The Project is aimed at increasing energy efficiency in the field of energy conversion by small-scale devices, with specific reference to technologies used for converting electrical energy into other forms of energy, i.e., conversion of thermal, solar or environmental energy into electrical or cooling energy, with a strong innovative value. The activities carried out by RSE have clear technological features but the Project also has a system approach. Within the complex framework ofenergy efficiency, energy conversion through efficient technologies is an extremely relevant issue, according to EU indications. Any assessment in this regard, whether energy, economic, technological or plant engineering, must therefore be integrated into a system framework. This document reports, in summary form, the results of research activities on the development of efficient small-scale energy conversion systems carried out by RSE in the 2018 Annual Implementation Plan. Areas of investigation were identified to assess application prospects and market penetration capacity, taking into account technical and economic viability, in particular where technology supply is poor.

This year, applied technological research activities have been conducted concerning some air conditioning devices, such as innovative heat pumps and thermal storage with phase change materials (PCMs), which are useful for minimising the overall dimensions of traditional systems. Studies have also continued on materials to increase the efficiency of gas microturbines, which in asmart gridlogic, both European and US development plans indicate as important elements in the intervention to compensate non-programmable renewable sources. The Project has also developed contributions for implementing the innovative control systems of theSolar Coolingpilot plantrealised at the RSE premises in Milan, and optimising a thermo-photovoltaic (TPV) cell measurement system. Finally, this year the activities aimed at increasing the energy production of microbial fuell cell (MFC) systems have been continued with a view to a circular economy induced by the recovery of marginal energy resources from wastewater and waste. Therefore, the Project aims to provide contributions for the expansion of the technological set available to the end user, for a more conscious and dedicated choice.