Objective
The NANO-HVAC project concept aims at developing an innovative approach for ducts insulation while introducing new cleaning and maintenance technologies, all enabled by cost-effective application of nanotechnology. The main concepts are:
1. Safe, high insulating HVAC-ducts enabling minimization of heat/cool losses: cost-effective, safe and extremely thin insulating duct layers that can be applied both to circular ducts (wet-spray solutions) and to square ducts (pre-cast panel). Insulation will be obtained using sprayable aeroclay-based insulating foams that can be automatically applied during manufacturing of ducts, avoiding manual operation needed for conventional materials. Such technologies, coupled with advanced maintenance systems (objective 2) will guarantee a 50% energy saving compared with conventional ducts.
2. Cost-effective pathogen and allergenic removal during operation and maintenance to reduce microbial growth: (a) development of anti-microbial, sprayable and self-adhesive photocatalytic coating, based on titanium oxide nanoparticles, for HVAC filters. (b) Development of an injectable liquid polymer matrix (epoxy resins with polyamine derived crosslinking catalyst) containing antimicrobial nanoparticles (silver oxides) for air ducts in situ maintenance activities. The liquid polymer will polymerize in situ creating a coating of thickness < 20µm which will cover the surface trapping dirt, debris and microorganisms, thus “regenerating” the duct inner layer. The procedure may be repeated over time without affecting HVAC energy performance.
Scientific and technological objectives within NANO-HVAC project can be organised in four areas: (1) high efficient and cost-effective insulation solutions for HVAC ducts (2) inhibition and removal of pathogens and allergenics (3) integration and lab scale characterization, (4) demonstration and validation.
The project duration is estimated to be 36 months, with tasks organized in 9 Work Packages.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringthermodynamic engineering
- natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistrytransition metals
- natural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciences
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcoating and films
- engineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materials
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
FP7-2012-NMP-ENV-ENERGY-ICT-EeB
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
CP-FP - Small or medium-scale focused research projectCoordinator
9700 OUDENAARDE
Belgium