Innovation and Product Development

Enhanced rapid tests for perinatal group B streptococci (GBS) diagnosis in pregnant women and their babies. The AmpliSens project addresses the development of a rapid and portable molecular test for the screen-out of neonatal sepsis caused by GBS in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid of the newborn, as well as for the screening of pregnant women. The product developed by the project, AmpliFast, relies on two modules: a battery-operated hand-held thermocycler to perform double-tagging end-point PCR in combination with a rapid diagnostic test platform consisting of a reader and a disposable cartridge. The diagnostic test is rapid and [...]

Boosting the implementation of 5G technology. The NNDTC project implements radio frequency (RF) devices that allow the tuning of the radio frequency heads of mobile terminals, responding to the 5G technology implementation challenges by means of electromechanical microstructure manufacturing technology (MEMS). NNDTC proves, for the very first time, the feasibility of RF-MEMS in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) substrate with the appropriate performance to undertake the antenna tunning function. The technological challenge is to provide solutions to the problems of reliability, encapsulation and electrical performance in standard manufacturing processes of conventional integrated circuits. A key aspect of NNDTC is the [...]

Optimisation of photovoltaic technology for self-consumption in the building. The OPTIMA project develops innovative systems to make the most efficient use of solar energy applied to self-consumption in the building. The system proposed by OPTIMA presents competitive advantages regarding current roof-top installations: Greater electricity production per power and surface units, thus maximising the use of roofs. Greater linkage between the hours of generation and those of consumption, reducing energy dependence on the network and the necessary contracted power. Greater efficiency in energy conversion through the use of the latest generation Wide Band Gap (WBG) electronic devices, which has [...]

Design, manufacture and experimental validation of a tank to store hydrogen at high pressure. The HIDROGENIA project develops and validates to TRL 5 a type IV tank to safely store hydrogen at high pressure (700 bars). These types of tanks are already manufactured today, but they present permeability problems because the materials used do not have a sufficient barrier effect against hydrogen passage. Eurecat participates in the HIDROGENIA project through different Technological Units: The Product Development & Multiphysics Simulation Unit designs the interior liner and calculates the tank based on the numerical simulation of the different elements of [...]

FormPlate seeks to optimise the energy efficiency, cost and durability of metallic bipolar plates, a key component to guarantee the energy efficiency of proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cells for application in the automotive sector. The technological innovation of the project is based on: New geometric plate designs by Finite Element Method (FEM) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Development and improvement of plate manufacturing techniques. Implementation of alternative metallic materials to reduce the cost and weight of the plates. Development of protective, electrically conductive and corrosion-resistant coatings. The energy transition towards electromobility and sustainability [...]

Promoting the sustainable future of cultural spaces. The Rebuilding to Last project aims to develop the capacity of cultural spaces to address the sustainable future of their buildings and their organisations through an inspiring and leading transformation among cultural teams, audiences, communities, cities and beyond. Rebuilding to Last investigates how non-governmental cultural centers are integrating sustainable practices into the renovation of their buildings and their general operation, and conversely, identify inhibitors to sustainable practices (e.g. lack of access to finance). In addition, the project sensitises managers of non-governmental cultural centers, as well as other building-based cultural organisations and [...]

This project aims to develop four solutions (photovoltaic, kinetic, light and active shading) that are integrated into the innovative façade covering system developed by the company DENVELOPS. The lighting solution consists of the use of unitary 200x300mm lighting panels that integrate LED lights (low power) and silicone to diffuse the light, eliminating the punctual effect of the LED. Color is controlled and aesthetic lighting effects are achieved. As for the photovoltaic solution, it consists of unitary 200x800mm panels, with four photovoltaic cells per panel. The cables and connections are invisible, since they are integrated into the [...]

Development and validation of a quantitative point-of-care test for the measurement of severity biomarkers to improve risk stratification of fever syndromes and enhance child survival. The EChiLiBRiST project has the objective of developing and validating a rapid triaging tool (RTT) based on endothelial activation markers to determine, objectively, quantitatively and with high precision those pediatric patients at risk of dying, so as to prioritise their care. During the first 2 years of the project, a laboratory prototype as well as develop a functional prototype to produce mini-series to test in the field will be developed and [...]

Innovative insulating and energy storage materials in building envelopes that have climate adaption capabilities. The iClimaBuilt project develops and implements advanced energy technologies materials, with improved insulation and energy harvesting properties, for smart building materials which have the ability to adapt to a diversity of climates. On the other hand, iClimaBuilt updates and designs facilities called “Open Innovation Test Bed”, which provide the industry with services focused on the design, development, testing and validation of different technologies and materials for saving energy and reducing emissions. Additionally, to promote Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB), the project will provide [...]

Design, manufacturing and validation of the next generation of battery packs for the automotive mass-market. The MARBEL project develops an innovative and competitive lightweight battery with increased energy density and shorter recharging times with the objective to accelerate the mass market take-up of electric vehicles. The project innovation is based on the following main pillars: Advanced battery packaging using a Design for Assembly (DfA) and Disassembly (DfD) methodology. Lightweight and sustainable Battery Packaging. Solutions and processes for the sustainable dismantling and 2nd life Flexible advanced battery management systems. Ultra-Fast Charging strategies and enhanced thermal management Procedures for [...]

Development of a new technology which enables to reinforce parts with continuous fibres, multiplying in this way the mechanical properties while reducing the weight. The CFIP (Continuous Fiber Injection Process) technology is a new post-processing, developed and patented by Eurecat, based on injecting the continuous fibers simultaneously with liquid resin inside tubular cavities in the part. Once cured the part, the solidified resin works as a mechanical interface between the fibers and the rest of the part. CFIP technology aims to enable the use of 3D printing in new applications where high mechanical and lightweghting performance [...]

Active fusion community in Catalonia including leader research institutions, universities and industrial partners. The FusionCAT project aims to establish the technology transfer from the associated institutions with the industry to promote industrial competences in the Catalan field and achieve fusion energy. In this sense, FusionCAT paves the way to develop the technological capabilities required in the territory of Catalonia and prepare for this new energy era. Nuclear fusion is one of the few technologies that currently has the potential to meet the need for sustainable, safe and low carbon energy sources, with reliable and predictable base [...]

Increase of the circularity of spent batteries from electric and hybrid vehicles and development of new identification protocols to give a new use for second-life batteries. The RECIBIL project promotes and increases the circularity of spent batteries from hybrid and electric vehicles and develops new identification protocols for second-life batteries, with life cycle analyzes. The project aims to help the different decision-maker agents (car manufacturers, second-life battery users, recycling companies, etc.), in the end-of-life management process of the electric vehicle fleet that is expected to be deployed at European and global level in the coming years, [...]

In vitro diagnostic medical device through a Point of Care (PoC) system. The KERASTOP project aims to develop the first clinical test based on scientific evidence for early diagnosis of Keratoconus, a degenerative pathology of the cornea. The innovation of the project consists on the development of a new in vitro diagnostic medical device (IVDD) through a Point of Care system. The new medical device has been designed for an efficient, rapid, in situ and early detection of the two biomarkers associated with keratoconus, in patients who are candidates for laser refractive surgery. Eurecat participates in [...]

Development of an innovative range of dental implants based on new designs and advanced antibacterial surface treatments for the improvement of the biomechanical response. The BIOIMPLANT project has the objective to develop a new range of dental implants based on a new design of the external geometry (obtained from advanced methods of simulation by infinite elements), with a new surface finish obtained by means of a combined treatment of shot blasting and acid etching. Moreover, the new implants promoted by the project are manufactured with a low elastic modulus titanium alloy and provided by a revolutionary [...]