Research Projects
Participation in European and International Research Projects
INNOVA actively participates in numerous research and development projects at the European and international levels, promoting technological innovation and energy efficiency in the fields of heat pumps, air conditioning, and controlled mechanical ventilation. By collaborating with research institutes and universities, INNOVA develops sustainable solutions to address current climatic and environmental challenges.
INNOVA is committed to maintaining a leading role in technological innovation by actively participating in projects that shape the future of air conditioning and heating. Our vision is to create solutions that not only meet the current needs of our customers but also anticipate future challenges, contributing to a more sustainable environment and improving the quality of life.
LIFE iTS4ZEB (Integrated Thermal energy Storages for Zero Emission Buildings) is a project that develops next-generation thermal storage technologies that are compact, high-performance, and cost-effective. Utilizing multi-source heat pumps and phase change materials (PCM), the project aims to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
With 50 demonstrators in 10 European countries, INNOVA and the other 5 partners aim to produce and commercialize an initial 500 units, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability.
(Project in progress)
The HAPPENING project aims to decarbonize existing buildings through the use of easily installable and adaptable decentralized heat pumps for various building situations.
The main objectives include developing near-zero planning, implementation, and management processes, creating new financial models for building renovations, and demonstrating solutions in three sites with different climates and characteristics (Spain, Italy, and Austria).
It is estimated that the solution package proposed by the HAPPENING project will enable the use of over 70% renewable energy, over 30% savings in primary energy and greenhouse gases (GHG), 50% shorter planning times, 30% shorter installation/operation times, and a payback period for energy service companies (ESCO) and investors of less than 8 years compared to the best currently available solution.
(Project in progress)
The META BUILD project, funded by the EU Horizon program, aims to accelerate the electrification of the thermal energy demand of buildings through the adoption of heat pumps coupled with renewable energy sources, battery storage, and the enhancement of building digitization and intelligence.
To achieve this goal, META BUILD will introduce highly cost-effective solutions validated at an optimal technological readiness level, optimizing efficiency through 3D building models monitored by artificial intelligence for performance control.
Six buildings in different countries (Austria, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, and Spain) and European climates will be electrified and equipped with heat pumps, photovoltaic thermal systems (PVT), and second-life batteries. Once validated, this model will be replicated in seven other pilot projects. The objective is to ensure the replicability of the solutions and accelerate the adoption of these technologies in the broader market.
(Project in progress)
The LIFE ZEROGWP project is a project in which INNOVA participated and completed in 2021.
The LIFE ZEROGWP project developed an innovative residential air conditioning system without an external unit, using propane (R290) as a low environmental impact refrigerant. The objectives included the industrialization and technical validation of the system, demonstrating its performance through field tests in four European countries, improving the design to maximize safety, and promoting environmental and economic efficiency. The project raised awareness of eco-friendly air conditioning technologies.
For the project, INNOVA presented "2.0 NR," the first monoblock air conditioner for residential applications using R290 - propane gas - with a declared Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3 (compared to R32 gas with a GWP of 675 and R410 gas with a GWP of 2088).
(Project in progress)