Electrochemical recuperator (ECR) batteries

Electrochemical Recuperator (ECR) represents a new class of batteries, introducing an alternative to existing energy storage technology. ECRs use water-based non-toxic electrolytes, which reduce fire risks and environmental hazards compared to conventional batteries. ECR cells’ manufacturing process has approximately five times lower carbon footprint than conventional Li-Ion batteries, according to the innovator. ECRs are constructed to endure more than 1 million charging cycles without major loss of performance characteristics. ECRs do not use scarce or ethically tainted materials.

Finland

Deep-well geothermal heating and cooling system

The QHEAT product is a geothermal heating and cooling system, utilizing geothermal heat wells. The innovative part of the solution is the depth of the well, which is around 2000 meters (compared to conventional residential geothermal heating systems that are around 300 meters). The product can provide seasonal energy storage. Several buildings can be connected to one well in a low-temperature energy network, allowing for energy to be exchanged between buildings in the network. The innovation also includes more energy efficient technology compared to conventional geothermal heating for residents. The innovation would replace conventional heating and cooling solutions, based on burning of fossil fuels.

Finland

Solid oxide system technologies for energy

Solid oxide cells (SOCs) are electrochemical conversion devices that can be operated as fuel cells (SOFCs) that produce electricity, and as electrolysis cells (SOECs) that produce hydrogen. SOFCs can be distinguished by their high operating temperatures which enables them to use a larger number of fuels. The fuel flexibility and modular design of SOFCs make them suitable for a wide range of power applications. SOFCs can run on biogas, hydrogen and even natural gas. When running on renewable biogas or hydrogen, emissions are carbon-neutral and zero-carbon, respectively. When running on natural gas, the carbon dioxide that is generated during the electrochemical process is 50 % less than by other gas-based generators.

Finland

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure

The Parking Energy innovation is a cable system that can be installed at existing parking infrastructure to enable EV charging capabilities. Large residential and office parking stations can be retrofitted to meet the needs of the growing EV fleet. The business is built around the charging as-a-service model, which is further made possible by allowing various types of charging stations to be installed rather than a singular coupling. The innovation can reduce emissions in urban areas by enabling the procurement of electromobility options.

Finland

Merus UPQ medium-voltage microgrid

Merus Uninterrupted Power Quality (UPQ) Microgrid is smart grid control solution to increase efficiency in medium voltage electricity grids. It combines power quality improving technology with energy storage, controlling renewable generation forms and flexible loads within a microgrid. It also reduces stress on bottlenecks of distribution networks, thereby minimizing technical losses in electricity distribution. The increased power factor for industries using medium voltage electricity ultimately leads to reduced need for electricity production.

Finland

Remote monitoring and diagnostic solution for Li-ion battery health

DIAGNOSE is a remote monitoring and diagnostics solution that gives real-time facts and statistics on large Li-ion battery health and performance, allowing companies to prevent potential safety issues and plan maintenance or replacement. Battery life could be extended by adjusting the usage profile based on diagnostics data. The innovation gives an instant overview of a whole battery fleet with historic data viewing, automatic event notifications and alerts as well as customized warranty monitoring. The innovation provides a sort of ”Digital Passport" from cell manufacturing through life of the battery to the second life after having been recycled.

Finland

Heat capture of excess renewable energy generation to avoid oversupply

Polar Night Energy (PNE) combines electricity and heat capture to enable an accelerated development of wind and solar energy. PNE has developed a cost-efficient, safe, and scalable heat storage solution. It is based on an underground sand pit, heated up to 700 degrees Celsius with excess wind or solar power. Heat is provided for buildings and industry via a patented and optimized heat transfer system. Wind and solar power have the disadvantage of being intermittent, resulting in wind turbines being shut down when the electricity prices drop too low due to oversupply. Converting this excess energy to heat offers a cost-efficient and safe way to store the energy for long durations.

Finland

Biogas-powered car leasing business

Biogas-powered wrote: Our target audience are big companies and individuals. Our solution is to lease the bio-cars to them instead of encouraging them into buying it. This will reduce their risk of changing type of cars, as they do not have to commit too much into something so new. We will talk to real estate companies and offer them bio-cars leasing service. This will free up more parking space in the residential area and add more values to their premises. To individual, we lease the car to them and they have the choice to use it or rent it to other people when their bio-cars are not in use. This increases the efficiency of the bio-cars and give people the opportunity for a one-man business, which is economically beneficial for them... Source: EIT Climate KIC's Climathon

Finland

Get money from waste

WasteMerchant wrote: Wastemerchant is a digital platform that incentivizes sorting of household/institutional waste by creating a trading platform of such sorted waste. By streamlining such operations in the growing complexities of urban spaces and combined with technological solutions, our platform reduces the costs for governments/municipalities for waste treatment. Our solution promotes sorting which leads to more recycling and reuse and less to landfill and incineration. And fosters a positive environmental impact... Source: EIT Climate KIC's ClimateLaunchPad

Finland

Smart contracting platform

Monkeybox wrote: We will revolutionize the electricity market. Monkeybox is a blockchain-based smart contracting platform to enable trading directly between electricity producers and consumers, big or small. With our efficient way of electricity contracting producers gain more money and consumers pay less for electricity. Our aim is to provide cheap, local and environmental-friendly energy for anyone to buy... Source: EIT Climate KIC's ClimateLaunchPad

Finland