Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB
In the area of “Smart Engineering and Scale-up”, we combine our expertise in the use of digital technologies and process engineering to support companies in the chemical and process industries from the initial idea to market readiness and beyond. Our approach combines intelligent engineering, prototype construction, automation, and customized scaling concepts with the aim of reducing costs and minimizing technological risks through holistic planning and validation. This makes it easier to justify investments and make operations more resource-efficient. As a result, operations become more economical while consuming fewer resources.
Modeling and simulation: We create digital models and digital twins of your processes and plants (including CAD) to understand and control behavior and performance as well as planning, operation, and optimization in a comprehensible manner. Through parameter studies, optimization, and robustness analyses, we identify the best operating ranges and design options so that design reliability, efficiency, and scalability can be reliably planned before construction. Variants can be tested virtually and risks and costs can be better controlled, which increases planning reliability and speeds up decisions. We enable the connection of digital twins with process control for real-time operational optimization of your plants.
Digitalization and automation: We integrate digital infrastructure, sensor technology, and automation solutions (MES/SCADA, IoT, data analysis) for real-time monitoring and control. Through automated workflows, control strategies, and predictive maintenance, we reduce manual intervention and downtime. This results in stable, transparent processes with better reproducibility.
Design and prototyping: We support you in CAD/CAE design, prototype manufacturing, and the integration of hardware, sensor technology, and controllers. Through iterative testing, functional testing, and rapid completion, we validate concepts in a practical manner.
Scaling and piloting: We accompany the transition from the laboratory to the pilot or demonstration plant and provide support in terms of technical and economic feasibility. With scalable process concepts, techno-economic analyses, and risk minimization, we pave the way to production. Practical field tests and validation ensure transferability in industry.
Systemic evaluation: We carry out holistic evaluations, e.g., life cycle and techno-eco analyses, to bundle environmental, cost, and performance indicators. This reveals impacts along the value chain, including supply chains, resource and energy mobilization. The results support your decision-making processes with reliable sustainability and economic data.
