- Start: 01/06/2024
- End: 31/05/2027
Smart-Pumps, Horizon Europe funded research project, aims to revolutionise heat-pumps' design and manufacturing. By leveraging cutting-edge techniques, this project will create sustainable and efficient heat-pumps with smart functionalities. This involves prioritising recycled materials and component recyclability throughout the heat-pump lifecycle, integrating sensors for performance optimisation, and establishing standardised protocols for mass production. Smart-Pumps seeks a future where heat-pumps' technology is both environmentally responsible and adaptable, for superior comfort and energy saving. The project started in June 2024 and will close in May 2027.
Smart-Pumps aims (1) to optimally redesign heat pump components under the newly introduced Design for Additive/Hybrid Manufacturing concept, which apart from operational characteristics, includes all life-cycle parameters, such as recycled material sourcing and component recyclability, for maximum efficiency, sustainability, safety and reliability, (2) to utilize multiple materials which are mixed at different percentages in the various operational sections of heat pump components, following the Functional Grading methodology, thus fully exploiting their properties (mechanical, thermal, electrical, etc) and maximizing material usage efficiency, (3) to embed sensors and devices within heat pump components for monitoring and operational data extraction, and also for actively changing heat pump component structure to optimize operation, (4) to standardize testing and create manufacturing process and assembly protocols, and (5) to create training curricula for all relevant stakeholder on digital design, manufacturing and testing of Smart Heat Pumps.
AIMEN will lead the WP3 - Development of standardized Digital Manufacturing solutions for smart heat pumps
AIMEN is the largest laser industrial application centre in Spain and has experience in coordinating and managing several EU-funded projects on digital manufacturing aimed at the development, demonstration, and validation of additively manufactured medium to large components for different industrial sectors. The research team presents expertise and practice in laser materials processing, process monitoring, process control, process modelling and simulation of residual stresses and distortions at the macroscale, and materials characterisation and testing.
Expected Results
- New technique for Digital Manufacturing of smart heat pumps and multi-functioning recycled components.
- New prototypes for (2) alternative HPs with parts with embedded smart devices & sensors
- New designs for the construction of compact and modular residential HPs
- New 3D printing methodology for production of compact and modular HPs
- Sectors: Energy
- Financing programme: HORIZON EUROPE
- R&D&i: Additive manufacturing, Circular Economy, Integrated monitoring and control systems, Laser assisted processing, Life cycle assessment. Carbon footprint., Materials under extreme conditions, Sensoric solutions
- Leader: Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU
- Partners: AIMEN Centro Tecnológico, Centre for Research and Technology-Hellas (CERTH), DEEP BLUE SRL, Danfoss, Aethon
- Acronym: SMART-PUMPS
- Ambit: International
- Web: https://smartpumps-project.eu/
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