Light management We research and develop products and applications capable of using the particular properties of innovative light technologies to their best effect. These products and applications are more efficient and complex than today’s conventional lighting systems.

4: Light in medical technology and healthcare facilities Light used in medical technology and healthcare facilities is directly related to our research topics 1 and 2. Various aspects of these two topics can be applied to meet the specific requirements of healthcare facilities.

5: Daylight/visualization We focus on the simultaneous and beneficial use of daylight effects and their underlying parameters relating to lighting and energy technology. Computeraided simulations assume a central role in our work.

We adopt a cross-disciplinary approach to our research on light by focusing on its effects, energy and function. With access to a range of disciplines, we stretch the boundary between room design and engineering. Although light has become an ever-present and expected commodity, the current energy debate illustrates that new approaches are needed and that we must meet the challenge of contributing to a more appropriate and efficient use of light. The disciplines of architecture, electrical engineering, building technology and interior architecture all contribute to “Licht@hslu”, an inter-disciplinary specialization of the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture. Depending on the task at hand, we can broaden our scope to include experts in design and business as well. Our five research areas are:

the rotatable “light-measuring container” on Horw Campus.

Head of Licht@hslu: Björn Schradert +41 41 349 32 69, [email protected]

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Head of Knowledge and technology transfer: Prof Zeno Stösselt +41 41 349 33 90, [email protected]

our know-how – your successwww.hslu.ch/wtt

We put the expertise of our lecturers, research associates and students at the service of com mercial enterprises and institutions.

An exciting idea for a project? A new method or a promising technology that needs to be put to the test? Or is an expert’s second opinion required? Our transfer office directs the inquiries to the appropriate contact person. Our lecturers, research associates and students undertake research and development projects and perform complex serv ices. We offer a wide variety of working relationships, from CTIfunded projects to proposing topics for bachelor’s or master’s degree theses.

Competence centers: research and services Funding can be provided in part by the Confederation or the European Union, or in full by a commercial partner.

Student mandates Students in their fifth semester carry out projects on behalf of commercial enterprises on the basis of 180 hours per mandate. As part of their finalyear theses, students in their sixth semester tackle realworld problems on the basis of 360 hours of work. We also gladly accept proposals for master’s theses. These are realworld research mandates on which master’s students spend more than 900 hours throughout a semester.

Ensuring that your ideas and questions get through: the transfer office passes on the appropriate contact details.

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Research and Development at the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture

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