Some parts of this content are currently available in German only.

14th Swiss Symposium Thermal Energy Storage, 29th January 2027

CC Sustainable Thermal Energy Processes For a sustainable, resilient and climate-neutral future

The Competence Center Sustainable Thermal Energy Processes (STEP) is the leading research partner for the analysis and optimization of thermal processes, as well as for thermal energy storage. We characterize, optimize, and develop materials, components, and systems for products, buildings, industry, and energy supply. 

14th Swiss Symposium Thermal Energy Storage, 29th January 2027
Kurzportrait Video Teaserbild

About us

We are an interdisciplinary and international research team that has come together to improve thermal systems.

Facts and figures from the competence center sustainable thermal energy processes

Our research

Together with our partners, our customers and students, we characterize, optimize and develop materials, components and systems for product, building, industrial and power supply applications. We use digital tools, data analysis, state-of-the-art analytical equipment and laboratories coupled with development methods such as ideation, design thinking and rapid prototyping to develop cutting edge storage concepts and technologies.

Researcher looking at PC screens with models of thermal energy storage

Assessment of thermal systems and storages

Which storage solution fits best to your application? Together we will quantify the potential of thermal energy storage systems for your application and estimate the cost, emission and energy savings for you.

Pinch Analysis

Energy Integration and Optimization

We combine process integration, simulation and optimization to integrate heat recovery, heat pumps, thermal networks, renewable energy, and CO2 capture.

Latent thermal energy storage

In latent heat storage systems, the phase transition of the storage material from liquid to solid is used to save thermal energy. The Competence Center Thermal Energy Storage develops and optimizes latent heat storage systems for industrial processes and for buildings.

Seasonal thermal storage

Our goal is to develop efficient, compact, cost-efficient and sustainable short- and long-term thermal energy storage systems for buildings, neighborhoods, communities and industry.

Two people discussing a visual representation of lab results on a big screen.

Projects

Here you can find in overview of all our publicly funded projects.

Two researchers looking at information on a laptop screen

Publications

Here you will find all our publications

Our research network

We are involved in prestigious consortia and research communities to drive forward solutions for a sustainable, resilient and carbon-neutral future.

Check out the links

SWEET – DecarbCH

SWEET – EDGE

SWEET – Pathfndr

SWEET – Lantern

SWISS - STES

EU – Interstores

EU – Moderator

EU – Cooperant

EU – Ministor

IEA TASK 41

IEA TASK 45

Cooperation Solites

Cooperation Solites

Solites and the Competence Center Thermal Energy Storage (CCTES) at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts work together on the implementation of thermal energy storage systems in Switzerland – for climate-neutral and optimised energy systems.

Our spin-offs

We conduct research in direct cooperation with companies, in Swiss and Europe-wide networks, in basic research and specific application projects. Some of which lead to the formation of spin-offs.

Check out the links
SCALORIC GmbH Cowa Thermal Solutions AG SeasonCell Zelsius

Our partner network

Our laboratories

In our research, we rely on simulations, data science, state-of-the-art analytical equipment and laboratories. We are also happy to make our infrastructure available for specific services for our partners.

Analytic lab

Thermal material characterisation

LuCi lab

Computertomograph

Thermal lab

Scale-up and pilot systems

StoRIES Logo

StoRIES

Int. Energy Storage Laboratory Network

Teaser BA Maschinentechnik

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Learn more about the specialisation Energies, Fluids and Processes of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in this video. Text im Feld]

Lecturer

  • Portrait

    Sebastian Ammann
    Co-head of research group Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage

    Sebastian Ammann
  • Portrait

    Priska Büeler
    Lecturer

    Priska Büeler
  • Portrait

    Philipp Schütz
    Professor

    Philipp Schütz
  • Portrait

    Anastasia Stamatiou
    Head of the Bachelor's Program in Energy and Environmental Systems Engineering

    Anastasia Stamatiou
  • Portrait

    Jörg Worlitschek
    Head of IME

    Jörg Worlitschek
  • Portrait

    Malin Siegwart
    Co-head of research group Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage

    Malin Siegwart
  • Portrait

    Ludger Josef Fischer
    Co-Head of CC STEP

    Ludger Josef Fischer
  • Portrait

    Andreas Melillo
    Lecturer in Energy Data Science

    Andreas Melillo
  • Portrait

    Rebecca Ravotti
    Lecturer

    Rebecca Ravotti
  • Portrait

    Jorge Martinez Garcia
    Lecturer in X-Ray imaging & diffraction

    Jorge Martinez Garcia

Our employees

Further Information  

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree at IME

During the bachelor studies students can do their practical work in cooperation with CC TES and gain first industrial and research experience