Objective
We the SME AGs, represent the European SMEs involved in the design, manufacture and installation of heating, hot water and renewable energy systems (RES). Increasing the uptake of RES is crucial if Europe is to achieve ambitious energy and emission reduction targets. However, despite steep increases in energy prices the uptake of domestic RES is still very limited. The initial investment required means that the payback period frequently exceeds 20 years, which is a clear disincentive to homeowners. This is mainly due to the cost associated with integration of RES within domestic heating and hot water systems, and is especially relevant if a combination of RES are deployed. The efficiency of these technologies is also often limited due to the inherent mismatch between energy supply and consumption. This can be overcome by deploying a suitably sized thermal store. However, this is often difficult due to space constraints in existing homes. Furthermore, effective combination and use of multiple RES is complicated by the lack of standardised intelligent controls and the sheer number and types of systems available. These factors limit the appeal of RES and virtually prevent customers from adding capacity over time. The main objective of SmartHeat is to develop a platform technology for domestic heating and hot water that enables easy and cost effective integration and use of multiple RES. The key enabling technologies include: i) a common, intelligent control system capable of effectively utilising a combination of RES and thermal stores; ii) a modular phase change material store that enables increased thermal storage within existing buildings. We will be able to a) demonstrate up to 50% reduction in installation costs for a combination of RES; b) a 20% performance improvement for an air source heat pump and up to 25% for a solar thermal system. As a result we will be able to reduce payback by up to 50% for a wide range of RES, heating and hot water system combinations
Fields of science
Call for proposal
FP7-SME-2008-2
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
BSG-SME-AG - Research for SME associations/groupingsCoordinator
RM12 6NB Essex
United Kingdom
See on map
Participants (13)
111 60 Stockholm
See on map
Participation ended
4050 Traun
Dublin
See on map
D11 Dublin
See on map
14007 Cordoba
See on map
4451 Sankt Ulrich Bei Steyr
See on map
Participation ended
BT18 9HX Belfast
20240 Ordizia
See on map
Athlone
See on map
70174 Stuttgart
See on map
LE13 0PB Melton Mowbray
See on map
20500 Mondragon
See on map
06680 Kavaklidere Ankara
See on map