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.

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.

The project provides concrete contributions for the expansion of the technological set available to the end user, for a more informed and dedicated choice.

The project develops insights into the topics of electrical generation by bacteria through the degradation of organic material.

Applied technological research activities are carried out that are strongly oriented towards air conditioning devices, such as the development of innovative dual source heat pumps. These pumps, combined efficient systems with renewable energy potential, may indeed be an interesting contribution to the development of efficient devices. Updates are presented on the research strand for achieving prototypes and experiments in the three-year period. Results of studies for the development of efficient alternatives to fossil sources are also reported in summary, including studies on materials aimed at increasing the efficiency of gas microturbines, which in asmart gridlogic, both European and US development plans indicate as important elements in the intervention to compensate for non-programmable renewable sources. This research strand progressed in terms of identification of the most suitable materials for microturbine components.

Other contributions of the project concern the testing of technological solutions suitable for users using large spaces (e.g., the service sector), such as medium-temperature solar cooling. Innovative control systems of the pilot plant (METESCO) built in the previous research cycle at the RSE site in Milan and model simulations (in the TRNSYS environment) of yields under different climatic conditions/operating setups were investigated.

Activities were also carried out to facilitate the identification, experimental verification and testing of new efficient technologies at the SINCLER experimental plant, which was built under the previous three-year agreement. At this plant, located at Sviluppubria’s headquarters in Terni, other changes were made, aimed at enriching the experimental design (already operational), and tests were conducted in close contact with local operators.

Indeed, the possibility of carrying out experiments in close relation with the local industrial world is the main feature of the plant. In 2016, activities aimed at increasing the energy production of microbial cell systems were also carried out, as well as a study to assess the energy potential of agri-food waste.