Electrics & Electronics

© B. Welker

Electrical and electronic equipment and systems are integral parts of many of our social, economic and industrial processes. The field of electrical engineering encompasses electronic energy systems, drive technologies, information and communication technology and process measuring and control technology.

Intelligent control systems play a vital ecological role, both in industrial and agricultural equipment and machinery, and in building services. In precision farming, for example, fertilisers and pesticides relevant to the environment can be spread to individual areas in the field more effectively using GPS technology. Energy efficient lighting technologies such as LED lamps combined with an intelligent lighting control system offer potential for energy savings in the building services engineering sector. Intelligent vehicle engine control systems can help to reduce fuel consumption. Efficient drives for industrial engines, intelligent software to control pumps and advanced ventilation systems can all help to reduce the consumption of electrical power and thus the emission of CO2, and not least to lower costs.

While individual appliances become more and more energy-efficient, increasing demand and short product life cycles within the information and communication technology sector are leading to an ever rising consumption of materials and energy. Green information technology (green IT) therefore aims to reduce the amount of electricity used in data centres and computerised processes. Server-based computing, server virtualisation, and the use of thin clients all show promise in this respect.


The production of electrical and electronic equipment such as mobile phones not only requires energy but also a variety of resources (e.g. rare earth metals). In order to safeguard these valuable resources, appropriate collection systems must be introduced and recycling technologies must be developed and implemented.

In Germany, the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) is the statutory basis for the disposal and recycling of electronic components. The act is based on the two EU directives on the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment - WEEE Directive) and the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (Restriction of Hazardous Substances - RoHS Directive).


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Trägerfahrzeug mit Kameraköpfen auf Metallplatten (1), D-GPS-Empfänger (2) und Boardrechner (3)
© DBU
The online method developed under the project uses high-resolution cameras to capture the status of weeds in real time. An electronically controlled sprayer is then used to spread the herbicides over partial areas, significantly reducing the amount needed.
In the test series conducted, the sensors used have shown very high sensitivity to changes in air quality, e.g. associated with alcohol and cigarette smoke. Results obtained will form a basis for the improvement of the reparability of TV sets through the use of sensor-controlled early warning systems for the detection of malfunctions. Expand…
In comparison with conventional laminated circuit boards, a sandwich structure comprising a polysiloxane foil, a metal carrier material and a foam material surround will reduce the use of flame-retardant materials, heavy metals and conventional electronic components. Since this sandwiched material can be folded, it can be adapted to the dimensions of the housing concerned. Expand…
The feasibility of the reuse of recycled material produced from used television tube glass has been confirmed by the conduct of tests. Recycling rates of approximately five percent by weight have since been achieved for the in-house production of cone glass. Expand…
A loudspeaker has been devised which is constructed substantially of regenerative raw materials, can be easily dismantled for reuse or recycling and is highly energy-efficient. On the grounds of cost, however, this loudspeaker will be more suitable for use as a car accessory than in the television industry. Expand…
An analysis of scrapped appliances for disposal has demonstrated the feasibility of the trouble-free recycling of ABS and PP plastics used. With slight structural modifications, a lawnmower of 100% recycled material construction has been developed for mass production. Expand…
The demonstration plant comprises six stations: ultrasonic pre-cleaning, after-cleaning, rinsing with tap water, rinsing with de-ionized water, passivizing of steel parts and hot-air drying. The plant can handle single parts and bulk parts made of many different metals of sizes appropriate to the size of the basket. It treats electrotechnical equipment components that must be free of swarf, grease and other contaminants. The plant operates with closed-circuit water supplies. The plant processes have been optimized to meet industrial requirements and make them suitable for integration in production (further information in German). Expand…
elektrische Mess- und Anzeigegeräte
© DBU
An environmentally-oriented design as well as the development of a switch power pack with small performance and high efficiency were in the center of attention for an environmentally-oriented product design. The capacity was reduced from 3.48 watts (old device) to 0.69 watts (new device). The reliability and life span were strongly increased by the small self-heating of the installation measuring devices. Thus it could be shown that with an environmentally-oriented design of electronic devices no compromises are necessary concerning their function and, furthermore, that they are also inexpensive and competitive (detail information in German).
A power plant engineering company developed a CDIS (Collaborative Documentation and Information System) for the construction of a wood gasifier, mapping the entire life cycle of this complex technical unit. The CDIS facilitates simultaneous access to technical documentation by everyone involved in the process. The use of thin clients reduces energy and resource requirements. Expand…
Keywords:  IT and telecommunications equipment, energy conservation, resource efficiency
The colour television set constructed is characterised by ease of dismantling, the reduced variety of materials used and the incorporation of components of recycled material construction. Since the housing components are of sheet steel construction, the use of toxic fire retardants is not required. Findings and experience derived from this project are applicable to all (home entertainment) electronic appliances. Expand…
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