Industry 4.0 competences for SMEs – Awareness raising tools (iCOINS)
The iCOINS is a project funded by Erasmus+ EU Programme. Turkish Society of HVAC and Sanitary Engineers (TTMD) is a partner in the project. Other partners are Hame University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Ecosistemas Virtuales Y Modulares SL (Spain), Training 2000 psc (Italy). OSTIM Organized Industrial Zone and SUPSI - the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland support the project as an associate. The project aims at developing common EU competences for raising awareness of SMEs on Industry 4.0 through an innovative Training Course. The primary target groups are VET teachers, trainers and mentors. Additionally, iCOINS serves the needs of SMEs staff, higher education staff and students, vocational institutions, vocational higher education institutions/teachers, public administration staff. Common future needs of SMEs in the context of Industry 4.0 for SMEs are aimed to be identified, and common sets of learning outcomes defined based on ECVET and ECTS principles. The project addresses the main skill shortages for which the competences for capacity building in SMEs in industry 4.0 context is described. Through innovative blended learning contents on industry 4.0 themes, iCOINS targets a mind change of SME entrepreneurs and employees which enable the creation of a community of practice in the learning and training process. iCOINS develops a common competence map and training modules on raising awareness on Industry 4.0 in SMEs. An OER platform with training modules and a training course plan for trainers are created. A Training methodology handbook enables trainers to transfer knowledge to trainees by using iCOINS outputs. The outputs are tested through pilot trainings and multiplier events.
The plan of the project as follows:
- Creation of an innovative road-map for the description of competences and building capacity on industry 4.0 in SMEs;
- Creation of a multilingual Internet platform with convenient operational functionalities: modules, exercises, learning outcomes and open online badges translated into partners' languages
- Design of ECVET-based integrated open badges for the recognition of newly acquired competencies on behalf of VET professionals (trainers) and managers and entrepreneurs;
-Provide continuous training of trainers to be updated on Industry 4.0 principles in SMEs; the face to face training will be integrated with on-line learning resources.
Comprehensive information about this ambitious initiative can be found at
https://icoinsproject.net/cankaya-university-coordinator-turkey/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/icoinsproject/
FROM ZERO TO HERO: Wise Energy Use Volunteering Scheme for Youngsters
FROM ZERO TO HERO: Wise Energy Use Volunteering Scheme for Youngster is a Project funded by Erasmus+ EU Programme aiming to support the EC Strategy 2020 on sustainable development. Turkish Society of HVAC and Sanitary Engineers (TTMD) is a partner in the project. Other partners are Gazi University (Turkey), Ankara University (Turkey), CIAPE – Italian Centre for Permanent Learning (Italy), Erbil Project Consulting Engineering (Turkey), AELV Asociacion Amigos de Europa Leonardo da Vinci (Spain), Van Der Meer & VAn Tilburg West (Netherlands), Izocam Ticaret Ve Sanayi Anonim Sirketi (Turkey). The initiative creates an environmental volunteering scheme for young people to help communities use energy more wisely, save money and reduce carbon emissions and motivate them to work as volunteers to save the environment. A set of training materials and methods, including LINE technique as much as possible, using IT to create interactive learning environments, interactive face to face sessions and using open source interactive software are developed. Youngsters training participation are certified with YOUTHPASS and they can share they newly acquired skills and experiences to their friends and teams. The project encourages the participation of young people with fewer opportunities to project activities and take an active role with other young people and expected to work voluntarily to save the world. The main results of the project are:
• National Field Research Reports from all countries involved in the project including the description of zero energy efficient building researches, zero energy building implementations, and to put forward state of the art in partner’s countries;
• Energy Quiz and Energy Tutorial Modules: youngsters will start their volunteering by taking the Quiz to find out how much they already know about energy; the main focus of the quiz will be on the sustainability and energy efficient building to collect information about mostly acknowledged and prominent buildings of zero energy buildings/houses, innovative technologies and solutions for sustainability and recent researches on sustainable development in order to clearly define the content of the subject matter;
• Online Wise Energy Activity Cards and Step-by-Step Guide for Energy Volunteers : a software will be developed to use the activity cards online.
• E-learning website www.fromzerotohero.gazi.edu.tr and Videos on Zero Energy Buildings.
Comprehensive information about this ambitious initiative can be found at https://fromzerotohero.gazi.edu.tr/
SmartHeat Project
The SmartHeat project aims to leverage on modern Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in order to radically change the home heating experience for health, comfort and wellbeing of elderly people. The goal is achieved via the development of a smart, secure and elderly friendly ICT system for heating monitoring and control. A key building block of the platform is what we call the smartTRV. The smartTRV is a smart version of the current eTRVs. It is equipped with a set of technologies to understand the environment and the user needs and to wirelessly communicate with other smartTRVs installed on other radiators or with other different devices, such as smartphones and tablets. A standard, modular platform technology for domestic heating and hot water systems that enables the cost-effective integration and efficient operation of RES. Operation of the system is based upon the phase change scenario. This module (SmartHeat) will dramatically reduce the cost of installation of RES, hence helping to increase market penetration. It also yield significant energy savings for consumers. The concept was demonstrated through integrating one or more RES together with control systems and high-density thermal storage along with heating and domestic hot water systems.
Generally, installing RESs at home involves a payback period of 20 years or more; this discourages homeowners from adopting the technology. The project sought to overcome this barrier by integrating multiple systems using a common intelligent control system. To save on space and installation costs, it also envisioned using more efficient storage-heating technology based on modular phase-change material (PCM) stores.The SMARTHEAT team elaborated a mathematical simulation model and a new store model, as well as a hot water system that enables 'plug-and-flow' connection of RESs. They developed a modular prototype PCM composite thermal store solution suitable for short-to-medium–term storage of thermal energy with a control system that optimally combines heat sources and energy storage.Efforts also involved improving temperature sensors, as well as outlining guidelines for physical interfacing of different components and installing hydraulic control. Overall, the project team developed standardised procedures for installation, integration and operation of the SMARTHEAT platform. The new platform will also help bring down energy consumption for heating hot water at home, helping lower green house gas emissions. The project is being realized by a consortium and partners are; Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (United Kingdom), Svensk Solenergi (Sweden), Leistungsgemeinschaft Wärmepumpe Austria (Austria), Environmental and Sustainable Construction Association (Ireland), QRS Renewables (Ireland), Equipsol S.L. (Spain), SOLARFOCUS GmbH (Austria), Hot House Technologies Limited (United Kingdom), Orkli Sociedad Cooperativa Limitada (Spain), Georgia Tech Ireland (Ireland), University of Stuttgart- Institut für Thermodynamik und Wärmetechnik (Germany), Intelligent Systems Research Institute (United Kingdom), Ikerlan S.COOP (Spain) and Turkish Society of HVAC & Sanitary Engineers (Turkey).
Comprehensive information about this ambitious initiative can be found at https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/243477
AquaConserver
Water and energy conservation are two important challenges faced by many European households. An EU-funded project addressed these issues, thereby creating a major opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises working in the plumbing sector. Water is becoming increasingly scarce across most of the EU, with water restrictions becoming more and more common. The problem is, unfortunately, unlikely to decrease in the foreseeable future due to predicted warmer climates, which may exacerbate the water shortage. One step towards a sustainable solution would be the development and implementation of household systems capable of recycling shower and bath water (so-called grey water). Significant challenges exist, however, in the form of high installation costs and the lack of suitability of the system for installation in domestic settings.
The AQUACONSERVER project overcame these challenges by designing a low-cost water and energy recycling system that can be effectively installed in around 90 % of households. Researchers investigated a range of membranes for their ability to remove pathogens and other contaminants from grey water. An investigation into pore size revealed that a tighter pore dimension filter was always needed in the system to adequately reduce the microbial load. An important component of the system was a water quality sensing device, containing turbidity, temperature, conductivity and chemical sensors. A useful heat exchanger also formed part of the system and played a role in harvesting heat energy from wastewater for reuse in water heating. The project also witnessed the manufacture of a full-scale 'shower tray' prototype. The project resulted in a low-cost bathroom water recycling system that could be retrofitted and was capable of reusing water from showering and bathing. This enabled savings of up to 50 % of personal washing water usage and more than 50 % of personal associated heating energy usage. In addition, the system was capable of using grey water to flush toilets, thereby saving up to 35 % of household water usage.
AQUACONSERVER is superior in terms of water saving and water quality to conventional grey water recycling systems and can compete very effectively in both the grey water systems and shower systems markets. The potential European market for the system is around 2 million units per year, with an average growth rate of 5 %. It is likely the system will be sold in combination with a new shower or shower cubicle, which will increase overall revenues for AQUACONSERVER members. At the same time, the system has the potential to cut the water bills of European households by over EUR 27.8 million and household energy bills by up to EUR 18 million. From 8 different countries (Croatia, England, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Turkey) 12 different associations including Turkish Society of HVAC and Sanitary Engineers (TTMD) came together for this project.
Comprehensive information about this ambitious initiative can be found at https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/286900
Development of Low-Cost, Lightweight Highly Insulating Polymers (HIP) for Refrigerated Transport, Heating and Cooling Installations
European Commission through the Framework Programme Seven (FP7) Capacities Work Programme (FP7-BSG-SME-AG)
Over 40 % of the EU's energy consumption is used for heating/cooling in buildings, hot water, for industrial process heat and heat in the service sector.
This EU-funded project, HIP , produced a new class of polymer insulating materialmaterial. HIP offers high thermal resistance useful for refrigerated transport, heating and cooling installations. Combined with low production costs, this new material improves efficiency of products, installations and processes. The low-cost, highly insulating polymer material is based on high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) templating. HIPE materials have been used in other applications but never before for high-performance insulation. HIPE materials allow close control over porosity, pore size distribution and mechanical properties.
Following a review of techniques and formulations of polyHIPEsone formula produced the perfect material for maximum cost savings. The HIP material will last 25 years, has a thermal conductivity of 0.015 W/mK and costs less than EUR 500 per cubic metre. The main objectives were to achieve a thermal conductivity of 0.015Wm.K at a cost less than €500 per cubic meter. This could have the potential benefit to member of in Europe of €50 million in energy cost savings.
Small and medium-sized enterprises benefit from using refrigerated vehicles by reducing fuel consumption without sacrificing payload. The fuel cost savings are typically EUR 4 000 per vehicle. Because of this new highly insulating polymer material the cost savings are enormous on the 37000 refrigerated containers in the EU. The material, complies with the EU Parliament Directive of 2013. Examples of compliance include: using minimal materials, efficiencies created in pumps and solar thermal systems, and reduced emissions thanks to the HIP material's design. This product has potential for worldwide use as an effective insulation solution with expected savings of over EUR 50 million just in the EU.
Comprehensive information about this ambitious initiative can be found at https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/243542