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Next generation of thermal-electrical devices for heat and power management

Project description

Revolutionary alternative for cooling and power management

Around 20 % of global energy is used for cooling, with 1.6 billion AC units in operation. Consequently, there is a need for more sustainable and energy-efficient cooling alternatives. With this in mind, the EU-funded THERMOCOOL project aims to develop thermoelectric coolers (TE), which could reduce CO2 emissions per person by up to 38 % and save up to 1795 kWh per year compared to current options. To achieve this, the project will optimise production costs and sustainability, enhance energy conversion efficiency, and demonstrate these improvements. TE will also be beneficial for high-power computing and battery systems that require advanced cooling equipment. Additionally, the project aims to cut maintenance costs by optimising digital information flows.

Objective

THERMOCOOL addresses critical global challenges - energy transition and digitalization. With 20% of global energy used for cooling, and 1.6 billion AC units in use, energy-efficient alternatives are vital. Thermoelectric coolers (TE) offer a solution, saving 1795 kWh/y and reducing CO2 emissions by 38% per person compared to standard AC.
Additionally, TE has applications in high-power computing and batteries where conventional cooling falls short. The project leverages novel thermoelectric materials to drive advancements.
In parallel,THERMOCOOL contributes to digitalization. The Internet of Everything (IoE) necessitates trillions of connected devices. To power them sustainably, thermal energy harvesters are explored, tapping into heat sources like the human body, buildings, and the sun. This approach reduces maintenance costs and indirectly cuts CO2 emissions by optimizing information flows.
THERMOCOOL focuses on three key objectives:
1.Enhancing the efficiency of energy conversion devices, including thermoelectric generators and pyroelectric generators for electricity generation, and thermoelectric coolers and electrocaloric coolers for cooling.
2.Prioritizing low-cost, sustainable materials with minimal reliance on critical raw materials and emphasizing recyclability.
3.Demonstrating the effectiveness of these technologies in challenging environments where conventional systems are less efficient.
Collaborative research will elevate these technologies from TRL3 to TRL5, involving researchers with complementary expertise in thermoelectric and ferroelectric materials.
These solid-state devices share key advantages: zero maintenance costs, compactness, lightweight, silence, and environmental friendliness. They have the potential to revolutionize energy conversion and cooling, addressing pressing global challenges.
THERMOCOOL offers efficient, low-cost, and eco-friendly solutions that will benefit society, the environment, and the economy, heralding a promising future.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-CL5-2023-D3-03

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Coordinator

THALES
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 827 725,00
Address
4 RUE DE LA VERRERIE
92190 MEUDON
France

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Region
Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Hauts-de-Seine
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 827 725,00

Participants (6)

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