Optimizing energy efficiency of systems for industrial air conditioning

  • 09 INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRAESTRUCTURE
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Optimizing energy efficiency of systems for industrial air conditioning

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January 22

OPEN CALL

I’MNOVATION 2024 is here! Check out the open challenges and sign up.

February 29

END OF INSCRIPTIONS

Haven’t applied yet, run! The deadline for applications is February 29th.

May 17

SELECTION DAY

The finalist startups will pitch to a committee that will decide the winner. This startup will develop a pilot in a real environment for 6 months with us.

November 21

DEMO DAY

Each team will present the results obtained to the decision committee that will evaluate the continuity and scaling of the program.

In process
DURATION
6 MONTHS
PROGRAM
I’MNOVATION 2024
LOCATION
Remote
BUDGET
50 000 €
CAN REGISTER
Start-Ups , Scaleups , Spinoffs , Centros I+D , Universidades
More information
Legal rules for participation
BUDGET
50 000 €

Air conditioning is a major contributor to GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, which trap heat in the atmosphere and accelerate global warming. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), air conditioning and other cooling systems are responsible for approximately 10-20% of global electricity consumption and one-sixth of electricity-related carbon dioxide emissions.

As for the demand for these air-conditioning systems, it will follow an upward trend and could triple by 2050 due to population growth, urbanization and rising living standards. The energy requirements of air conditioning put pressure on power grids, sometimes resulting in increased fossil fuel-based electricity generation. In addition, most of these systems do not work efficiently due to their design, as the operating parameters and set points are fixed or, at most, vary in two seasonal modes, yet outdoor, load and operating conditions vary continuously.

Improvements in sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) and smart technology can offer promising solutions for efficient cooling. Smart thermostats, connected sensors and automated controls optimize cooling based on occupancy and weather conditions.

In addition, the processing of data and information generated through sensors together with the application of artificial intelligence techniques can generate predictive models where systems can adjust to actual demand conditions from a just-in-case to a just-in-time approach.

ACCIONA Energía is looking for solutions to improve the seasonal efficiency (SEER) of a refrigeration facility, understood as a reduction in the electrical energy used to achieve the same amount of cooling energy.

In addition, reducing the electrical energy used reduces electrical consumption and costs, and the GHG emissions associated with that consumption.

The proposed solutions should:

  • Adapt equipment operation in real time to the boundary conditions, taking into account the historical behavior of each equipment.
  • Allow remote and automated control of the monitored equipment.

The proposals submitted must indicate the expected average energy savings derived from the integration of their solution in this type of installations.

It will be valued that the entities participating in the resolution of the challenge have experience in the management of industrial refrigeration control systems.

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Preguntas frecuentes

Yes. This Open Innovation Program is designed for the co-creation and co-development with startups, spinoffs and scaleups. Although we wouldn’t expect to work with mature companies, ACCIONA understands that developing a new product is hard and pivoting to find the Market-Fit needs from time and work, so we will analyse case by case.

Yes. As companies grow, they develop commercial agreements. Corporate open innovation programs are one of them, although ACCIONA wouldn’t accept to develop a project if the startup is working on a project with the same scope with a competitor.

At the beginning of the project, the ownership of the IP is from each part. Only after the ending of the project, ACCIONA and your company would negotiate over the results of the product or service developed if ACCIONA has had a relevant participation.

Usually, ACCIONA will publish that a pilot has been developed with your company at the end of the project. If you need to share some kind of information of the project, privately or publicly, please contact us.

No. Open Innovation program doesn’t take any equity. Only at the end of the project, ACCIONA would analyse if an investment has a fit in the company strategy and if the startup has an investment round open.

No. Sometimes startups captable is complex. We would accept that one of the founders signs if he/she has power of attorney.