Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP

Director: Prof. Dr. Philip Leistner

Contact: Dr. Peter Brandstätt

The Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP researches on acoustic, comfort and indoor climate control systems, chemical, sensory, biological and hygienic issues that occur inside buildings, vehicles, and aircraft. It advises customers and developed new concepts, materials, technologies and analytical methods.

Special focus lies on the acoustic and thermal comfort as well as air quality indoors, taking into account contamination coming from the outside air, the influence of technical materials, components and interior products. Humans in interior spaces should feel well and comfortable, the air should be free of pollutants and odours. Scientists at the IBP measure the acoustic load in interior and exterior spaces (buildings, vehicles, aircraft), examine room-climatic parameters by physical and psychophysical measurements of thermal comfort, analyse odourless and smell-active product emissions, identify their sources in formulation and production process, and develop approaches for their elimination or reduction thereof. The aim of all investigations is always the satisfaction of the user, with low noise levels of adequate sound design, an optimal climate and good air quality.

At the Institute concepts, technologies and components are developed, tested and optimized for sound attenuation and absorption, air conditioning, comfort and air quality improvement. Another issue is the integration of various functionalities in new materials and components including a combination of air handling components with noise and emission-absorptive materials, catalytic, self-cleaning or bio-static surfaces.

By the existing interdisciplinary competence and cooperation at the Institute on acoustic, room climatic and chemical, biological field, the existing test facilities (e.g. four-wheel dyno in an anechoic room, aero-acoustic wind tunnel, Flight Test Facility) and the developed simulation and analysis methods (e.g. FEM, CFD, CAA), new insights are obtained for the areas materials, parts, components and systems for buildings, vehicles, and aircraft.