Testing | Checking | Measuring

Within the scope of the High Performance Indoor Environment (HiPIE) research and development initiative, we at Fraunhofer IBP have built a test environment in which ambient conditions can be varied quickly and easily. This allows us to study human responses such as perception, sensation, experience, and behavior. In addition, using the lab, we can evaluate cause-effect relationships scientifically, quickly and inexpensively. In a freely-configurable space measuring approx. 45 square meters, we can specifically adjust the physical environmental conditions such as acoustics, lighting, room climate and air quality.

Equipment pool of different heating and cooling devices, storage systems, as well as distribution and transfer systems, local heating and cooling networks and various climate chambers as heat/cold sinks (including simulation of tapping hot water).

To determine the radiation exchange between bodies, the emissivity of the surfaces must be known. This can be calculated by applying a specific method (e.g. DIN EN 12898), which is based on spectrophotometric measurements of the reflectance in the infrared spectrum in the wavelength range of 5 µm to 50 µm.

In the Test Laboratory Emission, environment and hygiene among other things determination of gaseous emissions in test chamber and indoor air, determination of organic emissions from non-metallic automotive components as well as Odor analyses are made.

Test Laboratory Hygric properties and inorganic materials

Official testing, feasibility studies, aptitude and quality tests of building materials, building components for example for insulating materials, masonry, windows, doors. Experimental determination and calculation of thermal and energy transmittance, thermal conductivity.

Change in material and component properties due to artificial ageing with combined exposure to UV radiation, temperature, moisture.

The solar reflectance index (SRI) is a relative assessment method of the heating potential of a surface compared to a black and white surface.

Weather-independent test facility with reproducible boundary conditions: The solar simulator reproduces almost all global radiation loads on building components in their original size and original mounting position. Smaller specimen can be irradiated with higher intensity, e.g., aviation.

Characterization of thermal radiation, emissivity and thermal radiation on components using thermography and infrared (IR) sensors.

Test device for determining optical input variables for downstream calculation methods such as DIN EN 410 and DIN EN 52022-3.

Determination of the U-value of glazing, including existing buildings and prototypes, by analyzing filling gas, functional layers and geometry.

The High Performance Indoor Environment (HiPIE) lab is a building physics simulation environment that allows our scientists to explore interactions between humans and the physical environment, as well as to conduct measurements, evaluations and technical developments in the field of thermal comfort.

Light and radiation testing facility: Multifunctional integrating sphere

Determination of the total energy transmittance (g-value) using the calorimetric method for complex glass structures and special constructions.

The "Mixed Reality Experience Lab" enhances virtual reality by further senses: ambient temperature, thermal radiation as well as relative humidity and airflow are made tangible. Building components and materials change their effect in real time. Building owners, planners and product manufacturers can thus see before construction begins whether their wishes regarding indoor climate and comfort match the effect of their plans.

Characterization of the physical and chemical properties of substances or substance mixtures as a function of temperature at a defined heating rate (dynamic measurements) or time at a constant temperature (static measurements).

Determination of substance release from building materials with intermittent water exposure, determination of individual substances and sum parameters.