National Projects

A digital system capable of analysing frail patient health data and developing an underlying health index using machine learning. The AGED project develops a solution based on software as a service (SAAS) that provides a single multivariate reading interpretation of the evolution of the mobility of a frail patient. This solution, called Ephion Vitality, integrates multiple sensors and variables thanks to machine learning systems to determine the efficacy of new treatments and the results of ongoing clinical trials in the field of frailty and associated health conditions and comorbidities. The new platform is intended to assess the functional [...]

Solar generation of hydrogen from wastewater in economical and scalable photocatalytic panels. The HACDOS project aims to design, produce and validate low-cost solar photocatalytic panels for hydrogen production from wastewater. This process entails the degradation of aqueous pollutants, mostly organic, through solar photocatalytic reforming in anaerobic conditions with concomitant hydrogen production. HACDOS is focused on scaling up the process and pilot-scale validation of this technology, using wastewater as raw materials and under natural sunlight. Among others, the key performance parameters monitored are pollutant removal, hydrogen productivity and purity, hydraulic residence time, and durability and robustness under [...]

Development of a digital therapeutic intervention to treat acute stress. The THERASONAR project promotes a solution to combat acute stress made up of a back-office platform for professionals and a mobile application for final patients, preventing them from becoming chronic. To do this, THERASONAR develops a voice analysis technology using algorithms capable of recognising emotions to offer specific and personalised stress treatment programs through advanced audio formats to distribute them through an application. In addition, within the framework of the project, technologies for digital phenotyping, state-of-the-art sound therapy and clinical decision support for therapeutic personalisation are developed. 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 [...]

New amino acid combination which acts as a new treatment against obesity and liver steatosis. The FATHIS project has the objective to develop a new therapy to ameliorate the obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) impact, as well their associated comorbidities. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines obesity as an excess of fat accumulation in adipose tissues and in other metabolic organs, leading to serious health implications. Obesity is a rising issue whose prevalence has defined as a global pandemic being responsible of millions of deaths annually. Also, obesity is related with several comorbidities such as NAFLD, with [...]

Treatment of the main problems and limitations currently identified in the field of PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating technology to improve the mechanical performance and durability of components and tools used mainly in the metal-mechanic sector. The project develops an innovative PVD hard coating technology that allows high thicknesses of up to 100 microns to be achieved at high deposition rates (20 microns/hour), enabling its application in new industrial sectors that were previously unapproachable. This innovation constitutes a real, technically, economically and environmentally viable alternative to other coating technologies that, like hexavalent hard chromate, present serious [...]

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 [...]

The objective of the e-LEAF project is to develop, from a patented experimental proof of concept, fuel cells to be used in hydrogen-powered vehicles. Using printed technologies, the project describes a novel fabrication methodology and Membrane Electrode Array (MEA) design flexible as a thin printed device with improved diffusion rate and reduced cost compared to conventional cell configuration. Lower vehicle emissions since 2008 have already reduced the number of deaths attributable to air pollution by thousands and returned billions of euros in public health benefits. However, only little progress has been made in reducing its climate [...]

Development of a device for monitoring fatigue and effort in athletes of any level and condition to prevent injuries and health incidents, as well as optimise their performance. The FATIGA2 project aims to design and improve a wearable device made of sustainable materials capable of monitoring fatigue and effort in athletes, in order to optimise their performance and prevent the formation of injuries and health-related incidents. The device, which is attached to the body through an adhesive, measures the levels of lactate in sweat and the heart rate in order to know the level of the [...]

Collaborative research to find solutions in the functionalisation of surfaces. The INFUNDA project is a collaborative research business initiative carried out by seven companies (KOSTAL, WALTERPACK, TOUS, MAIER, INECFI, FLUBETECH and GOIZPER), two of which are SMEs (INECFI and FLUBETECH), which have come together to combine their knowledge and provide solutions in the functionalisation of surfaces, both in plastic and metal components. INFUNDA is part of the latest generation of innovative enabling technologies that are at a basic level of maturity, identified by their high application potential, giving companies a differential position by giving way to [...]

Development of organic photovoltaic modules (OPV) with high efficiency, transparency and 3D integration in plastic parts. The objective of the LEGATO project is to unveil the design and processing aspects that remain unexplored to enable the production of OPV modules with enhanced light use efficiency (LUE) and 3D integration. LEGATO contributes to the improvement in energy performance of organic photovoltaics at affordable costs by implementing high throughput manufacturing processes, including a versatile laser patterning methodology. Its main ambition is to conceive new design and processing guidelines for the advanced manufacturing of OPV modules. Research and innovation [...]

Solution to increase the useful life and quality of high pressure casting molds (HPDC). Project INNOCAST aims at developing an innovative physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating concept, based on nanostructured morphology to generate a complex layer of surface oxides to greatly reduce wettability and attack by molten aluminium on die casting tools. The project also investigates the use of ion implantation to modify the PVD coating, a highly innovative concept in the metal-mechanic sector that will allow the creation of phases with self-lubricating and wear-resistant properties. To validate the performance of these new solutions, a pilot [...]

The SALWATERTWIN project aims to conceptually design and validate, at a laboratory level, a small-scale, low-consumption semi-autonomous plant decentralised from general water distribution networks and infrastructures to treat the problem of salinity in groundwater. This plant incorporates a digital twin that allows intelligent and efficient management, considering all the parameters that may occur in a real environment. The project includes two phases: a first for research and a second for the development of a pilot that allows it to operate on a small scale and demonstrate the technical and economic viability of the technological solution. This [...]

Revaluation of the fat from different cuts of pork from meat mincing, based on its analysis, to obtain an ingredient rich in unsaturated fatty acids and evaluate its industrial applicability. The SATURN project’s its main objective is the valorisation of a by-product to recover different fractions of fat to be incorporated into food matrices. This approach will make it possible to contribute to the competitiveness of companies through the transfer of study results and the promotion of collaborations between companies and knowledge centers. Eurecat participates in the SATURN project through its Nutrition and Health Unit, with [...]