Next Generation Energy Efficient, Inexpensive Hydropneumatic Hybrid Actuation System

Project Information

HYPAS

Grant agreement ID: 673793

DOI

10.3030/673793

Project closed

EC signature date 5 May 2015

Start date 1 May 2015

End date 31 August 2015

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

AIR BONAITA SPA
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - HYPAS (Next Generation Energy Efficient, Inexpensive Hydropneumatic Hybrid Actuation System)

Reporting period: 2015-05-01 to 2015-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

AirBonaita SRL, founded in 1980, is a leading family-owned Italian company that manufactures, distributes, installs and maintains a wide choice of industrial components and systems. We distribute a selection of components from the best manufacturers in the world and manufacture our own products for specific customer applications.

HYPAS is a hydraulic-pneumatic hybrid actuator that brings together the advantages of both a hydraulic and a pneumatic operated actuator. It allows high energy savings (up to 50%), high precision (up to ±0,1 mm) and has a very compact design due and easiness of integration. Regarding costs, its target price is estimated to be approx. 30% less expensive than comparable products offering similar features.

In order to confirm the feasibility of the HYPAS, we have carried out a 4-month study on the technical, commercial and financial feasibility of our project. We have checked the technical developments ahead and prepared a complete execution plan for the development and engineering of the complete HYPAS product range. We have performed an in-depth analysis of the target markets and developed a strong market strategy and a plan for its market launching. Financially, we have drafted a detailed 5-years financial forecast which confirmed the potential return on investment of the HYPAS project.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During our 4-months Feasibility Study, based on the original work plan proposed in the Phase 1 proposal, we have carried out the following activities:

On the technical side, we have performed a detailed analysis of the development work ahead that led us to the preparation of a complete execution plan that will take our product from its current stage of development to its final configuration, tested in operating conditions and ready for certification. We have also identified the required third party subcontractors that will support us in the execution of the Phase 2 project and, developed a complete exploitation plan which includes the identification of resources needed to enter the production phase.

On the commercial side, we made an in-depth analysis of the target markets, stated our marketing and pricing strategies and developed a complete pre-commercialization plan to be implemented during Phase 2. Furthermore, a complete Freedom-to-Operate analysis was performed which confirmed the novelty of the HYPAS concept and the absence of existing threats for its commercialization.

Financially, several scenarios have been detailed, leading to consolidated financial projections for the period 2018-2022 with a highly positive turnover increase. Sources of funding have been evaluated, leading to our decision to present a Horizon 2020 SME instrument Phase 2 proposal in September 2015.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

We expect to successfully introduce HYPAS in the market in 2018 and achieve a substantial positive impact in our company’s P&L accounts by 2022 as a result of the commercialization of our own high-tech product HYPAS.
The new product will allow consolidating and further expanding our sales both in Italy and worldwide.

Markets will benefit from a new product that will support the current trends of energy savings and reduced environmental impact, supporting the related 2020 EU goals. The expected reduction on the product, installation and energy costs will allow end users to positively impact on the total cost of ownership of their systems while improving the overall competitiveness of the industry.

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