Energie- und Gebäudetechnik

Practical sessions and exercises

A double climate chamber, comprising two test rooms with an adjoining climate chamber, is fitted with various external wall elements and is heated or cooled using tailored operating concepts. We use a range of measurement methods and instruments to determine temperatures, humidity and air movements. Using the measurement data obtained, we evaluate the properties and behaviour of building components and rooms.

As a group, we carry out a total of three laboratory experiments in the double climate chamber, and a fourth laboratory experiment on the computer:

• Metrological investigations into thermal comfort

• Thermal and hygrometric behaviour and energy balance in winter

• Thermal and hygrometric behaviour in summer and summer heat protection

• Simulation-based analysis of the measurement data

Practical sessions and exercises

• Photovoltaics: characteristic curves, solar irradiance, module connection, and grid-connected and off-grid operation

• Wind energy: design, control and operation of modern wind turbines

• Simulation and design of PV systems

• Practical work on the INES microgrid

• Modelling and analysis of energy systems using Python

About the laboratory

The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art teaching and simulation systems for photovoltaics and wind energy, as well as professional software tools for the planning and evaluation of renewable energy systems. The equipment is complemented by modern measurement and automation technology. Through the Institute for Sustainable Energy Systems (INES), students also gain insights into current research infrastructures such as microgrids, smart grids and digital energy management systems.

Practical sessions and exercises

• Pipe Joints Experiment

In this experiment, various pipe sections are assembled using different joining techniques. This includes a pipe run made of steel pipes joined using flanges. In addition, practice sections are constructed using galvanised steel pipes with screw-in connections, as well as hydraulic lines with compression fittings. These pipe sections are then tested for leaks using a test pump. During the laboratory session, students learn about the properties and the advantages and disadvantages of the individual pipe and connection techniques.

• Actuator Experiment

This laboratory experiment examines a rotary actuator for pipeline valves. After dismantling, the function of the key components is assessed and a roller bearing is replaced. This provides students with practical insight into the topics of bearings and shafts.

• Bicycle Hub Experiment

The experiment focuses on a 3-speed bicycle hub, which is dismantled and reassembled. Once dismantled, the components relevant to the gear-changing process are identified and their function in conjunction with the other components is determined. Students thus gain practical experience in the field of gearboxes and gear ratios.

Practical sessions and exercises

Using various heat generators, a heat distribution network with connected heating surfaces and a hydraulic test rig, we carry out a total of four laboratory experiments as a group:

• Efficiency and utilisation cycles of various heat generators

• Thermal behaviour of a heating system

• Part-load behaviour in a closed hydraulic system

• Hydraulic balancing in a heating system

Practical sessions and exercises

We operate an air-conditioning system with an attached test chamber and investigate and evaluate indoor air flow in air-conditioned rooms under realistic conditions, taking into account energy efficiency and thermal comfort. To this end, we utilise the heating, cooling, humidification and dehumidification functions of the full-range air-conditioning system. By applying various methods for measuring air volume flow, we assess their quality and areas of application.

As a group, we carry out a total of four laboratory experiments:

• Commissioning of an air-conditioning system

• Air flow rate measurement

• Indoor air flow

• Operation and energy balance of an air-conditioning system

Practical sessions and exercises

In the laboratory, you will find an experimental setup with a measurement chain that is either partially or fully assembled, along with a data logger and a computer. To enable you to work with this equipment, a software induction will be provided in advance. Furthermore, the tasks are designed to allow you to familiarise yourself with the respective measurement system and the components of the measurement chain step by step. Your tasks may then cover the following subject areas:

• Recording the characteristic curve of a measuring orifice in an air flow

• Measuring the power characteristic curve of a solar cell

• Measuring the strain of a bending beam

• Measuring speed and voltage on a generator

• Analysing bearing reactions of an unbalanced shaft

This involves dealing with quantities such as volume flow, pressure, current, voltage, strain, force, rotational speed and vibrations. In addition, temperature measurements using resistance thermometers or thermocouples complement some of the topics listed.

The skills taught also include working with manuals and data sheets in order to independently identify relevant specifications or settings and enter them into the measurement system.

Practical sessions and exercises

The laboratory course comprises five days of experiments, during which the following experiments will be carried out:

• Investigation of a first-order thermal delay element in response to a step change in ambient temperature, followed by a graphical analysis of the step response.

• Investigation of a second-order mechanical delay element under dynamic excitation. A Bode plot and a locus must be drawn from the measurement results.

• An unknown electrical circuit is investigated using measurement techniques, and a model-based system analysis is carried out.

• A PID controller is to be iteratively tuned via a process control system in order to compensate as quickly as possible for the control error in a loop with a long dead time.

The laboratory experiments are modelled using MATLAB/Simulink, and a computer-aided system analysis and controller design are carried out.

Lab Sessions and Exercises

Following an introduction to the simulation software used (Python, Simulink), computer simulations will be conducted on the following topics, among others:

• Agitated-tank reactors at various levels of complexity, e.g., isothermal vs. thermal

• Electric vehicles with various components such as the battery system, electric motor, and Newton’s laws of motion

• Linear optimization (e.g., production planning) and nonlinear optimization (e.g., PV system with storage)

Hochschule Offenburg charges an administrative fee of 80.00 euros per semester and a social contribution of 65.00 euros for the Studierendenwerk Freiburg. In addition, the University’s student body charges all enrolled students a student body fee of 25.00 euros per semester to fulfill its responsibilities. Students on leave of absence from their studies are also required to pay these fees; however, foreign students enrolled on a temporary basis are exempt pursuant to Section 60(1), sentence 2, of the Higher Education Act (LHG).

= 170 euros per semester

Additional costs for PLUS Education degree programs (degree programs with a teaching certification option)

For students in the following bachelor's programs 

• Elektrotechnik/Informationstechnik PLUS Pädagogik

• Mechatronik PLUS Pädagogik

• Media Technology/Business PLUS Education 

• Wirtschaftsinformatik PLUS Pädagogik

an additional fee of 28.00 euros for local public transportation (semester ticket) applies, in accordance with the fees regulations of the Freiburg Studierendenwerk.

Note: You pay the semester fee to Hochschule Offenburg; however, you are enrolled at both Hochschule Offenburg and Freiburg University of Education. 

Additional Costs for International Master's Programs

Students in international master's programs must also pay a flat-rate service fee of 150.00 euros per semester.

Since the 2017/18 winter semester, universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg have been charging international students tuition fees of 1,500.00 euros per semester and students pursuing a second degree 650.00 euros per semester.

You can find more information about these fees here:

https://www.landesrecht-bw.de/bsbw/document/jlr-HSchulGebGBWrahmen

https://mwk.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/universities-studies/studying-in-bw/studying-financing/fees-for international students and second studies/faqs?highlight=Studying-fees

http://www.bw-studyguide.de/en/studying/finance-and-funding.html

Exceptions to Tuition Fees for International Students:

According to Section 3 of the LHGebG, international students who are not citizens of an EU/EEA country and do not hold a German university entrance qualification are required to pay tuition fees. However, the law provides for a few exceptions.

To determine whether you are required to pay tuition fees, you can use the following information form and send it, completed and accompanied by the necessary supporting documents, to studiengebuehren@hs-offenburg.de:

Tuition Fee Information Form (PDF)

To apply for an exemption from tuition fees, please use the corresponding application form:

Application for Tuition Fee Exemption for International Students (PDF)

Application for Tuition Fee Exemption for a Second Degree Program (PDF)

Pursuant to Section 6, Paragraphs 4 and 5 of the LHGebG, Hochschule Offenburg may fully or partially exempt a limited number of international students from tuition fees if it deems them to be particularly gifted. The requirements, etc., are set forth in the bylaws governing tuition fee exemptions for international students based on exceptional talent. Students at the University can find more detailed information in the relevant announcement on the intranet.

Information about BAföG is available on the website of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. If you have any questions about BAföG, the Freiburg-Schwarzwald Studierendenwerk—which is responsible for Hochschule Offenburg—will also be happy to assist you under the “Money” section. You can submit applications for financial aid at the Studierendenwerk’s branch office on the Offenburg campus.

Studierendenwerk Branch Office

Badstraße 24, 77652 Offenburg

Phone: 0781 205-328

Office hours:
Mon and Wed from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.,
as well as by telephone appointment

Here you’ll find a PDF in which we’ve summarized the criteria for what are known as “standard achievements”—the requirements you must demonstrate to continue receiving funding after two years of BAföG support.

A scholarship takes the financial pressure off you. Find the right support in our overview of scholarship programs.

Application period begins: April 29, 2026

Step 1: Sign-up/Registration and Online Application

First, log in to our portal to complete your application online. There are two ways to do this:

• Are you already a student here? Then you don’t need a new account. Just log in at the top right using your existing student account. Under the “Application” menu item, you can select your desired program directly.

• Are you new to Hochschule Offenburg? Then first register on our applicant portal. You will receive an email with your password—please keep this in a safe place. Once you have confirmed your access, you can fill out your application online and submit it directly. 

Go to the applicant portal

Then print out the application and the privacy policy and sign both.

Step 2: Submit your documents

Send us the signed application and the signed privacy policy along with the other documents by mail. You can see exactly which documents we need in the checklist (German, pdf).

Very important: Please be sure to include a current transcript of your academic performance (showing passed, failed, and definitively failed exams).

Want to change your major?

If you have already studied for at least 3 semesters, you must consult with an academic advisor before submitting an application for a higher semester.

1. Get in touch: Ask the Student Secretariat who chairs the examination board for your desired program.

2. Get advice: Schedule a meeting with the appropriate person.

3. Submit proof: Bring the printed consultation form (German, pdf) to the meeting and include the signed proof with your application afterward.

Please send the documents to the following address:

Hochschule Offenburg
Admissions Office
Badstraße 24
77652 Offenburg

Checklist (German, pdf)
for Bachelor's Degree Application

Important information for you:

• Orientation Test: Please remember to take an orientation test before enrolling. You can find more information here: Academic Orientation.

• Check your status: After you’ve submitted your application, you can log in to the applicant portal at any time to see how far along we are in processing it. There you’ll also find out if we need anything else from you.

• Transferring credits: You should only apply for the official transfer of your previous academic credits after you have enrolled. You can find out exactly how this works at your Student Secretariat.