By Niels Landbo Krogh, AAU Communikation and Public Affairs
Photo: Lasse Schmidt

Associate Professor Lasse Schmidt works at AAU ENERGY with the goal of making a difference through research and practical solutions. He is not only interested in theory – he wants to see results in the real world.

As an expert in hydraulics, he works on reducing CO2 emissions from large machines and production facilities. If he can contribute to changing even a small part of practice, it can have significant climate effects. For example, the CO2 emissions from hydraulic construction machinery are currently at the same level as those from international air traffic.

"Hydraulics is fascinating because you can see Newton's laws in action. It's much more tangible than electricity, which is often invisible," says Lasse Schmidt.

From International Research to LEGO Technic

Lasse Schmidt was reminded of why he is so fascinated by hydraulics when his son received a LEGO Technic set as a Christmas gift.

"The gizmos and gadgets in the box lured me in – a toy system controlled by air pumps and valves. I got really excited and looked online to find out if we could electrify the toy system," he says.

That day, he rode a wave of inspiration that led him to a video about fluid technology and LEGO, and it became clear to him where his original fascination with hydraulics comes from.

"You can imagine what will happen before you assemble the elements, and then it actually happens. I find it more exciting to work with than, for example, electricity."

From Soldier to Scientist

His career as a mechanical engineering student began in 2003, following a period as a soldier and various jobs. His path to research was not straightforward, but curiosity drove him forward. After working at Bosch Rexroth and completing a professional Ph.D., he joined AAU ENERGY as a postdoc.

Today, Lasse Schmidt's work focuses primarily on energy efficiency and the electrification of hydraulics in both construction machinery and manufacturing facilities. One of his goals is to reduce the enormous CO2 footprints of these machines. He leads research activities related to so-called electro-hydraulic drive networks, a field he founded himself, for which his research team has developed fundamental design and control principles.

Read a debate article on Lasse Schmidt's reserach: De store entreprenørmaskiner er kæmpe, oversete klimasyndere.