TUM Unveils Hands-On Energy Lab to Ignite Youth Interest in Renewable Technologies

TUM Unveils Hands-On Energy Lab to Ignite Youth Interest in Renewable Technologies

(IN BRIEF) The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has launched an innovative laboratory designed to make renewable energy systems and energy consumption tangible for schoolchildren. In a simulated household setting complete with common appliances such as lamps and washing machines, students can monitor energy use in real time via central displays that show live graphs, enabling them to learn about the energy costs and efficiencies associated with different technologies. Spearheaded by Professor Thomas Hamacher, the laboratory aims to educate young people about efficient energy use and renewable energy by demonstrating practical experiments—like comparing the energy consumption of different types of lamps and analyzing washing machine power usage—and by harnessing renewable energy from onsite photovoltaic modules. Complementary mobile workshops allow teachers to conduct similar experiments in schools, thereby extending the impact of the initiative. This project, funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation, underscores the importance of engaging the next generation in the energy transition and sustainable practices.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 9-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has introduced an innovative laboratory for sustainable energy systems aimed at sparking interest in renewable energies and the energy transition among schoolchildren. This pioneering facility enables students to observe in real time the energy consumption of common household appliances, making the abstract concept of energy use concrete and accessible. The laboratory replicates a typical household environment, complete with everyday devices ranging from lamps to washing machines, each connected to a central monitoring system that displays live energy usage graphs. For instance, students can compare the energy consumption of incandescent lamps versus LED lights or see how different wash cycle durations affect energy use.

Professor Thomas Hamacher, who heads the project, emphasizes the pressing global need to create a sustainable world, noting that this initiative is designed to inspire young people to appreciate technological innovation and embrace the energy transition. During demonstrations, pupils explore practical questions such as the most energy-efficient way to boil pasta water, identify which appliances consume the most energy, and even discover what happens inside an electrical box. By analyzing the continuous data provided by the system, they can formulate an energy profile for a typical household and better understand concepts like kilowatt-hours and annual energy costs in euros.

The focus on renewable energy does not stop at consumption; the laboratory itself is powered by photovoltaic modules mounted on its exterior, allowing students to witness firsthand how renewable sources can offset energy use. In addition, mobile workshops have been developed so that teachers can bring the experiments to their own schools. These workshops let students handle small photovoltaic modules, use them to light up lamps, or power motors with propellers, thereby gaining practical experience with renewable energy systems. The project, funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU), is not only a tool for education but also a step toward enhancing awareness of sustainable practices in everyday life.

Media Contact:

Corporate Communications Center
Linda Schinnenburg
presse@tum.de

Contacts to this article:

Prof. Dr. Thomas Hamacher
Technical University of Munich
Chair of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems
Phone: +49 (89) 289 – 52741
thomas.hamacher@tum.de

SOURCE: Technical University of Munich