WEEI

Development of new biodegradable plastic formulations for the biomedical sector. The PHASAL project develops different bioplastic formulations that introduce PHB-HV with different loads of hydroxyvalerate (-HV) from the revaluation of organic waste. The objective is that these formulations, applicable to the health field, present advanced biodegradability and biocompatibility properties to minimize the environmental impact they present due to their poor recyclability. In this sense, PHASAL develops a complex rigid packaging system, such as a suture kit, and a direct medical application with controlled drug release, such as a transdermal patch. The new advanced formulations developed during [...]

Optimizing the charging process for electric vehicles, from power generation to end-user experience. The XL-Connect project creates an accessible and on-demand charging solution based on an optimized charging network, taking into account human behaviour, technical aspects and economic aspects. By 2030, the European Union is expected to have between 30 and 40 million battery electric vehicles on the road. This increase poses challenges and opportunities for the energy system by testing system capacity, but also presents the possibility of using V2G, V2H and V2X technologies, as parked electric vehicles can function as energy storage. The objectives [...]

Generation, storage and use of renewable H2 through biowaste recovery. The VAL2H2 project develops technologies that allow the use of biowaste that is difficult to manage in the form of renewable H2. VAL2H2 adopts a decentralized approach to produce H2 that can be used as fuel in waste transport vehicles for local and circular use. The project covers the entire H2 value chain: production, purification and analysis, storage and use. In the case of production, on the one hand the combination of microwave pretreatment with fermentation and reforming, and on the other hand thermochemical processes, are [...]

Concentration and rectification of grape must in situ to replace imported sugars in the production of sparkling wines. The MCR LOCAL project demonstrates the technical and economic feasibility of a compact and mobile process for the concentration of rectified concentrated must (RCM) in the wineries of the Penedès area, reducing economic costs and the associated carbon footprint in comparison to the use of sugar, or to the RCM produced outside the territory of application. The pilot will consist of three technological modules: ultrafiltration, ion exchange resins, and evaporation. The presence of the pilot at the cellars [...]

Thermochemical treatments of by-products from the biomass and agri-food sectors to increase their added value. The GASIFICATION project evaluates the feasibility of using by-products from the agri-food and biomass sectors, such as sewage sludge, fruit pulp and biomass ends, as renewable energy sources through their treatment with thermochemical processes such as pyrolysis or gasification. The project has four key objectives: Determine the potential of the different by-products to be treated using thermochemical processes) and obtain renewable energy. Investigate the robustness of the treatment in the face of seasonality in the production of by-products and mixtures thereof. Reduction [...]

Improvement proposals for the production of solid biofuels to increase their quality and reduce the impact of their emissions. The EMISSIONS project generates knowledge of the emissions derived from the combustion of Aleppo pine and vine branches in order to be able to give recommendations and qualities of solid biofuel that minimise the impact derived from the emissions generated in the combustion process. The other objective of the project is to establish which innovative production mechanisms or processes should be applied by the companies producing these biofuels. On the one hand, the project generates data on [...]

Strengthening and improvement of the chain of SMEs and their business organisations associated with the construction sector, which have or want to have an offer of sustainable products. The AL-INVEST Verde Construcción project promotes, trains and implements circular economy practices inspired by successful experiences in Europe. AL-INVEST Verde Construcción is carried out in the Metropolitan Region and the Los Lagos Region (Chile), although companies from neighbouring regions related to the construction sector can participate. The project works with two main types of SMEs: providers of products and services with sustainable attributes, with a particular focus on [...]

Recovery of critical raw materials from waste generated during copper production. The RECOPPs project aims to environmentally and economically sustainable recover value-added raw materials, such as bismuth and antimony, as well as to eliminate and inert arsenic present in the waste and by-products generated during the pyrometallurgical production of copper. RECOPPs is a project based on a technology proven at the laboratory level that intends to be scaled in a TRL 7 (pilot scale) to validate it as a technological solution in this operating environment. The metallurgical industry is a key element of our society, which [...]

Recovery of Critical Raw Materials, manufacturing of products with Secondary Raw Materials and traceability of their composition. The SENECA project, focused on the growing demand for mineral resources and strategic materials worldwide, investigates the potential of secondary sources of mining and industry through recovery and recovery processes of Critical Materials. The project seeks to develop the manufacture of products with Secondary Raw Materials for the manufacture of components for the battery and hydrogen industries, crucial for the energy transition. SENECA also boosts new innovative elements of traceability in these strategies through industrial research for new solutions. [...]

High voltage lithium batteries with a higher energy density, a faster charge and a longer useful life. The IntelLiGent project designs and develops electrode structures, supported by modelling, for a high energy density (>350 Wh/kg) while maintaining fast charging capacities (>2C). IntelLiGent balances the need to include a high amount of active material in the structure of the electrode for high-energy while facilitating the transport of mass, power and heat for high-power operation. The project refines the strategies to stabilise the interfaces for a long cycle lifetime, focusing on the stabilisation of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) [...]

The new panot of the XXI century. In 1906, Barcelona City Council ran a tender, which Escofet won, to standardise the designs of its “panots”, the paving stones that have fundamentally shaped the image of Barcelona's streets. One hundred and fifteen years later, through the BIT Habitat Foundation, it is launching a new challenge: “Rethinking the panot for the 21st century” to make it more sustainable while keeping its iconic design intact. The R3PANOT proposal, one of the three finalist projects presented by Escofet and Promsa, both companies from the Cementos Molins Group, and Eurecat, is [...]

Next generation of battery reverse logistics. The BatteReverse project develops a more efficient and universal method for battery discharge and first diagnosis. BatteReverse improves the safety of Li-ion batteries transportation by developing safety packaging with a monitoring system that can reduce thermal runaway risk. The project also boosts more advanced and precise methods for automated dismantling and sorting of battery components based on a safe and more efficient human-robot collaboration. In addition, BatteReverse develops a more precise and faster Remaining Useful Life assessment of battery modules for second-life applications based on acoustic testing and machine learning [...]

Research and development of ceramic and metallic powder material from recycled sources for the additive manufacturing sector. The VIVALDI project promotes recovery processes for ceramic and metallic material waste through the generation of powder, to be used in additive manufacturing and other value-added applications, such as laser cladding or the development of light alloys. Eurecat participates in VIVALDI through different Technological Units: The Metallic and Ceramic Materials Unit manufactures powder by centrifugal atomisation from chips, develops new reinforced alloys with recycled particles, andvalidates the properties of the parts manufactured with these recovered materials. The New Manufacturing Processes Unit [...]

Development and demonstration of advanced membrane materials for pervaporation, gas separation and membrane distillation technologies, setting the basis for future commercialisation of greener technological pathways all along the value chain. By using advanced tools and by taking a holistic approach, MEASURED tackles the sustainability challenges of the chemical industry coming from waste streams, water footprints, energy efficiency and industrial emissions. MEASURED includes thorough multiscale modelling and simulation techniques, including a full Life Cycle Assessment, and addresses the societal implications to increase the acceptance and further market readiness. Eurecat participates in the MEASURED project through their Water, Air [...]

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 [...]