At the end of the project, 4 prototypes were built and validated at 100 kg scale at least. On e of them, the PORTABLECRAC-MT, has reached the ton scale. THese prototypes have been validated at EMI, ENV & AGRI facilities. Furthermore, witht he batch prototype (100kg) AGRI performed 3 DEMOs with different types of AC. All of the prototypes have proven the regeneration capacity, reaching the target of 80%. However, this capacity depends on the type of AC (i.e. the industry from which the AC is obtained) and the conditions of the experiments.
Environmentally, the project presents benefits in respect to current practices in both scenarios, large (-45%) and small filters (-92%) for weighed results of all impact categories except for non-cancer human toxicity and ecotoxicity. Toxicity impacts results are not accurate due to lack of reliable data concerning emissions during regeneration. Sensitivity analysis show that, after applying gas treatment to neutralize toxic acid emissions, these categories would present lower impacts than current scenario.
The key parameters found from the hotspot analysis in the environmental performance of the prototypes are the ratio electrolyte volume/AC quantity, molarity and quantity of additional virgin AC after every regeneration incorporated. Small CC and Vertical present lower ratios electrolyte/AC regenerated and the benefits of recycling the electrolyte have been estimated as >25%.
In further designs, if the ratio electrolyte volume/AC regenerated is decreased, even by decreasing electrolyte volume or by increasing the AC quantity per cycle and minimizing the molarity of the electrolyte, the environmental performance will be improved significantly.
The main conclusions regarding the exploitation are:
• A total of 8 exploitable results have been identified, developed by all the partners from the consortium. From this list, at least 3 of the results have been or will be subject to patent filling (1 of UA, 1 of ENV and 1 of UVIGO) in the short term.
• Individual exploitation strategies are outlined detailing the type of IP protection proposed and the next steps required for a commercial acceptance.
• Two Business Model have been drafted with a focus on joint exploitation of the technology either as a product or as a service. The preferred one is expected to be materialized within the following 12 months after project end with the major traction provided by the ENV-EMIVASA binomial cooperation.
• Mitigation actions for 8 transversal barriers to the effective transfer of R&D results have been discussed. From this assessment it can be stated that most barriers have been already effectively overcome.
• Key stakeholders have been identified and communication channels described.
• Branding preferences for at least 2 of the prototypes are described.
