Das Projekt "Thermally OPerated Mobile Air Conditioning Systems (TOPMACS)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Centro Ricerche Fiat Societa Consortile per Azioni, Thermal Systems, Cabin & HMI, Vehicle Department durchgeführt. Objective: The goal of this project is to develop mobile air conditioning systems with a reduced impact on the environment, both direct and indirect.Two new technologies will be explored:Metal Hydride, either powered by waste heat or by electric energySorption Cooling, powered by waste heatNeither of these technologies uses HCFCs, and so they do not have a direct impact on GWP. The key point is to develop systems that will have also lower indirect impact with respect to state of the art of mobile air conditioning systems. Both technologies has the potential for pre-cooling and pre-warming of the vehicle cabin. In addition to that, the advantages arising from the integration of a near zero Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) based on a Rankine cycle and able to provide electric power and heat (that can be modulated independently) will be evaluated so to study innovative architecture for the energy management of the overall vehicle.Two applications will be considered: Passenger carsLight and heavy trucksThe objective is to set up at least two prototypes: a truck and a car. Benefits for the environment will be quantified by means of calculations and tests in a climatic chamber and on the road. A methodology to evaluate at the same time thermal comfort and the associated energy performance will be developed.
Das Projekt "Affordable building materials from recycled agricultural waste" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Berner Fachhochschule Architektur, Holz und Bau durchgeführt. Abundantly available agricultural residues are tested for their applicability as raw material for particleboard production. The effects of different parameters on the mechanical properties and the swelling behaviour are investigated.The agricultural waste in abundance in Northern Nigeria presents a major environmental challenge. Similarly waste plastic materials which are non-biodegradable form an environmental pollutant. The research is an attempt to identify, categorize this waste and specifically explore the possibility of producing composite building materials for diverse use. The materials produced are to be tested and used for thermal insulation, sound dampening, insulation and structural uses.Project aim: Production of composite panels from agricultural residues and characterisation of their properties. Comparison with EN standards for building materials and definition of possible fields of application.