SpreeTec neXt

Motivation

The partner network of the “SpreeTec neXt“ cluster stretches along a corridor connecting Lusatia and Berlin. This region is characterized by medium-sized companies in the metal and plastics processing industry. In view of the economic challenges and changes in the energy sector, it is crucial that these companies can participate in the value creation potential of new future technologies. This is where SpreeTec neXt comes in and promotes the development and implementation of climate-friendly, green processes for energy conversion and energy storage. As a former coal mining region, Lusatia is particularly suitable for this transformation in order to strengthen the regional economy and at the same time develop sustainable solutions for energy supply.

Objectives and Approaches

SpreeTec neXt aims to create a scientific and technological platform for the production of highly efficient components and systems. The focus is on the development of optimized, scalable construction methods, tailor-made material systems and flexible, digitalized production technologies. Real and virtual technology chains that integrate materials, production processes and construction methods tailored to function and efficiency are at the heart of this.

The strategic collaboration in the consortium, consisting of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU), the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (IWS) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research (IAP), aims to overcome the challenges along the value chain of the latest material and manufacturing technologies. Fraunhofer IWS contributes its special expertise in laser-based additive manufacturing, process development and material and component analysis, whereas the Chair of Joining and Welding Technology at the BTU conducts research primarily in the field of filler materials, arc-based additive manufacturing and simulation-based process chains.

Innovations and Prospectives

With the expansion of decentralized energy supply and the integration of various renewable energy sources, the demands on components and systems are increasing. SpreeTec neXt aims to bring new resource-saving production technologies for components and systems in energy generation, conversion and storage to practical maturity. This includes, for example, hydrogen-powered systems, heat exchangers as well as photovoltaic and solar thermal systems. New materials, digitalization approaches and cycle principles for these applications are also on the project agenda. Fraunhofer IWS develops manufacturing technologies for complex, large-volume components such as combustion chambers for hydrogen energy systems, blade wheel housings for turbines and other complex machine components or tools.

The close cooperation between science and industry, the establishment of joint structures and the promotion of long-term partnerships will support sustainable economic development. SpreeTec neXt thus offers a unique platform for the development and implementation of new manufacturing technologies that sustainably strengthen the region's innovative power and form the basis for a climate-friendly, efficient and scalable energy supply of the future.