Prof. Dr. Arno Schlueter - JP

What made you decide to apply for a grant at the Leading House Asia?
Our research is focused on providing carbon neutral solutions for the built environment. To achieve this goal, a high number of techniques must be implemented in a coherent manner to realise the operational performance of a nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEB). For example, thermally active building systems (TABS) can be used to take advantage of a low exergy supply from a district scale geothermal source. We have an interdisciplinary team of researchers with backgrounds in architecture, engineering and control theory. As engineering is an applied science, it is preferable to investigate and develop novel approaches and ideas in real buildings. In our case, we are involved the design and construction of the HiLo building with partners from industry.

How did you secure a partner company?
During the design of HiLo, we entered discussions with Mitsubishi Electric on a possible collaboration project. While there were differing goals of product development and the delivery of scientific publications, there was also a significant technical overlap in relation to energy performance and occupant comfort experiments. With careful alignment of the project goals, we found a high potential for mutually beneficial outcomes.

This new joint research project will investigate the use of data-driven machine learning to enhance the hybrid control of building systems. The hybrid approach takes a set of systems (e.g. heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and searches for operational synergies in terms of energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The algorithm testing will be implemented at the HiLo building, which is a living laboratory based at NEST in Zürich. We look forward to engaging with our partners at the Mitsubishi Electric in the UK and Japan over the next four years.

How would you describe your experience of the programme?
The Innovation Partnership Grant made it possible to visit Mitsubishi Electric R&D laboratories. This opportunity to directly discuss the project plans with active researchers accelerated the collaboration relationship despite differences in cultural backgrounds and technical approaches. The support also provided the resources to realise demonstration experiments, which clarified the proposed research actions. In addition, we were able to host a number of workshops in Zurich, which were linked to experiments supported by the grant. A highlight of this phase was our visit to Mitsubishi Electric headquarters in Tokyo.

What role did the Leading House Asia play in the programme?
Establishing an international research collaboration requires significant effort from both parties. During the initial phase, we received an Innovation Partnership Grant and this financial support was instrumental in concluding a doctoral and postdoctoral funding agreement. The team at Leading House Asia were always very helpful over the whole process.

What were the impacts you made through the project/partners/individual?
The main impact of the grant was the development of a strong working relationship with Mitsubishi Electric. Hopefully, we will have greater impact on the built environment with the output of the research project.

Testimonial: what were your personal experiences/thoughts on the bilateral cooperation experience?
We would encourage researchers to get in touch with Leading House Asia when exploring scientific collaboration opportunities.