SUSTAINABLE MULTI-FUNCTIONAL AND RECYCLABLE HEAT PUMPS

ongoing

Smart-Pumps aims (1) to optimally redesign heat pump components under the newly introduced Design for Additive/Hybrid Manufacturing concept, which apart from operational characteristics, includes all life-cycle parameters, such as recycled material sourcing and component recyclability, for maximum efficiency, sustainability, safety and reliability, (2) to utilize multiple materials which are mixed at different percentages in the various operational sections of heat pump components, following the Functional Grading methodology, thus fully exploiting their properties (mechanical, thermal, electrical, etc) and maximizing material usage efficiency, (3) to embed sensors and devices within heat pump components for monitoring and operational data extraction, and also for actively changing heat pump component structure to optimize operation, (4) to standardize testing and create manufacturing process and assembly protocols, and (5) to create training curricula for all relevant stakeholder on digital design, manufacturing and testing of Smart Heat Pumps.