Herbert Zondag

Herbert Zondag serves as a Full Professor (Part-time) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology, specializing in Energy Technology. His research is conducted within the EIRES research group and specifically Group Smeulders, focusing on thermal energy storage systems and sustainable industrial processes. He maintains an active research profile with publications spanning multiple high-impact journals.

Professor Zondag's research primarily centers on thermal energy storage technologies, industrial decarbonization, and sustainable energy systems. His work investigates innovative approaches to thermal storage using salt hydrates, industrial heat pump applications, and electrification of industrial processes such as hydrocarbon cracking. His research directly addresses critical challenges in reducing industrial carbon emissions while maintaining economic viability.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on practical applications of energy storage and efficiency technologies in industrial settings. The articles reveal a consistent research trajectory toward decarbonizing industrial processes through thermal storage optimization, market analysis for emerging technologies, and material science investigations for improved storage performance. His collaborative work with European institutions highlights the international relevance of his research.

Professor Zondag actively contributes to educational programs at TU/e, teaching courses on Sustainable Energy Sources and Thermal Energy Storage. His industry experience through TNO (which absorbed ECN in 2018, his former employer) provides valuable practical context to his academic work. His current research includes participation in EU-funded projects like INPATH-TES (Horizon 2020 grant agreement No 657466), demonstrating significant research funding support.

His laboratory work focuses on Energy Technology within the Mechanical Engineering department, specifically investigating sorption thermal energy storage systems, salt hydrate properties for thermo-chemical storage, and industrial applications of heat pump technologies. The research involves both experimental work and computational modeling approaches to understand material properties and system performance.