Sustainable Energy Systems
2025-01-01 – 2027-12-31
FlexREC
Prediction and Optimization of Energy Flexibility in Renewable Energy Communities
FlexREC aims to develop multi-objective algorithms to manage the charging/discharging of electric vehicles in large buildings in a transactional energy context, and coordinate them with other energy storage and demand flexibility options to optimize the integration of renewable generation in communities. The potential impacts will be assessed with real data and validated in a pilot using a microgrid on a university campus.
2025-01-01 – 2026-08-09
Smart Motor
Smart Multiflux Line-Start Synchronous Reluctance Motor
The goal of this project is to investigate how to improve the starting, synchronization, and synchronous operation modes of LS-SynRMs by dynamically adjusting the magnetizing flux level through connection-mode self-switching of optimized multiflux winding configurations under ideal and unideal load and supply voltage conditions. For example, a medium/high flux level during starting and synchronization to boost the cage-induction torque, and a low/medium flux level to maximize the efficiency and power factor at synchronous operation. Additionally, microcontroller-based per-phase overcurrent protection and condition monitoring algorithms will be exploited and tested. The PI has a long experience in designing and optimizing multiflux winding configurations, as well as implementing solid-state solutions to automatically change the winding connection mode. The power electronics module of the device for the self-management of the connection mode will be based on wide-bandgap SiC semiconductors to reduce conduction losses in the bidirectional solid-state switches, which are the base for the connection mode change. Two innovative solutions are expected to come out from this exploratory project: (i) optimized multiflux winding configurations and the respective connection mode management; (ii) embedded smart electronic connection-mode switching device. The integration of these two solutions into existing/commercial LS-SynRM will enhance its full-load and part-load efficiency and power factor, starting and synchronization effectiveness, and active winding protection. This translates into better performance, higher robustness, and expanded applicability, which may potentially accelerate its penetration in the industrial sector. On top of it, the proposed self-adapted LS-SynRM will have self-monitoring, self-protection, and wireless communication capability, perfectly fitting into the modern industry paradigms (Industry 4.0/5.0). If the goals of this project were successfully achieved, they may define the next generation of industrial LS-SynRMs.
2024-07-01 – 2027-06-30
StreamSAVE+
Streamlining Energy Savings Calculations in the EU Member States
The streamSAVE+, Streamlining Energy Savings Calculations in the EU Member States + project has the objective to address the gap between trends in energy savings of the Member States and the goals of Article 8 of EED by assisting public authorities in the development of new policies and harmonisation of energy savings calculations across the MS. More specifically, streamSAVE+ will build capacity through the development of an open dialogue that will focus on streamlining calculation methodologies to estimate bottom-up savings and to assess cost effectiveness of technical energy savings actions. The project will target actions with high energy saving potential considered as a priority issue by national public authorities.
2023-09-01 – 2026-08-31
REPowerE(d)U
Continuing Education and Qualification Scheme to Support the Commission’s Measures on Decarburization of Flexibility, Reduction of the Use of Natural Gas and Flattening the Energy Peaks
The main objective of the project is setting up continuing education and qualification schemes for craftsmen, installers, technicians, specialists, operators, owners and prosumers on smart solutions for building energy systems integrating energy efficiency measures with distributed electricity generation from renewables, energy storage, e-mobility, demand response, and aimed at flattening the energy consumption peaks, developing and harvesting flexibility provided by buildings. The acquired skills, knowledge, and competences will facilitate implementation of innovative solutions for delivering REPowerEU in the sector of buildings and other recent measures for decreasing dependence of EU on Russian natural gas and addressing recent extreme growth of energy prices, as well as to deal with the volatility of the energy markets in the future through increasing flexibility of energy systems and limiting power use during peak hours. Specifically, the project will lead to: • Analysis of the innovative solutions being delivered by Horizon and LIFE projects (e.g., project BungEES) from point of view of skills, knowledge, and competences needed for their implementation; • Development of units of learning outcomes for different roles in planning, installation, maintenance and operation of these solutions by consumers/prosumers of energy; • Development of 7 cross-trade training programmes for craftsmen, installers, technicians, specialists, operators/owners/prosumers (further “targeted learners”) on planning, implementing, maintenance smart energy solutions in buildings based on disrupting innovations in this area, installing distributed electricity generation systems from renewables, installing energy storage solutions in buildings, smart orchestration of energy assets in buildings combining energy efficiency with demand response, distributed energy generation from renewables, energy storage/hybrid solutions, e-mobility and sector integration, testing and operating the systems.
2022-11-01 – 2025-10-31
RENOVERTY
Home Renovation Roadmaps to Address Energy Poverty in Vulnerable Rural Districts
RENOVERTY will foster energy efficiency building upgrades in the energy poor households of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) / South-eastern Europe (SEE) and Southern European countries (SE) by establishing the methodological and practical framework to build renovation roadmaps for vulnerable rural districts in a financially viable and socially just manner. Specifically, the project aims to deliver tools and resources to support local and regional actors to build and execute operational single or multi-household roadmaps for rural areas. A scalable model will also be created to ensure the wide geographical replicability and implementation of the roadmaps by different actors at the EU level. Strategically, the project will contribute to minimise logistical, financial, administrative, and legal burdens caused by a complex and multi-stakeholder home renovation process. Additionally, RENOVERTY will ensure that building retrofits consider the social dimension by incorporating security, comfort, and improved accessibility in the roadmaps to further improve the quality of life of vulnerable populations. Over the project’s three years, seven pilots located in Sveta Nedelja (Croatia), Tartu (Estonia), Bükk-Mak & Somló-Marcalmente-Bakonyalja Leader (Hungary), Zasavje (Slovenia), Parma (Italy), Coimbra (Portugal), and Osona (Spain) will implement the roadmaps, while wider integration of rural and peri-urban development is foreseen in the long run. The project objectives include: - Promote the renovation of rural vulnerable districts and set the basis for the increase of energy efficiency in 17 vulnerable rural areas in 7 regions by providing individual household Renovation Energy Efficiency Roadmaps (REERs) according to the characteristics of the household and regions with the collaboration of at least 20 local actors. There will be support from 7 Local Action Groups (LAGs), one in each region for the building and implementation of these roadmaps. - Provide a comprehensive model and guidelines for single REERs according to the different geographical and social contexts. The model will provide support to scale the projects results and guide other public actors to renovate rural vulnerable districts after the project ends. - Empower all (non) public actors in rural areas in becoming involved in the process of renovating vulnerable districts/buildings by identifying barriers and co-designing activities with the collaboration of private and public sectors. RENOVERTY will develop several tools and resources to enable knowledge on applying a successful integration of each phase to build the roadmap. • Use and follow #RENOVERTY on social media • Coordinator Contact: Mara Oprea (mara@ieecp.org) • Communications Contact: Roberta D’Angiolella (roberta@ieecp.org) • Disclaimer + LIFE logo : Co-funded by the European Union under project ID101077272. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
2022-11-01 – 2025-03-31
EU-MORE
EUropean MOtor REnovation initiative
This LIFE-Project targets an early replacement of old electric motors that remain in service in industry and in the tertiary sector. Electric motors have long lifetimes (30-40 year), which means that their replacement rate is slow. As a result of these excessive lifetimes, the actual savings of energy efficiency regulations are lower than the projections calculated by the impact assessments. By taking swift action, at least part of this lost savings potential could be recuperated, with all the associated benefits.
2022-10-31 – 2025-10-30
KNOWnNEBs
Integration of non-energy benefits into energy audit practices to accelerate the uptake of recommended measures
The LIFE KnownNEBs project aims to analyze current energy auditing practices in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Austria, Hungary, Poland and Latvia, targeting especially large energy consuming companies in the framework of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and to promote the acceptance of energy auditing by companies that are not required by the legislation as a competitiveness tool, boosting its practice as a way to reduce energy costs. Inspired by current practices and available tools, performance indicators used, etc., the knownNEBs project proposes to develop a new methodology for calculating savings, focusing on non-energy benefits in order to make energy efficiency measures suggested in energy audits more attractive. The goal is to accelerate the adoption of energy audits, promoting their extension to companies that are not required by law. The project also aims to develop the necessary tools to train technical staff and overcome communication barriers between the different players in the decision making process in companies.
2022-10-31 – 2025-10-30
REVERTER
Deep REnovation roadmaps to decrease households VulnERability To Energy poveRty
<p>The project REVERTER aims to reduce energy poverty in Europe by developing renovation roadmaps to do more with what we have, by focusing on the most cost and environmental effective renovation methods through an integrated assessment and co-creation, by working closely with all stakeholders and end-consumers in 4 pilot countries – Bulgaria, Greece, Latvia and Portugal. 9 roadmaps will be developed by addressing the poor energy efficiency of dwellings. The roadmaps will be tailor-made to the characteristics of the building stock, the characteristics of the vulnerable households and the climate conditions, to cover a sufficiently cohesive group of cases that will allow for a larger- scale rollout and replication of the proposed actions. The roadmaps will target the worst-performing homes first (“worst first” principle), will cope with split-incentive dilemmas and will address market, information and behavioural failures through the creation of "one-stop shops" (OSS) as defaults for the enrolment of vulnerable households in subsidised energy efficiency improvement programmes for buildings. The project will test the roadmaps by setting up a network of pilots in four European cities (Brezovo - Bulgaria, Athens - Greece, Riga - Latvia and Coimbra - Portugal) that cover different climate regions and socioeconomic conditions regarding age and size of buildings, owner-occupancy rates, percentage of multi-family houses and single-family houses, income, values and beliefs of the inhabitants, etc.According to recent Eurostat and other data for energy poverty across Europe, about 7% of the European citizens could not afford to adequately heat their homes, 6.4% reported arrears on utility bills, more than 16% spent a significantly high percentage of their income on energy costs, while, on the other hand, 14.6% presented abnormally low energy expenditure, as a result of their low incomes. Energy poverty is mainly connected with high energy prices, low household income and energy-inefficient buildings and appliances. Due to energy crisis in Europe, the importance of these factors has escalated due to the sharp price increase of prices (Eurostat) in the first half of 2022.</p><ul></ul><p></p>
2022-10-01 – 2025-12-30
BungEES
Building Up Next-Generation Smart Energy Services Offer and Market Up-take Valorizing Energy Efficiency and Flexibility at Demand-Side
The project will develop an integrated package (a one-stop-shop package) of novel smart energy efficiency services (EES) integrating energy efficiency and distributed generation, demand response, e-mobility, energy storage/hybrid energy systems and integrating different energy sectors (e.g., electricity with heating and cooling), and to develop innovative financing and rewarding solutions. In addition, the integration of non-energy benefits and non-energy services will be investigated. Focus will be on identifying market, regulatory and other barriers for integrated energy efficiency. Innovative legal, financial, and regulatory solutions to overcome these barriers and enablers of EES market will be recommended. Advanced analytics capabilities to better manage energy consumption in buildings and allow the implementation of the energy services integrated into smart EES package will be demonstrated to market actors and final consumers/prosumers allowing the integration on various markets (balancing market, wholesale market, ancillary services, flexibility market), as well as to ensure performance improvements providing benefits on comfort, health, and safety aspects. Focus will be on methods to assign rewards and financial incentives to all market actors, e.g., energy services providers companies (ESPCs), aggregators, DSOs, energy cooperatives, obliged parties under the Energy Efficiency Obligation Schemes implementing art 7 EED, final consumers/prosumers, etc. Considering the differences in today’s EES markets and relevant regulatory environments in EU Member States, the (r)evolution of smart EES will differ from one country to another. The project will analyze the regulatory conditions for unlocking the full potential of integrated energy efficiency services and whether any market organization measure would be necessary.
2022-09-01 – 2025-07-31
OwnYourSECAP
Bringing local and regional municipalities towards owning their SECAPs
During the last 10-15 years EU municipalities have been working on local climate mitigation policies and measures and lately also on climate adaptation and energy poverty. However, there are still plenty of challenges that municipalities face, e.g., integration of climate adaptation and energy poverty aspects in the energy plans, aligning existing plans to new and more ambitious targets of carbon neutrality as well as securing stronger political commitment and resources to deliver the plans, etc. Often, municipalities are not directly involved in the preparation process, and, in the end, they do not feel like “owners” of the plan. This highly influences the implementation of the SECAP afterwards, in most cases, municipalities disregard the existence of the SECAP. Once the municipalities appoint and institutionalise the process, they can face and tackle the next challenges, e.g., increasing competencies, engaging, and rising awareness of stakeholders and employees in energy and climate actions and implementing measures, etc. The concept behind the OwnYourSECAP is to deliver a systematic approach to development and implementation of sustainable energy and climate action plans in municipalities using 1) energy management systems (EnMS) concept according to ISO 50001 standard, 2) climate adaptation in municipalities concept according to ISO 14092, and 3) innovative engagement approaches. It will allow municipalities to strengthen governance structures and engage representatives of different departments and stakeholders, secure stronger political commitment, and resources, ensure sectoral integration and set more ambitious targets towards carbon neutrality and resilience. In total OwnYourSECAP will involve, train, and assist more than 110 target and replication municipalities and 1500 public officers.
2020-09-01 – 2023-08-31
streamSAVE
Streamlining Energy Savings Calculations
streamSAVE will support Member States in harmonizing accurate, bottom-up energy savings calculations of technical priority actions under Article 7, as well as Article 3 of Member States’ EED reporting. The actions will be targeted to those measures with high energy saving potential and considered as priority issues by Member States. To understand Member States’ priorities, the consortium performed an online survey in May 2019 (explained below). For each of the identified priority actions, streamSAVE is fostering transnational knowledge exchange between public authorities and other key-stakeholders along the following axes: - Axis 1: Knowledge facility where Member States are guided through the status of energy saving methodologies in the EU28 and how they can streamline and improve their bottom-up energy savings calculations. - Axis 2: Peer-to-peer dialogues among public authorities and other key-stakeholders to share experiences, reflect on and validate the streamlined calculation methodologies. - Axis 3: Capacity support facility assisting Member States in implementing streamlined energy savings calculations for specific requests to improve their obligations under Article 3 and Article 7 of the Energy Efficiency Directive An online streamSAVE platform will be set-up to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences among Member States according to the three axes, which is illustrated in the next figure. The project would assist Member States to deliver rapidly scalable savings and hence maximize their chances of successfully meeting the EED energy savings targets.
2020-01-01 – 2023-06-30
SafeForest
Semi-Autonomous Robotic System for Forest Cleaning and Fire Prevention
O projecto trata do desenvolvimento de acções inovadoras de prevenção de incêndios florestais e de interface urbano-florestais (WWUI), através de actividades avançadas de prevenção robótica de incêndios, permitindo uma redução drástica dos custos associados à manutenção de florestas privadas ou públicas, nomeadamente os amplos corredores de protecção utilizados como barreira de combustível, de forma a controlar e reduzir a propagação de grandes incêndios florestais. A limpeza da vegetação em corredores ao longo de linhas eléctricas de alta tensão é de importância crítica para evitar os riscos de incêndios florestais que recentemente conduziram a incêndios de grande dimensão em países como os EUA e Portugal. A ideia é desenvolver plataformas móveis semi-autónomas que possam executar uma missão de limpeza do terreno, com base num mapeamento preliminar da área, realizado com o apoio de monitorização avançada do terreno e vegetação, e conseguir remover a vegetação redundante para conseguir a necessária limpeza das barreiras de combustível. Este objectivo será alcançado através da integração de diferentes sensores numa plataforma todo-o-terreno semi-autónoma para limpeza de terrenos em pausas de combustível e em áreas do WWUI, capaz de funcionar na maioria dos tipos de terrenos. A monitorização das condições da floresta por um avançado sistema de drones apoiará o mapeamento do terreno e a identificação das áreas a serem limpas. Esta iniciativa propõe uma distribuição inteligente de infraestruturas na região centro de Portugal, com diferentes áreas de especialização: INGENIARIUS, LDA: Autonomia de decisão e integração de sistemas; Gestão do Projeto. INSTITUTO DE SISTEMAS E ROBOTICA-I.S.R.: Aplicação de UAVs para mapeamento de ambientes florestais; Carga útil de mapeamento e percepção universal para UGV; Sistemas de localização e navegação autônoma para UGV. ASSOCIAÇÃO PARA O DESENVOLVIMENTO DA AERODINAMICA INDUSTRIAL: Ensaios experimentais em campo em diversos ambientes florestais; Disseminação e exploração. SILVAPOR, AMBIENTE & INOVAÇÃO LDA: Definição de requisitos do usuário
2013-01-01 – 2015-12-31
EMSURE
Energy and Mobility for Sustainable Regions
The challenge of the project consists of developing models, methods and technologies to assist decision makers and companies in making the Portuguese Centro Region truly sustainable as far as energy and mobility are concerned. Research objectives deal with the following main topics: characterisation and modelling of energy resources, both supply-side and demand-side resources; design and assessment of integrated energy management strategies taking into account the electric grid, local generation, thermal and electric (including electric vehicles) energy storage and interruptible/shiftable loads; modelling and simulation of an energy management system able to manage one’s home or small business energy usage in real-time endowed with algorithms to coordinate the energy demand, energy storage, local generation and selling back to the grid according to price signals, comfort requirements, weather conditions and renewable availability; models and decision support tools for retrofitting planning of existing buildings; technological solutions and assessment methods for near-zero energy buildings; assessment of the geothermal potential for power production in target areas in Centro Region; models for studying the feasibility of production of biofuels from forest residues; transport network planning models and methods; land use transport simulation; new urban transportation modes and services planning; traffic engineering design; road maintenance management models and methods.
2005-11-14 – 2007-11-14
DEXA MCP
Dissemination, Extension and Application of the Motor Challenge Program
The objective of the DEXA-MCP project is to support the European Commission and the participating National Contact Points (NCP) in disseminating, extending and applying the SAVE motor driven system energy efficiency "MCP tool set", including the following: the Motor Challenge Programme (MCP), the Audit Programme, Life Cycle Costing Guidelines, which aid enterprises in factoring energy costs into purchasing decisions; EuroDEEM, a comprehensive computer based information and decision aid tool.
1999-11-14 – 2001-11-14
VSDs for Electric Motor Systems
VSDs for Electric Motor Systems
The large scale application of VSDs (Variable Speed Drives) is expected to save about 37 TWh by 2010 in the industrial sector, and 11 TWh in the tertiary sector, considering cost effectiveness constraints. If a substantial drop in the price of VSDs occurs (which may be feasible due to a combination of market transformation, advances in drive design and recent developments in microelectronics) the energy savings may reach 87 TWh in the industrial sector, and about 41 TWh in the tertiary sector. These impressive figures show the importance of VSDs, which deserve to be considered as a key priority in the Energy-Efficiency policy of the European Commission. In order to achieve the identified electricity savings and to make cost effective the use of VSDs under a wide variety of operating conditions, particularly in the low and medium power ranges, there is a need for a market transformation.
1998-11-14 – 2000-11-14
Barriers against Energy-Efficient Motor Repair
Barriers against Energy-Efficient Motor Repair
The project is targeted at analysing in the field the barriers of energy-efficient motor repair techniques. Electric motors above 5 kW are rewound at least once during their lifetime. Widespread poor rewinding and repair techniques lead to a drop in the motor efficiency and even to a premature failure. The motor repair business is scattered by large number of mainly small companies which compete on price and delivery time.
1997-11-14 – 2000-12-29
Improving the Penetration of Energy Efficient Motors and Drives
Improving the Penetration of Energy Efficient Motors and Drives
The main objectives of the project were the field characterisation of motor electricity use in the most significant sectors in industry and in the tertiary sector, the identification of the potential savings with the application of Energy-Efficient Motors and Variable Speed Drives and evaluation of their cost-effectiveness, as well as the identification, in the field, of the main barriers for the introduction of efficient motor technologies. After the collection of data on motor use, a database was prepared. The design of DSM guides addressing the most relevant energy-saving options was also carried out, including electronic variable speed drives, oversizing, labelling, procurement, education and training, rewinding and energy-efficient motors. Moreover, dissemination brochures, describing the key aspects of efficient motors in use in the characterised sectors, were prepared for the energy managers and technical staff of these industries, which were characterized. The most important industrial sectors in the EU have been characterized, namely non-metallic minerals, paper pulp and print, food beverage and tobacco, chemical, iron and steel, and machinery and metal. These industrial sectors are responsible for 72% of the total industrial electricity consumption in EU and the motor electricity consumption of the surveyed sectors represent 75% of the total motor consumption in EU, which amounts to 575 TWh. Other sectors include non-ferrous metals, transport equipment, mining and quarrying, wood and wood products, construction, textiles and leather, and other non-specified sectors. The field characterization presented difficult challenges. It was by far the most time consuming task. Due to time constraints, each partner visited plants which were considered representative of the sector, and detailed audits were carried out at each visited site. Furthermore, in order to have as much information as possible, audits have been complemented with questionnaires. Based on the data collected in the field surveys and on the questionnaires, the motor electricity use in E.U. has been estimated for each sector
2018-03-01 – 2021-02-28
M-Benefits
Valuing and Communicating Multiple Benefits of Energy-Efficiency Measures
Research suggests that the industrial and service sectors, which account for 40% of final energy consumption in the EU, offer substantial potential for cost-effective energy savings. However, an under-investment in energy-efficiency—an “energy-efficiency gap”—is observed in all countries due to the persistent existence of barriers. One key barrier is that companies do not consider energy use as a contributor to their competitive advantage. As a result, investments in energy efficiency are neglected compared to other investments. On the other hand, many frequently observed multiple benefits (MBs) of energy efficiency– such as improved product quality, higher flexibility, reduced production time, reduced production loss, increased safety, reduced operational, commercial, legal or climate change risks - represent important core business benefits for companies. Thus, MBs enhance both the strategic character and financial attractiveness of energy efficiency projects in companies. M-BENEFITS aims at including the MBs of energy efficiency in investment decisions of companies and thereby substantially increasing the deployment of cost-effective energy saving potentials. It contributes to the work programme by delivering best-practice examples, tools and trainings on the importance of MBs for investment decisions in companies, thereby addressing all relevant decision-makers. M-BENEFITS will - Create a harmonised approach to include the MBs of energy efficiency in investment decisions of companies, - Collect data and develop case studies throughout the industrial and service sectors to build-up evidence base and know-how on the importance of MBs for companies, - Develop evaluation, communication and training tools for companies to identify and quantify MBs in energy efficiency projects and to communicate them in energy, operational and strategic terms, - Provide tailor-made ways for trainings inside and outside the company and for communication on MBs to relevant stakeholders.
2017-09-01 – 2019-05-31
Ecodesign
Ecodesign preparatory study for lifts implementing the Ecodesign Working Plan 2016-2019
The Ecodesign Directive (Directive 2009/125/EC) establishes a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-related products with the aim of ensuring the free movement of such products within the internal market. In order to prepare draft implementing measures for these products the European Commission shall make a series of analyses and assessments, which are being called Preparatory Studies. This study provides the European Commission with a technical, environmental and economical analysis of lifts in accordance with Article 15 of the Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC. It is based on the Methodology for Ecodesign of Energy-related Products (MEErP).
2016-04-01 – 2019-09-30
Premium Light Pro
Premium Light Pro
Innovative LED lighting technology for the private and public service sector provides many opportunities for more efficient high quality lighting systems. Modern LED solutions are based on optimised luminaires and advanced flexible lighting control and allow a more effective use of daylight. Despite the significant saving potentials, there are still relatively few policy measures implemented at international and national level that stimulate respectively facilitate the use of optimised LED lighting systems. LED lighting for the service sector is only partly supported by current EU legislation, however further developments are ongoing. At national level in the different EU-Member States good pilot initiatives for efficient LED-systems in the services sector already have been implemented. However, the number of implementations is still limited and a broad market penetration has not yet been achieved. National and local policies supporting efficient LED technology are largely missing. The project PremiumLightPro aims at addressing the major saving potentials by supporting public authorities in the development of effective policies to facilitate the implementation of efficient new generation LED lighting systems in the service sector. The project shall support the implementation of policies including green procurement criteria and design guidelines for the planning and installation of both for outdoor and indoor lighting systems, education and capacity building for planners, architects, installers and consultants, incentives schemes, contracting, information services including product database and others. Furthermore, the project will support energy efficient lighting in the national implementation of the EPBD and the development and implementation of supportive legislation at EU-level. The proposal thereby explicitly targets the central objectives of EE9 of the call for proposals. The initiative is supported by more than 50 major stakeholders in 9 EU countries.
2013-01-01 – 2014-12-31
Energy Label Evaluation
Evaluation of the Energy Labelling Directive and specific aspects of the Ecodesign Directive
Article 14 of the Energy Labelling Directive (2010/30/EU) requires the Commission to report about its effectiveness to the European Parliament and to the Council before 31 December 2014. As to the Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC), the Commission's 2012 review of the directive (COM(2012) 765 final from 17 December 2012) concluded that specific aspects of the directive can be reassessed if appropriate in the 2014 review of the Energy Labelling Directive. The Commission launched this study in order to prepare the review of the Energy Labelling Directive and certain aspects of the Ecodesign Directive.
2012-01-14 – 2014-12-31
Eco-Motors-Drives
Lot 30: Preparatory study for implementing measures of the Ecodesign Directive to electric motors and drives
Products in motor systems outside the scope of the Regulation 640/2009 on electric motors, such as special purpose inverter duty motors (asynchronous servo motors), permanent magnet motors, motors cooled by their load (fans), including motors and products under Article 1, Points 2(b), (c) and (d) and including drives, such as soft starters, torque or variable speed drives (VSD) from 200W- 1000kW. The study should also cover motors in the scope of the Regulation 640/2009 from 750kW 1000kW
2009-01-14 – 2014-12-31
Ground-Med
Advanced Ground Source Heat Pump Systems for Heating and Cooling in Mediterranean Climate
The GROUND-MED project demonstrates the next generation of geothermal heat pump (GSHP) systems for heating and cooling in 8 demonstration sites of South Europe. A measured seasonal performance (SPF) higher than 5.0 will be demonstrated. As the SPF is determined not only by the heat pump unit, but by its operating conditions imposed by both the ground heat exchanger and the heating/cooling system of the building, integrated GSHP systems incorporating the following technological solutions will be developed, designed, constructed, installed, monitored and evaluated: prototype water source heat pumps of improved seasonal efficiency; key technologies include the next generation of compressors, heat exchangers and automation; borehole heat exchangers and heating/cooling systems operating with minimum temperature difference between them, which also follows the heating/cooling demand from the building; design aspects, thermal storage and system controls are important; minimum power consumption to auxiliary system components; key parts are the fan-coil and air-handling units.
2008-11-14 – 2010-11-14
E4
Energy Efficient Elevators and Escalators
This project was targeted at the improvement of the energy performance of elevators and escalators, in the tertiary sector buildings and in the multi family residential buildings. Elevators and escalators are the crucial element that makes it practical to live and work several floors of above ground. The project characterized people conveyors electricity consumption in the tertiary sector and in residential buildings in the EU based on a survey and on a monitoring campaign. A technological assessment was carried out aiming the characterization of existing technologies and emerging energy efficient solutions which can provide savings, and lastly, an analysis based on existing literature as well as a study including interviews and group discussions with relevant stakeholders were made aiming at the identification of influential barriers to energy efficiency in the European lift and escalator market. Strategies and measures are outlined to overcome the barriers identified. An overview of technological and organisational features that increase energy efficiency in new and retrofitted lift and escalator installations is made, providing guidelines to help various stakeholders directly or indirectly concerned with lifts and escalators reflect and decide on measures to increase energy efficiency for existing and new installations. Recommendations and procurement guidelines were produced.
2007-11-14 – 2011-11-14
Ecodesign of Electric Motors
Lot 11: Ecodesign of Electric Motors
The aim of this study was to look forward to what motor innovations are technically and economically feasible, taking into account all eco impacts. The project provided recommendations that are the key to setting a timeline for further actions in the EU, either voluntary or regulatory. The purpose of the project was not to develop specific environmental performance criteria but to establish a full picture of how the setting of criteria could affect the market, and to identify the range of technical possibilities within which criteria could be set. In order to evaluate whether and to which extent a product fulfils certain criteria that make it eligible for implementing measures under the Directive, the MEEUP methodology (Methodology for the Eco-design of Energy Using Products) developed by a previous EC-funded project, was applied in the Eco Motors.
2007-01-01 – 2008-01-01
Ecomotors
Ecodesign of motors
The aim was to look forward to what motor innovations are technically and economically feasible, taking into account all eco impacts. The project provided recommendations that are the key to setting a timeline for further actions in the EU, either voluntary or regulatory. The purpose of the project was not to develop specific environmental performance criteria but to establish a full picture of how the setting of criteria could affect the market, and to identify the range of technical possibilities within which criteria could be set. In order to evaluate whether and to which extent a product fulfils certain criteria that make it eligible for implementing measures under the Directive, the MEEUP methodology (Methodology for the Eco-design of Energy Using Products) developed by a previous EC-funded project, was applied in the Eco Motors. In order to facilitate the environmental impact analysis, the MEEUP methodology provides an Excel form (EuP EcoReport). In the preparatory phase of the study data was collected for inputting to this model, and comprises economic, material and energy use data for different stages of the product’s life. The used model translates these inputs into quantifiable environmental impacts. For the definition of the BaseCase models three motor power levels were selected that are thought representative of “small”, “medium” and “large” models for the considered power range. An eco-analysis for the sample BaseCase motors was then made using the MEEUP EuP EcoReport. This analysis was only made for single products. The eco-analysis was then re-run with the data provided by CEMEP and other stakeholders for different power levels and efficiencies, in order to understand the cost/benefits of higher efficiency products. In the last section scenarios were drawn in order to quantify the energy savings potential that can be achieved vs. a Business-as-Usual situation. The impacts of these possible scenarios were evaluated on manufacturers and consumers. Sensitivity analysis was carried out for key parameters, which can influence the cost-effectiveness of energy-efficient technologies.
2018-06-01 – 2020-12-31
V2G
Vehicle2Grid
The main objective of the V2G Demo project is to demonstrate the main benefits of using Electric Vehicles (EVs) as a clean energy storage option to ensure power supply capacity to buildings or communities. In the context of the project, Magnum Cap has developed improved Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) chargers with the aim of achieving reduced losses, size, weight and costs. Such chargers have been tested and validated by ISR-UC evaluating their efficiency and power quality parameters. After the validation, the chargers have been used in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Coimbra to demonstrate the implementation of a Building-to-Vehicle (B2V) and Vehicle-to-Building (V2B) system, adjusting the charging period of EVs based on renewable generation availability (using B2V), and injecting into the building part of the energy stored in EVs to compensate periods of low generation or reduce the demand from the grid in periods of high tariffs (using V2B). The research project in cooperation with the company Magnum-Cap intends to develop the high efficiency bidirectional charging technologies, using wideband semiconductor technology SiC. The methodologies for the implementation of Grid to Vehicle and Vehicle to Grid systems, as well as their potential benefits for the grid in a scenario with large-scale penetration of renewable generation will also be investigated. The transport sector with electric vehicles (EVs) is increasingly an important consumer of electricity, and as fleets increase EVs can be used as controllable loads, charging in periods with higher renewable generation or lower prices, using the Grid to Vehicle (G2V) system. In addition to absorbing power from the grid as a controllable load, vehicles can also use some of their storage capacity to inject energy into the grid, in order to ensure the balance between the generation and demand, using the Vehicle to Grid (V2G) system. The EV when not in use in the transport only needs to be immobilized on a point of transfer of energy and to allow (or not) the G2V or V2G operation, by pre-programmed indication of its owner. However, to provide benefits for the electrical grid, a charging management system is needed.
2010-11-14 – 2012-12-31
SIREMI
Solutions to the Intermittence between Renewable Energies in Madeira
Technical consultancy to a Portuguese utility in Madeira Islands (EEM), to integrate solar and wind to cope with fast renewable power fluctuations per flywheels, Battery storage and reversible pump storage.
2010-01-14 – 2013-12-31
EESEVS
Economic and Environmental Sustainability of Electric Vehicle Systems
The project is an economic and environmental sustainability assessment of electric vehicle systems with a research plan that is organized into the three elements: Economic and environmental analysis of electric vehicles; Economic and environmental analysis of power generation; Synthesis and decision analysis. The research team will define scenarios to analyse based on vehicle characteristics (vehicle type, powertrain), contextual characteristics (usage profiles, utility grid mix), and technology transition characteristics (technology learning rates, fleet implementation rates). The primary outcome from this work will be strategies for developing economically and environmentally sustainable electric vehicle systems. The audience for these strategies will include all stakeholders within the system: automotive manufacturers and suppliers, infrastructure developers, power generators, and policymakers. The strategies will include recommendations on vehicle technology and manufacturing as a function of context. Furthermore, there will be methodological contributions in the diverse areas of life cycle assessment, economic technological forecasting, and decision analysis, and in mechanisms for integrating these topics.
2013-01-01 – 2016-12-31
IMSDS
Integrated Monitoring System for Distribution Substations
EDP D as a DSO as significant number of unattended substations that require inspections and maintenance operations in order to maintain their operational capabilities. Due to this large number of substations, currently around 400, scheduling and performing maintenance and inspections activities is a very time intensive process which can lead to the detection of defects in an advanced state. In electrical installations hotspots and insulation breakage are key aspects in for predictive maintenance, since the evolution of these defects can lead to service interruptions in the worst case, degrading the quality of service. Currently EDP D performs thermography and corona discharge inspections on an annual basis in order to identify hot spots and insulation breakage in substations. The ability to detect in real time these abnormal situations enables predictive maintenance, preventing future component failures. In terms of corona discharge analyses the inspections are also performed annually using specialized and quite expensive UV cameras. With a current policy of replacing ceramic based insulators by polymer based ones, corona discharge importance ramped up, due to the production of corrosive chemicals: ozone, nitrogen oxides which in presence of water vapor yield nitric acid. These corrosive materials shorten the life span of high voltage polymer based insulators leading to insulation breakage. Theft is also a concern, due to the unattended nature of substations, causing equipment damage that could cost millions of euros. Thus, the use of automated intrusion detection system is required to mitigate these situations. This paper presents an autonomous integrated inspection system to be installed in substations, including thermal and corona inspection, as well as intrusion detection. The development of this system came from the market absence of a solution that could integrate all of the components, considering the DSO requirements: low cost, autonomous and with minimal intervention from the operator. The thermography sub-system monitors in real time in the substation environment using infrared cameras installed in pan and tilt units. The corona discharge detection sub-systems is based on an ultrasonic detector, able to capture the ultrasound emitted by a corona discharge and measure in real time the existence and evolution of the corona defect on the installed equipment. Depending on the signal emitted by the corona discharge, the software classifies its severity. When compared with UV cameras based inspection, ultrasonic technology is a low cost and effective technology. The surveillance sub-system is able perform intelligent motion and intrusion detection, being able to tracking the substation area with the implementation of virtual barriers and trigger an alarm notification depending on the detected intrusion. Moreover, there is the capability of tracking the intruding body in the image element and between several cameras. When an abnormal condition is detected, a specific alarm is triggered for the appropriate maintenance procedure to be performed. This system was validated in a distribution substation where the system performed with very good results.
2010-11-14 – 2012-12-31
STORK
Protection system for STORKS
Pioneering project to study and implement a protection system that prevents contacts of White Stork in the distribution grid masts of electrical energy in a given pilot area, in order to avoid nesting and minimize the risk of death for the species. This avoids also the construction and nesting sites that are critical to maintaining air service network distribution of electricity. In this project is used a technology that reproduces audible sound frequencies and ultrasonic signals. The system uses also an automatic system which only acts when there is the presence or approach of a stork.
2010-11-14 – 2013-12-31
NeuroCity
Intelligent Luminaries for Street Lighting with High Energy Efficiency
The NeuroCity project aims to develop luminaries for street lighting with high energy efficiency, high color efficiency and intelligent monitoring and control capabilities. The intelligent features allow not only making large savings due the use of LED technology but also allow to create an efficiency and intelligent public lighting system, which self-regulate according to the pedestrian and road activities without putting comfort and safety of citizens at risk. Thanks to the long lifetime of LED technology, we can reduce significantly the maintenance costs and security problems connected to any unforeseen breakdown. The main expected results are: - Implementation of innovative algorithms for automatic detection and classification of events, based on visual and auditory information. Implementation of public lighting strategies based on the cooperative perception performed by the intelligent luminaries; - Design and development of a LED drivers with high performance (>95%). Optimization of the driver reliability in order to achieve more than 50.000 hours in a street environment; - Project for optimized luminaries to ensure high optical and thermal performance and minimization of maintenance needs; - Implementation and demonstration of intelligent luminary prototypes integrating the previous results.
2022-03-01 – 2023-02-28
ML@GridEdge
Distributed Machine Learning Solutions for Coordinating Distributed Energy Resources at the Edge of the Power Grid
The aging electric grid infrastructure has to deal with (i) increased penetration of intermittent energy assets (e.g., solar PV), (ii) rising expectations of end-use customers (e.g., seamless EV charging experience), and (iii) adverse impact of climate change. Smart buildings and connected communities are the cornerstones of future sustainable power grids. Tomorrow’s energy communities and the resilient operation of the energy infrastructure hinges on accurate prediction of buildings’ temporal energy presumption (production and consumption). Traditional prediction models primarily leverage historical information (such as energy demand) at the grid or building level. This is mainly due to data sharing hesitance which originates from privacy concerns of building managers and occupants. This project intends to develop a novel distributed machine learning model for predicting the temporal energy needs of future connected communities. The proposed multi-agent approach leverages centralized oversight of a central aggregator to inform distributed collaboration among each building, taking advantage of additional private information that is not shared with the aggregator. The proposed solution lends itself well to a multi-agent structure of connected energy communities where agents are willing to collaborate to improve their prediction accuracy.
2021-01-01 – 2022-03-31
ColLeCTE
Collaborative Learning for the Coordination of Transactive Energy systems
The main objectives of this project are to design a federated learning framework to ensure the forecasting of prosumption at the building level in transactive energy systems. The objective is to use data available in each building while ensuring its privacy concerns. Another objective is to define the data and communication infrastructure required for the implementation of the learning framework.
2019-11-14 – 2021-11-30
OFF-GRID REFRIGERATOR
Design and Development of Super-Efficient Refrigerator with Phase Change Materials (PCMs)
One of the most basic needs in life is to keep food in adequate conditions, and for that a refrigerator is needed. In this project two types of refrigeration units (vertical one door refrigerator and a horizontal freezer) will be developed. The refrigeration units outer shells are based on low-cost efficient AC refrigerators available in the market (at least A+ energy class) and we will make the necessary modifications (inclusion of PCM -Phase Changing materials, salt water in our case, and fittings to allow flexible load control, a variable speed compressor, a smart controller to manage the “on-time” or charge time). The refrigerator prototypes will have additional fixtures, such as ability to handle voltage spikes (thunderstorms which are very frequent in Africa), smart-sensing to detect insulating leaks and to control the cabinet temperature and a smart controller to manage the entire system (PV solar photovoltaic system with storage, variable speed compressor and PCM freezing and melting cycles). The PCM containers will be built using 3D printing technology specially designed for each refrigerator. To promote social inclusion our prototype will have special add-ons for people with disabilities, allowing them to reach every item inside the horizontal freezer. A metallized thin film non-condensation mirror will be installed on the inside cover door and a special picking handle will be included. The main purpose of the project is to develop affordable super-efficient refrigerators/freezers for off-grid systems, powered by solar PV system and the charging periods for battery and PCM will be managed by a smart controller developed in the project. Both prototypes will be tested in a controlled environment chamber to simulate the conditions (temperature and humidity) off most African countries.
2016-10-18 – 2017-10-18
Power Quality
Power Quality
The aim of this specialized consulting project is providing consulting support to EDP Distribution regarding Power Quality issues. This project is divided into four stages: The first is the revision (in form and content) of existing EDP Distribuição energy quality manual as well as the inclusion of new topics. The second stage consists of technical support for EDP Distribuição customers. In this stage an analysis of the problems felt by customers is performed as well as a market survey for solutions to mitigate those problems. All these solutions will be compiled in a solution manual which includes the technical and economic feasibility of each solution. The third stage consists in the creation of an online simulator that, according to the problems presented by the customers, will present the possible solutions. Finally, a few pilot projects will also be implemented where some of the innovative solutions found will be tested to understand if those solutions are feasible in the Portuguese national power grid.
2016-10-18 – 2016-10-18
POTENTIAL OF HIGH EFFICIENCY COGERATION IN PORTUGAL
POTENTIAL OF HIGH EFFICIENCY COGERATION IN PORTUGAL
The aim of this specialized consulting project is to assess the actual High Efficiency Cogeneration (CHP) development in Portugal, to evaluate the technical and economic potential of high efficiency CHP in Portugal in the 2016-2025 period, according to the requirements of the Energy Efficiency Directive 2012/27/EU. This report also includes the cost-benefit analyses for high efficiency CHP installations and the forecast scenarios regarding the integration of this technology into the Portuguese National power Grid.
2021-01-01 – 2023-06-30
EVAI Charge
Artificial Intelligence Electric Vehicle Charge for low Carbon Building
The work proposed in this project aims to develop an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network management platform that incorporates a large variety of features associated with the use and charging of EVs and building management in a microgrid context, for application in commercial/services buildings for automatically and smartly schedule EVs charging. The main innovation and objective of the platform to be developed in the scope of this project is to develop an adequate and intelligent automated power charging management of an EV fleet, increasing charging capacity without the need for electrical infrastructure upgrades. This power management is made, taking into consideration multiple inputs and parameters/restrictions acquired from different sources, in real-time, ensuring that the electrical building power demand is not exceeded. The platform intends to keep up with industry trends and prepare buildings for the future of electric transportation. The preliminary list of data inputs and parameters/restrictions include: EV state of charge, energy storage, renewable energy production, building power demand, user/EV mobility behaviour and agenda, demand response strategies, V2B/B2V, routing, energy tariffs and scheduling. Based on all the multiple inputs, parameters, restrictions and other definitions, the platform will take decisions, based on computer intelligence algorithms to be developed, in order to manage the power and charging time of each charging point of an EV fleet, prioritizing them and performing an efficient use of the energy resources available on the building. The developed platform will be tested in a pilot demonstrator using the smart grid infrastructure that is already installed in the co-promoter facilities. The “EVAI Charge” is a complete solution for a charging network management: it includes hardware (EVSE, energy meters, demand response equipment) and software (user friendly interface and computer intelligent algorithms for automated energy resource management). It will be compatible with most of the market existing controllable EVSEs and demand response equipment's.
2022-08-01 – 2024-07-31
PPEC-CMSPL
Consumption Management System for Public Lighting
New technological developments in the field of public lighting make it possible to provide a higher quality service in multiple aspects (greater safety, improvement of spaces and quality of life, substantial reduction in operating and maintenance costs, etc.), making it possible to achieve reductions in consumption, thus contributing to the sustainable development of municipalities and freeing up financial resources for other purposes. The framework of the SGCIP measure is related to the European Commission's energy policy strategy "Energy Efficiency First", with the aim of creating conditions in the Public Lighting sector, so that this strategy also prevails in this sector. In this context, ISR-UC, throughout the implementation of the measure, proposes to develop a calculation methodology and a computer platform that allows the energy classification of public roads, automatically, taking into account the existing public lighting (IP). The measure contributes to the objectives set out in PNEC2030, responding to the need to create a management system for public lighting consumption (SGCIP), in order to promote energy efficiency and monitor energy consumption of the national IP infrastructure. This will allow the development of mechanisms to promote energy efficiency in this category of infrastructure, and contribute to the overall goal referred to the mandatory implementation of Article 7 of EU Directive 2018/2002, by Portugal, regarding the reporting of energy savings. The target audience of the measure is the municipalities throughout the national territory, including the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira, to the extent that the computer platform to be developed, will be freely accessible and directed exclusively to the IP management of each municipality. By creating and applying the methodology for evaluating the energy performance of the IP of public roads, will raise awareness of local authorities to the need to increase energy efficiency in the infrastructure concerned, creating a healthy competition between municipalities, parishes, neighborhoods and streets. The expected effect, will be identical to that of other tools and mechanisms already in place, such as the energy label for products (Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 of the European Parliament and of the Council of July 4, 2017) and the energy certification system for buildings (SCE, by virtue of the transposition and implementation of Directive (EU) 2018/844 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of May 30, 2018 amending Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings and Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency), whose impact is recognized and its added value is of fundamental importance in decision making by the end consumer, which in this case will be the local policy maker. Additionally, as a side effect, it is also expected a positive impact on the awareness of energy professionals, for the quality of future IP projects, where they should apply energy efficiency as a fundamental argument to the quality of the design and use of these infrastructures. This measure also provides for raising awareness among citizens, for the multiple advantages of energy efficiency, promoting a demand effect so that their municipality has the appropriate PI to their needs, consuming responsibly and efficiently, thus reducing the negative impacts on the environment. The main actions that are part of the implementation of this measure are: 1) Developing a methodology for the evaluation of the energy performance of PI on public roads; 2) Developing a computer platform for managing consumption and issuing an energy performance label, in accordance with the methodology adopted in the previous point; 3) Disseminating energy efficiency in PI infrastructures, with the municipalities and with the support of the main stakeholders, namely ADENE - Energy Agency, Coordination Commissions, Association of Municipalities and other entities and/or associations related to the PI sector; 4) Monitoring and evaluating the impact of the use of the platform to be implemented. Fundind entity: Measure funded under the Plan for Promoting Efficiency in Energy Consumption, approved by ERSE - Energy Services Regulatory Authority.
2022-01-30 – 2023-06-30
ResiMicrogrid
Optimization and Management of Microgrids to Deliver High Power Quality in Critical and Disaster Situations
The main result of the Project is a resilient pilot demonstration microgrid, which automatically starts operating in island mode, allowing electricity to continue to be available in the facilities in the event of an interruption in the electricity supply. Priority is given to loads considered critical, managing (ON-OFF) loads, using demand-response algorithms and contactors connected to an automaton that control some of the circuits in the installation's electrical panel.
2025-09-01 – 2028-09-28
EU-TRACE
EUropean TRansformers ACcelerated Efficiency
<p>EU-TRACE (EUropean TRansformers ACcelerated Efficiency), supported by the LIFE programme of the European Commission, designed to cut electricity waste by replacing old, inefficient power transformers much faster than usual.</p><p><br></p><p>EU-TRACE works across seven EU countries (Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece, the Netherlands, Italy, and Belgium) to:</p><ul><li>- Develop new policies, tools, and incentives to speed up transformer replacement.</li><li>- Help energy companies and private businesses adopt high-efficiency transformers.</li><li>- Monitor and predict the impact of these policies on energy savings and greenhouse gas reduction.</li><li>- Promote recycling and sustainable materials in transformer production.</li><li>- Engage with stakeholders to ensure the solutions are practical and effective.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>By doing this, the project aims to save an extra 2.1 TWh of electricity every year over the next 20 years, supporting Europe’s climate and energy efficiency goals.<br></p>
Associated Investigators
In Sustainable Energy Systems, the main global objectives deal with advanced energy-efficient technologies, as well as renewable and energy storage technologies in the scope of industrial andbuilding systems, and electric vehicles. The activities are mainly focused on: Energy Efficient Technologies including the development and assessment of energy-efficient technologies, such as advanced motors and drives, optimization of electrical systems and eco-design of energy-related products; Renewables and Smart Grids including the design of smart grid architectures and microgrids, monitoring and control systems, as well as prediction and optimization of distributed energy resources.