SOCRATCES CONSORTIUM
UNIVERSITY OF SEVILLE. SPAIN
The University of Seville is a public educational institution, internationally recognized by its scientific production (http://www.us.es). The extensive university community (made up of more than 70,000 students, 4,400 professors, and 2,400 service and administrative professionals) and the integral offering of teaching, research, culture, and technology transfer; make it one of the leading universities in Spain.
Research activity is carried out in the heart of the Departments, University Institutes, and Research Centres; and is supported by public and private funding. The University has a strong commitment to socio-economic development of the Seville area, and therefore carries out intense transfer of knowledge and technology to society and its economic fabric. With its consolidated infrastructure, the University is more closely knit than ever due to its clear commitment to NTIC (New Information and Communication Technologies) and the development of Technology Transfer that has made the university a reference point in R&D. USE is fully implied with internationalization. Together with the University of Malaga they created in 2010 the Campus of International Excellence Andalucía Tech (ATECH). It is the USE reference of Research, Development and Innovation (R&D). It has agreements for collaborative R&D, staff and students exchange with Universities and Research centres all over the World. Examples of this collaboration are the permanent ATECH installations in the campuses of Berkeley (USA) and Incheon (Korea).
More InfoThese activities are performed by more than 400 research groups, and 7,500 yearly scientific publications with international impact. The spirit of enterprise and professional scope, introducing you to the business world. More than 9,000 students doing internships in more than 3,500 businesses in 2014.
The University ranks third in Spain as far as number of patents generated on a Spanish national level in the last 5 years accumulated period. Based on the interaction and implication with its economic and social environment USE is the founder of relevant Technology-Based Businesses (with more than 50 start-ups).
Main tasks attributed in SOCRATCES project :
University of Seville is the project coordinator and leads WP1 (Project management, coordination and assessment results) and WP4 (Power system), participating with its multidisciplinary character in the remaining WPs. The USE group participant in SOCRATCES is composed by three different areas of knowledge: energy engineering (expertise in transport and thermal engines, heating and cooling, district heating, power units, business model) and energy storage and new materials (expertise in thermochemical energy storage using natural sorbents as precursor).
CALIX EUROPE LTD. UNITED KINGDOM
Calix is a mining and minerals processing SME. Calix has patented and demonstrated its Direct Separation technology for processing minerals – the technology winning the water division of the Australian Technologies Competition in September 2014. This process uses indirect, counterflow heating of the calciner so that the process gases and the combustion gases do not mix. This is core technology is used within in the Endex SOCRATCES cycle - for a low temperature calciner and a high temperature carbonator - for which world-wide patents have been granted, that will be adapted to the unique process being investigated by the SOCRATCES project.
Calix Europe Ltd, is an EU registered SME, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Calix Limited, and, under license, brings the core Catalytic Flash Calcination technology that the SOCRATCES project will utilise.
More InfoCalix Europe Ltd, is an industrial participant in the European Union’s 7th Framework €6.4m project ASCENT on the development of novel CO2 sorbents for hydrogen production for the power industry. Calix, through its licensed UK subsidiary, Millennium Generation Limited (MGL), is developing a pilot plant demonstrator of its Endex Reactor technology to produce low carbon power from natural gas with a £5.8m grant from the UK’s Department of Energy and Climate Change, and has recently completed a FEED study for the project. Calix Europe is coordinating the LEILAC project which has received €12m under H2020, developing the core separation technology to enable the cement and lime industries to capture their CO2 emissions for minimal capital or operating cost.
As such, Calix brings nine years of development of this core technology, and has undertaken the initial technical steps required to integrate ENDEX within the novel ENDEX SOCRATCES cycle.
Main tasks attributed in SOCRATCES project :
CALIX leads WP3 (Solar calcination) and WP6 (Engineering and prototype construction), and also participates in WP1, WP2 (Carbonation), WP7 (Validation and test), WP8 (Business Development) and WP9 (Dissemination of results).
Virtualmechanics S.L. SPAIN
Virtualmechanics S.L., Virtualmech from now on, is a spin-off company from the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Seville. Constituted in 2009, its business model is based upon intensive knowledge in computational mechanics, computer-aided design and next generation mechanical engineering tools.
Technology-fueled company
• Applied research to engineering
• State-of-the-art technical and scientific advances
Tools: Computational Mechanics
• Multibody Dynamics
• FEM for mechanical and thermal analysis
• CFD for fluid dynamics/thermal analysis
Technical areas
• Simulation driven design/product development
• Multiphysics simulation
• Total design (analysis, optimization and evaluation). Therefore R&D is the main target for the business development and growth, being the main activity for both internal and external research projects with other big companies of various sectors, with special presence in Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), High Performance Insulation, Railroad Mechanics, in the Energy and Transport sectors.
CENTRE OF RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-HELLAS. GREECE
The Centre for Research and Technology-Hellas (CERTH) is the only research centre in Northern Greece and one of the largest in the country and it was founded in 2000. CERTH is a leading research center and center of excellence in Greece, currently holding the 18th position among all the European Research Organizations that participate in European projects. It is a legal entity governed by private law with non-profit status, supervised by the General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT) of the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs. CERTH has important scientific and technological achievements in many areas including: Energy, Environment, Industry, Mechatronics, Information & Communication, Transportation & Sustainable Mobility, Health, Agro-biotechnology, Smart farming, Safety & Security, as well as several cross-disciplinary scientific areas.
More InfoThe Chemical Process Engineering Research Institute (CPERI) is a founding institute of CERTH and a leading research institute in Greece with 150 employees and an annual budget of approximately 9 million euros. CPERI was ranked as the 16th research organization with the highest numbers of participations in FP7 signed grant agreements during 2007-2012 by the FP7 Monitoring Report (2012). Currently, seven laboratories, organized into three research and development divisions, are in full operation in the Institute. The activities of the laboratories are supported by a horizontal technical division, which involves the large pilot-plant units and the analytical department. At present, the following areas are covered by CPERI/CERTH research: Advanced production systems for petrochemical processes; energy and environmental technologies; advanced materials technologies; large installations and facilities. CPERI also acts as consultant to the Greek Government, the Public Power Corporation (PPC), the Institute of Geological and Mineral Exploration (IGME) and to several other companies and organizations involved in the energy sector and is actively involved in the Governmental planning for power production.
The current project will be pursuit collaboratively by the Laboratory of Process Systems Design and Implementation (LPSDI) and the Aerosol and Particle Technology Laboratory (APTL).
LPSDI has been involved in numerous research projects funded by national and European agencies. LPSDI mainly targets focused research and industrial projects in the area of modeling, design, optimization and control of chemical and energy conversion processes. In these areas LPSDI has constructed and commissioned over 30 pilot-scale and commercial process units for private companies and universities.
LPSDI is supported by competitive personnel of 30 employees including researchers, graduate students, control engineers, technicians and collaborative faculty members. LPSDI has developed a unique and scale-specific methodology for the development of integrated systems and their control strategy. In the past 15 years, more than 30 skid mounted units (from design to commissioning), especially in the field of small scale test and pilot plant systems have been delivered.
APTL (http://apt.cperi.certh.gr) is a business unit of CPERI established in 1996. APTL’s objectives are to conduct basic and applied research and to develop new technological products responding to well-recognized market needs in the areas of clean transport, clean energy and in-situ monitoring. In total, APTL has participated in more than 60 large multinational projects and has served as coordinator in more than 15 of them. In addition to its research activities, APTL offers technological services to many industrial partners. Over the last decade, APTL has developed novel concepts, materials and reactor designs for solar thermochemical fuels synthesis and high temperature energy storage while it has almost 20-years of experience in the development of combustion emission control systems. APTL has received numerous awards, including the 2006, Descartes Prize for Collaborative Scientific Research and the European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant.
Main tasks attributed in SOCRATCES project :
CERTH’s participation is focused in WP6 (Engineering and prototype construction), and also participates in the remaning of WPs, mainly in WP2 (Carbonation), WP5 (System integration and control) and WP7 (Validation and test).
TTZ BREMERHAVEN. GERMANY
TTZ is a private non-profit organisation established in 1987 in Bremerhaven, Germany. It is an innovative provider of technology transfer services and conducts customer-oriented trainings, research and development. It has a multicultural and multidisciplinary staff of around 120 persons. It is a highly recognised R&D service provider for private companies, mainly SMEs from the region. TTZ has coordinated and participated in the development, negotiation, implementation and management of more than 400 European and international projects, ranging from small and medium scale (with 6 to 10 partners) to large-scale projects (with more than 20 partners). The continued and successful participation of TTZ in different instruments of EU programmes for environment, research and development, gives it a sound project experience. For this project the Environmental Institute, a TTZ’s branch expert in the fields of Resources Management will be responsible.
Main tasks attributed in SOCRATCES project :
TTZ will participate mainly in WP4 (Power system), WP5 (System integration and control) and WP6 (Engineering & prototype costruction), with presence in WP1, WP7, WP8 and WP9.
AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTÍFICAS. SPAIN
The Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) is the largest public institution dedicated to research in Spain and the third largest in Europe (www.csic.es). Belonging to the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness through the Secretary of State for Research, Development and Innovation, its main objective is to develop and promote research that will help bring about scientific and technological progress, and it is prepared to collaborate with Spanish and foreign entities in order to achieve this aim. According to its Statute (article 4), its mission is to foster, coordinate, develop and promote scientific and technological research, of a multidisciplinary nature, in order to contribute to advancing knowledge and economic, social and cultural development, as well as to train staff and advise public and private entities on this matter. Research in CSIC is multidisciplinary and multisectorial covering all fields of knowledge.
More InfoCSIC plays an important role in scientific and technological policy, since it encompasses an area that takes in everything from basic research to the transfer of knowledge to the productive sector. Its research is driven by its centres and institutes, which are spread across all the Country, and its more than 15,000 staff, of whom more than 3,000 are staff researchers and the same number again are doctors and scientists who are still training. CSIC has 6% of all the staff dedicated to Research and Development in Spain, and they generate approximately 20% of all scientific production in the country. It also manages a range of important facilities; the most complete and extensive network of specialist libraries, and also has joint research units with other institutions such as universities.
The Institute of Materials Science of Seville (ICMS) (www.icms.us-csic.es) was created in 1986. In 1996, it moved to new premises at the Isla de la Cartuja, combining with two other Institutes to make up the Isla de la Cartuja Scientific Research Centre (Junta de Andalucia - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de Sevilla). The Institute comprises three research units housed in the building at the Isla de la Cartuja and an external unit at the Physics Faculty on the Reina Mercedes campus. Today it incorporates research groups of CSIC and the University of Seville. The aim of these groups is to unite efforts in various areas of solid-state physics and chemistry, physical chemistry of surfaces, materials for energy and environment and other related disciplines of materials science. Such activity seeks to contribute to scientific development within the Research Plans of both regional and state authorities, and their EU equivalents, in the field of materials science and technology. The institute has 49 staff scientists, 19 laboratory technicians and 54 Ph.D. and postdoctoral students. 10% of the students come from other European countries.
Main tasks attributed in SOCRATCES project :
CSIC leads WP2 (Carbonation), offering expertise in energy storage and new materials. Also, CSIC will participate in WP1, WP3 (Solar calcination), WP7 (Validation and test), WP8 (Business development) and WP9 (Dissemination).
POLITECNICO DI TORINO. ITALY
Politecnico di Torino represents a leading public university, in Italy and in Europe, in technical-scientific teaching and research. Founded almost 150 years ago, Politecnico di Torino has three Schools of Engineering, two Schools of Architecture, a School of Economics and Management, plus a Post-Graduate School. Politecnico offers excellence in technology and promotes the ability to carry out theoretical and applied research and also the capacity to achieve effective and reliable productive processes or organise services and facilities. The range of studies is broad and ever-widening: it spans space, environment and land, telecommunications, information, energy, mechanics, electronics, chemistry, automation, industrial design, architecture and building, etc. With more than 150 bilateral international agreements and 40 double degree agreements, POLITO has links with the most prestigious Universities in Europe and is part of the major European interuniversity networks, such as CESAER, CLUSTER, E.C.I.U, EUA, and CMU. With more than 230 FP7 projects (66,5M€) and about 55 ‘Horizon 2020’ projects (18M€), POLITO can count on a great experience both in scientific projects and administrative management POLITO is also actively involved in the EERA- Energy European Research Alliance and, at national level, in the AIREN-Alleanza Italiana per la Ricerca sull’Energia, which is the Italian mirror of the EU platform.
More InfoIn November 2013 Politecnico di Torino has been acknowledged by the European Commission for its commitment towards the implementation of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers through the 'HR Excellence in Research' logo.
Main tasks attributed in SOCRATCES project :
POLITO will develop the research activity mainly in WP4, WP5 and WP6, based on modelling of components/systems as well as on system integration. The research group has experience in modelling CSP and storage units both at component and system levels. The modelling approach was validated against the Enea installation plants. In the other WPs the activity is mainly focused on transferring the modelling results to the related activities and on the contribution to the formulation of system requirements. In addition a contribution on Risk analysis will be provided.
BIOAZUL. SPAIN
BIOAZUL is a technological consultancy and engineering SME focused on renewable energies (mainly based on biomass) and water management (wastewater treatment and water reuse). It has two main business areas strongly interconnected: identification (preliminary research, necessities detection, planning), production (writing and negotiation) and implementation (development of technical, coordination and management tasks) of applied research and international cooperation projects and the development, optimisation and distribution of eco-innovative products and technologies for wastewater treatment.
Regarding project management, BIOAZUL has in-depth know-how both of the available funding tools (FP6, FP7, IEE, Eco-Innovation, H2020) and the necessary technical and administrative procedures for carrying out public-funded R&D&I. This knowledge together with the company’s extensive network of technological and commercial contacts all over Europe has facilitated BIOAZUL to set up strong R&D&I proposals on renewable energies, environmentally-sound agriculture and wastewater and solid wastes management finally funded by the EC, in which BIOAZUL takes care of management, coordination and R&D&I tasks.
More InfoBIOAZUL has an extensive experience in European R&D&I projects, having participated in 4 projects within H2020, 16 projects within the FP7, 14 projects within the FP6, 2 projects within the IEE Programme and 1 project within Eco-Innovation. One strong component of BIOAZUL role within these projects has been the development of technical activities related to integrated water resource management and wastewater treatment, energy efficiency, biomass production (for energy purposes), uptake and reuse, food wastes (solid and liquid mainly coming from agro-food industry), agroforestry and agroecology, amongst others. Due to the active role of BIOAZUL participating in international (Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa) and national projects, BIOAZUL has an intensive network of contacts and a good understanding of the situation with regards to current research activities in their fields of expertise.
Main tasks attributed in SOCRATCES project :
BIOAZUL leads WP9 (Dissemination and exploitation of results), and also participates in WP1, WP4 (Power system), WP5 (System integration and control), WP6 (Engineering and prototype construction), WP7 (Validation and test), WP8 (Business development) and WP9 (Dissemination and exploitation of results).
UNIVERSITY OF ZARAGOZA. SPAIN
The University of Zaragoza is the main centre of technological innovation in the Ebro Valley and has great prestige among the group of both Spanish and European universities it has relations with (https://www.unizar.es/). Research activity is carried out in the heart of the Departments, University Institutes, and Research Centres; and is supported by public and private funding. The University has a strong commitment to socio-economic development of the Ebro valley area, and therefore carries out intense transfer of knowledge and technology to society and private companies.
In 2010 it was recognized as Campus of International Excellence (CAMPUS IBERUS: Campus of International Excellence of the Ebro Valley), along with the Public Universities of Navarra, La Rioja and Lleida. Reducing the known fragmentation of higher education and territorial limitation, adding four universities and overcoming the geographical and administrative boundaries of four regions the CAMPUS IBERUS has identified the scientific challenges in sustainable energy, people's health, food and nutrition, and preservation of cultural heritage as main fields for the future development.
More InfoTogether with other programs as INNOCAMPUS Materials and Technology for Quality of Life or IEC 2011, has allowed to position our University in a line of highly competitive international excellence for comprehensive quality training. Scientific excellence in basic and applied research, internationalization based on mobility, attracting students and researchers, as well as strategic partnerships have made that research has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, which places it in positions of prestige in the national and international context.
It is the eighth Spanish university for scientific and academic production, according to the prestigious Academic Ranking of World Universities compiled by Jiao Tong University, Shanghai. Policies of cooperation with companies and organizations to develop innovative projects is one of our main challenges. All with the aim of achieving professional integration of our students with training throughout life in all a university that has almost five centuries of history, but has continued to invest in innovation and service to society. Our university is something more: it is culture, participation; In short, interest in learning and knowledge, by training students and generate knowledge to achieve greater economic progress and social welfare.
Main tasks attributed in SOCRATCES project:
University of Zaragoza leads WP5 (System integration and control) and WP7 (Validation and test), and also participates in WP2 (Carbonation), WP3 (Solar calcination), WP4 (Power system), WP6 (Engineering and prototype construction), WP9 (Dissemination and exploitation of results).
ARISTOTLES UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI. GREECE
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) was founded in 1925, comprising only a single Faculty, that of Philosophy. Today it is the largest Higher Education Institution in Greece and Southeastern Europe, with 13 faculties and a total of 42 departments and 4 independent Schools. Aristotle University is located in the centre of Thessaloniki, spreading over an area of 43 hectares. Some of its administrative or educational infrastructure is off campus, in nearby municipalities. The University has two main goals: to educate its undergraduate and postgraduate students, and to produce original scientific knowledge and innovative research. About 72,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students currently study in the Aristotle University (62,000 in 42 undergraduate courses, and 10,000 in 67 postgraduate courses). Moreover, AUTh cooperates with 19 universities abroad for the co-supervision of PhD dissertations.
More InfoThe Research Committee is legally responsible for the financial management of all types of funds for research, educational training, technological development and continuing education projects, and for providing scientific, technological and other related services or activities that contribute to linking education and research with industrial production and practical implementations.
The University Research Policy has two main objectives: to promote quality and to foster excellence. At the basis of the philosophy of quality are the principles of measurement, correction, evaluation and redefinition, which ultimately provide for the continuous development of products or/and services produced or provided by the institution.
The policy of excellence, aiming at the University’s distinction in the international research arena, is implemented by gathering a critical mass of scientific research projects, and adopting an interdisciplinary approach; it is further supported by setting up research teams and incorporating processes for innovation development in research activity. This policy also focuses on recognizing high individual performance, establishing new research units and fostering an environment that enhances innovative actions.
During the past three years, 985 researchers – distinguished scientists – have provided educational and research services in collaboration with a total of 7,263 external scientific associates for the implementation of 3,151 International, European and National Research and Technological Development (RTD) projects. 1,436 of these partners were universities, research centers and organizations, while 405 were businesses.
AUTh research and technological development projects are funded by national, European and international agencies. At national level, these agencies include ministries, local authority organizations, public sector organizations, and private sector businesses/companies. The majority of research projects are funded mainly by the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation and other General Directorates of the European Commission. Additionally, a significant number of research projects are funded by European and international agencies, such as UNESCO, or major industries, which focus their business interests on technology and research applications.
AUTH will participate to this project with the Laboratory of Petrochemical Technology. The Laboratory of Petrochemical Technology headed by Prof. Angeliki Lemonidou belongs to the Chemical Engineering Department one of the seven departments of the Engineering School. The Laboratory of Petrochemical Technology has developed activities in education and research, while maintaining strong ties with Industry. Extensive national and international contacts of the Laboratory have been established over the years. Furthermore, she has supervised a significant number of Diploma (>90) and Doctoral Theses (13), carried out in the Laboratory, on a variety of applied as well as basic research topics.
The research activities are in the area of catalysis and reaction engineering. The topics under study include processes for CO2 capture with solid sorbents at high temperature the, sustainable production of hydrogen through advanced steam reforming of hydrocarbons and oxygenated feeds combined with CO2 capture, the selective oxidation of lower hydrocarbons, and the valorization of bio-based products to chemicals and fuels. Research activities focus on the development of materials mostly catalytic with tailor made properties using advanced synthesis techniques for specific applications, their characterization and performance evaluation, and also mechanistic and kinetic studies. The activities are complemented with reactor modelling and design of the processes under development.
The efforts in the area of CO2 capture started in 2007 and since then are continued with increasing intensity. The emphasis has been put on the development of novel solid materials with increased activity and stability in capturing CO2 at high temperature processes. The synthetic materials based mostly on CaO synthesized by applying advanced techniques are modified with inert dopants to strengthen their stability. The materials are characterized for their structural properties and tested in multiple cycles, initially in a thermobalance while at a next step under real reaction conditions. The capturing activity of the materials is evaluated in lab scale flow units in several processes like the purification of flue gases from natural gas combined cycle unit, the sorption enhanced- reforming of natural gas for the production of pure H2 in a single step with in-situ CO2 capture and recently in the novel process of chemical looping sorption enhanced steam reforming. In parallel, we have developed kinetic models describing the capturing performance of the synthesized materials. Knowledge exists on process design with advanced heat integration and technoeconomic aspects of the processes.
Main tasks attributed in the project :
AUTH will participate mainly in WP2 (Carbonation), WP3 (Solar calcination) and WP6 (Engineering & prototype construction), with presence in WP1, WP7, WP8 and WP9.
VERTECH GROUP. FRANCE
VERTECH GROUP is a French research intensive SME that focuses its business on providing advanced environmental and sustainable solutions for different sectors such as renewable energies and innovative technologies for thermal storage. The company is specialized in: (i) performing sustainability assessments; in particular life cycle assessments and life cycle cost analysis of processes and new energy-efficient technologies, (ii) Analysis of ecological footprint, (iii) Resources and energy efficiency assessments and (iv) Technological and environmental risk assessments of processes & technologies. The staff of Vertech Group is formed by European and national experts in the application of Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost Analysis in different areas such as energy efficient technologies and renewable energy systems.
Vertech-Group is member of several Relevant International Organizations in the field of Life Cycle Thinking and the implementation of related tools and methodologies. For instance, the French Life Cycle Assessment Platform (AVNIR), the Forum for Sustainability through Life Cycle Innovation, The Indian LCA Alliance and the Iberoamerican Life Cycle Network.
More InfoThe staff of Vertech also collaborates with the UNEP/SETAC LCA Initiative and the World Resources Forum. Vertech has organized the Second European Workshop in LCA in 2015 and is currently currently organizing the third European Workshop in LCA: http://vertech-group.com/lifecycleassessmentworkshop/speakers.php.
Main tasks attributed in the project :
Vertech group main contribution is focused on evaluating the life cycle costs and economic feasibility of implementing the calcium looping technology as a high temperature thermal storage method. Vertech Group will also perform the integral risk assessment derived from the development and implementation of the proposed technology. Therefore, Vertech will lead LCC analysis and risks assessments. (Task 8.2, Task 8.3 and 8.4), leading as well WP8.
VER leads WP8 (Business Development), and also participates in WP1 and WP9 (Dissemination of results).
CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE. ITALY
The National Research Council (CNR) is the largest Italian public organisation for scientific and technological research, committed to carry out, promote, spread, transfer and improve research activities in the main sectors of knowledge (scientific, technological, economic and social) and its applications through its network of 111 Institutes distributed on the territory and organised into 7 Departments. CNR will participate to the project CaLSoLStor with the effort of the Institute for Research on Combustion (IRC) belonging to the Dept. of Engineering, ICT, Technologies for Energy & Transport.
The Institute for Research on Combustion of the CNR (CNR-IRC) was founded in 1968. Main research activities regard thermochemical processes (combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, etc.), either relevant to energy conversion or to the prevention and control of fires, explosions, accidental releases. The CNR-IRC has greatly contributed over decades to the progress of other disciplines falling in the chemical engineering and neighbouring areas: chemical reactor engineering, analytical methods, multiphase flow, heat and mass transfer, etc. Today, 54 persons forms the permanent staff, half of whom hold a university (master/PhD) degree. The scientific growth of IRC was guaranteed by skills on chemistry, physics and engineering among its staff.
More InfoThe Institute for Research on Combustion carries out research in areas of strategic importance for the level of innovation, with implications on several fields: energy, industry, safety, environment, new materials. Activities, carried out at both theoretical and experimental level, aim to the develop efficient combustion/gasification processes with low environmental impact and to develop new technologies for electric and thermal energy production, thermo-valorization of wastes, biomass and alternative fuels (such as solar energy). Within this framework studies are dedicated also to the development of advanced techniques of characterization of fossil fuels, combustible mixtures derived from the transformation of fossil fuels, particulate and gaseous pollutants produced by combustion. This activity includes also the detailed modelling of chemical reacting systems and the measurement of parameters relevant to industrial risk assessment such as flammability and explosion limits. The general scope is the progressive upgrade of already available combustion technologies in terms of environmental friendliness and the development of innovative alternative technologies able to optimize the energetic efficiency and minimize the environmental impact of combustion in terms of emission of pollutants as well as of greenhouse gases.
The study of different issues has been favoured by close collaboration at the national level, with the University of Naples Federico II, with the Politecnico di Milano and other prestigious Italian universities, and at international level, with different Research centres, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA), Sandia National Laboratories (USA), the University of Leeds (UK), the Department of Chemical Engineering of Imperial College London (UK), the University of Twente (Netherlands), The Electricité de France (France), the Cerchar (France), the CNRS (France). The IRC has been recognized to play an excellence role as a reference institution on combustion processes, both nationally and internationally. The key role of IRC in different topics (energy, environment and industrial production) is confirmed by: 1) a lot of papers published in journals or conference proceedings; 2) participation in EU programs and initiatives (projects Joule, Coke, Environmental, Fox, Fair, Brite); 3) participation in national projects.
Main tasks attributed in SOCRATCES project:
CNR will participate mainly in WP2 (Carbonation) and WP3 (Solar Calcination), with presence in WP1, WP5, WP6, WP7 and WP9.
SOCIEDADE PORTUGUESA DE INOVAÇÃO, C.E.F.I., S.A. PORTUGAL
SPI is a private consulting company created in 1997 as an active center of national and international networks connected to the research and innovation sectors. Since its inception, SPI has become a leading promoter of linkages between national and international public and private organizations, and private sector companies, science and technology institutions. From its onset, SPI has embraced the mission of managing projects that promote regional, national and international development, stimulate knowledge management, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as encourage internationalization and creation of strategic partnerships and business relationships.
More InfoSPI has over 65 full-time staff located in the various offices of the company - including in Portugal, China, Spain, USA and Singapore. SPI also has an affiliated office in Brussels. SPI has created competencies in different areas which include the creation and strengthening of networking activities, capacity building in particular supporting R&D and innovation, training, knowledge transfer, dissemination, development of strategies and policy dialogues and program/project evaluation. SPI has extensive coordinating and partnering experience in EC projects, including those under the previous Framework Programmes (FPs) and H2020 programme.
Main tasks attributed in the project :
SPI will participate mainly in WP8 (Business development) and WP9 (Dissemination and exploitation of results), with presence in WP1.
ISITEC GMBH. GERMANY
ISITEC was founded in 1996 in Bremerhaven, Germany with the aim to develop and provide innovative automation systems and technical systems which facilitate and enable various research and industrial activities using different kinds of machines, technical devices and/or sensor technology. Today, ISITEC’s range of products and services includes designing and manufacturing measuring devices for analytical purposes, data collection and visualization systems, PLC controllers, simulation facilities as well as automatic sampling systems, all the while optimizing costs, processes and functions.
ISITEC’s small but highly innovative and qualified team, consisting of 8 employees among 4 are electric engineers and 2 are technicians, has years of professional experience in research and development as well as manufacture of complete, customized technical systems for diverse customer needs. Since process automation is proceeding and constant interconnection to other subordinate systems is required, ISITEC constantly develops new automation systems and modifies, upgrades and adjusts existing ones as well.
More InfoISITEC’s involvement in business projects often includes participation in every step of the “technology supply chain” from project analysis and early concept development of the right technical systems to choosing, assembling, programming, installing and maintaining the fitted system components. Additionally, ISITEC produces custom-made electronic circuitries and microcontrollers along with the required software so that innovative solutions for all kinds of digital measuring and control systems can be found. Upon request, the company can also install advanced visualization technologies providing convenient operation and monitoring of automated systems. Naturally, maintenance and reparation services of their systems are also part of ISITEC’s product and services portfolio. ISITEC has participated in a number of national and European projects, such as TREAT & USE and ALGATEC (I and II), utilizing its deep technical knowledge and expertise in the development of customized automation solutions for diverse applications.
Due to ISITEC’s demonstrated capacity to develop and manufacture customized automation software, control units, sophisticated measurement tools and other technical solutions for several customer-oriented applications, the company is highly qualified to fulfil its envisaged role within the project, i.e. the development of the control module of the SoLCaLStor system, designed to enable a harmonious interaction between the monitoring as well as the fertigation module in order to achieve optimal response of the system to plant requirements (e.g. by controlling and monitoring the dosage pumps, injection pumps, mixing station, distributor, fertilizer dosage, wastewater quality etc.). For ISITEC, its involvement in the project allows it to yet again demonstrate its expertise in developing adequate hardware and software solutions for diverse automation applications, to widen its project portfolio and business network, and establish itself as a trusted partner in the field of automation and control systems on national and European markets.
Main tasks attributed in the project:
SPI will participate mainly in WP5 (System integration and control), WP6 (Engineering & prototype construction) and WP7 (Validation and test), with presence in WP1, WP4, WP8 and WP9.