Feasibility study for low-carbon emission Heat Pump

Información del proyecto

ECOPUMP

Identificador del acuerdo de subvención: 889075

DOI

10.3030/889075

Proyecto cerrado

Fecha de la firma de la CE 6 Diciembre 2019

Fecha de inicio 1 Enero 2020

Fecha de finalización 30 Junio 2020

Financiado con arreglo a

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Coste total

€ 71 429,00

Aportación de la UE

€ 50 000,00

Coordinado por

ECOINSTAL IT CONSULT S.R.L.
Romania

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ECOPUMP (Feasibility study for low-carbon emission Heat Pump)

Período documentado: 2020-01-01 hasta 2020-06-30

Resumen del contexto y de los objetivos generales del proyecto

The objective of the Phase 1 project was to develop a market entry feasibility study for the ECOPUMP commercialization that would include thorough market research, user need analysis, certification landscape analysis and business model design. The SME instrument Phase 1 project allowed EcoInstal to conduct a feasibility study, improve the technical specification of the product, and prepare itself for commercialization of the innovative solution.

ECOPUMP addresses challenges related to intensive energy consumption in the heating and cooling industries. Technology choice is an opportunity to improve clean energy access and local air quality, both of which are a key challenge for many countries. To address the challenge of environmentally friendly heating and cooling solutions for housing and medium industrial halls, EcoInstal developed a ground to water direct expansion Heat Pump with "eco-friendly" propane R 290 refrigerant with a high COP (Coefficient of Performance) up to 5.4 annual average.

The annual European Heat Pump Market and Statistics Reports reveals a growing market for the fifth year in a succession, leaving an entirely positive outlook for the development of this sector as heat pumps are starting to be recognized by society as energy efficient, cost saving and environmentally friendly alternative for heating. By the end of 2018, over 12 million heat pump units have been installed.

Trabajo realizado desde el comienzo del proyecto hasta el final del período abarcado por el informe y los principales resultados hasta la fecha

Two main areas of development were prioritised during the project implementation: market analysis & market strategy and testing & improving the pump efficiency in order to reach key performance criteria required by the international certification bodies.
User analysis was conducted based on desk research to better understand user challenges, pain points and define the value proposition. Potential distribution partners were contacted, installers, whole-sale companies and planers/architects to set up strategic partnerships to ensure both selling, installation and maintenance services on international market.

The technical team focused on the research and innovation activities of the prototype, studying in detail the performance criteria required by the certification bodies. An internal test stand was built which allowed to interchange and test components, sizing the installation with a wide variety of components with the aim of achieving best reliability and efficiency of the prototype. The test stand gave efficiency reports which helped the technical team analyse the impact of the technological improvements.

Finally, EcoInstal developed a business model and elaborated business plan, which would be used as a roadmap for commercialization of ECOPUMPs as well as for further development of the business.

Avances que van más allá del estado de la técnica e impacto potencial esperado (incluida la repercusión socioeconómica y las implicaciones sociales más amplias del proyecto hasta la fecha)

From a technological perspective, EcoInstal is working on improving its current prototype in order to become more competitive, its innovation being based on the type of the agent used, level of efficiency and technical solution used which consist of the assembly of the internal components of the pump. From the business perspective, the team is working on identifying investors and funding for the implementation of the commercialization plan and scaling the production. Upon obtainment of investment and certificates the company will continue its expansion in new markets. EcoInstal aims to have a significant effect on the reduction of carbon footprint created by the residential and service sector, empowering the transition to a low-carbon economy.