Innovative Technologies for District Heating and Cooling: InDeal Project

The paper discusses the outcomes of the conference organized by the InDeal project. The conference took place on 12 December 2018 in Montpellier as part of the EnerGaia energy forum 2018. A holistic interdisciplinary approach for district heating and cooling (DHC) networks is presented that integrates heterogeneous innovative technologies from various scientific sectors. The solution is based on a multi-layer control and modelling framework that has been designed to minimize the total plant production costs and optimize heating/cooling distribution. Artificial intelligence tools are employed to model uncertainties associated with weather and energy demand forecasts, as well as quantify the energy storage capacity. Smart metering devices are utilized to collect information about all the crucial heat substations’ parameters, whereas a web-based platform offers a unique user environment for network operators. Three new technologies have been further developed to improve the efficiency of pipe design of DHC systems: (i) A new sustainable insulation material for reducing heat losses, (ii) a new quick-fit joint for an easy installation, and (iii) a new coating for reducing pressure head losses. The results of a study on the development and optimization of two energy harvesting systems are also provided. The assessment of the environmental, economic and social impact of the proposed holistic approach is performed through a life cycle analysis. The validation methodology of the integrated solution is also described, whereas conclusions and future work are finally given

Integration of piezoelectric nanowires matrix onto a microelectronics chip

special issueProceedings of the 30th anniversary Eurosensors Conference – Eurosensors 2016, 4-7. Sepember 2016, Budapest, HungaryEdited by István Bársony, Zsolt Zolnai, Gábor BattistigOur work focuses on a new technology dedicated to very high-resolution fingerprint sensors based on a matrix of interconnected piezoelectric ZnO nanowires (NWs), reaching level 3 of fingerprint details (pores, ridge edges). Using the local deformation of an array of individually contacted piezoelectric NWs, we aim at reconstructing an image from the generated potentials, whose amplitudes are proportional to the NW displacement. We focus on one possible configuration where the ZnO charges are collected with top-bottom contacts. Heterogeneous integration of nano-piezotronic objet onto microelectronics chips, considering process compatibility at the wafer scale, contacting and encapsulation steps are among the CEA-Leti fabrication challenges. We report on the results of chip processing in clean-room and on the successful growth of interconnected ZnO nanowires on chip

UV-crosslinked polymeric materials for encapsulation of ZnO nanowires in piezoelectric fingerprint sensors

The work presented here describes new UV-crosslinkable thin layer polymeric materials for the encapsulation of ZnO nanowires (NWs) in multi-NWs pressure based fingerprint sensors. Such innovative sensor is a novel technology for fingerprint capture developed within the PiezoMAT FP7 European project. The sensing principle is based on the piezoelectric property of ZnO NWs, on which a potential difference is generated when they undergo compression and/or bending forces. Since the pressure induced by the finger cannot be directly applied on the NWs, the deformation is applied through a polymeric material that aims at transferring forces from the finger onto the array of NWs without altering their integrity. Besides, since it is dedicated to be in direct contact with human finger or oil pollutants, the encapsulation layer must also exhibit chemical inertness, as well as hydrophobicity and oleophobicity

Design of UV-crosslinked polymeric thin layers for encapsulation of piezoelectric ZnO nanowires for pressure-based fingerprint sensors

International audienc

Sensors and related devices for IoT, medicine and s mart-living

International audienceThe evolutions of medicine covering genome to exposome (i.e. all types of environmental exposures) [1] opened new paths of development for electronics including low power sensors. Additionally, the frontiers for new generations of sensors between smart-living, environment and health are fading. In this paper, we will give examples based on our developments in emerging autonomous sensors and medical devices, and show how they can be included in our daily lif

A networked wearable device for chemical multisensing

The present contribution illustrates the early stage activities of the project CONVERGENCE FLAG-ERA H2020. The project is aimed at improving the quality of healthcare during active life by preventing the development of diseases through earlier diagnosis of cardiovascular and/or neurodegenerative diseases, and meets the growing desire of consumers for a deeper awareness of their conditions; indeed, the extensive availability of smartphones and tablets and the technology therein incorporated enable the monitoring and transmission of vital parameters from the body of a patient to medical professionals. CONVERGENCE extends this concept, aiming to create a wireless and multifunctional wearable system, able to monitor, in addition to key parameters related to the individual physical condition (activity, core body temperature, electrolytes and biomarkers), even the chemical composition of the ambient air (NO x , CO x , particles). Herein is summarized the project activity, which involves ENEA group together with CEA (Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, France) and UCL (Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium)

The 2016 Thermal Spray Roadmap

Considerable progress has been made over the last decades in thermal spray technologies, practices and applications. However, like other technologies, they have to continuously evolve to meet new problems and market requirements. This article aims to identify the current challenges limiting the evolution of these technologies and to propose research directions and priorities to meet these challenges. It was prepared on the basis of a collection of short articles written by experts in thermal spray who were asked to present a snapshot of the current state of their specific field, give their views on current challenges faced by the field and provide some guidance as to the R&D required to meet these challenges. The article is divided in three sections that deal with the emerging thermal spray processes, coating properties and function, and biomedical, electronic, aerospace and energy generation applications