Projects in the Thematic Area
There are 70 results.
WattsOK? Robotics and AI Enabled Reuse of PV
WattsOK? optimizes reuse/recycle decisions for used photovoltaic (PV) modules via automation, incl. optical inspection-based decision-AI, electrical measurements, and robotic PV connector exchange for reuse. With this, the project addresses the expected increase in used PV modules. The project aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of reuse/recycling decision processes, extending the lifetime of modules through reuse, reducing waste, and promoting a circular economy within the photovoltaic sector.
Biokustik - Acoustic panels in circular fibre casting with wood fibres
The consortium, consisting of two company and two research partners, is pursuing the goal of making the wood fibre material, from which normally hardboards are made in the so-called wet process without the addition of binders, suitable for processing in the circular fibre casting technology, and to design an acoustic panel for improved room acoustics using the developed fibre material and the fibre moulding process. The new acoustic panel can be recycled and reused to make new fibre-moulded parts and has the potential to replace common acoustic panels made from environmentally harmful materials.
CreeS - Chromium-free Slag
The project develops an innovative technological approach to producing chromium-free stainless steel slags (EDS) for sustainable cement and steel industries. By removing heavy metals and recycling material streams, it enables resource-efficient utilization, reducing CO₂ emissions, conserving natural resources, and promoting the circular economy. The comprehensive process delivers ecological and economic benefits, applicable to various slag types.
Sustainable catalyst-coated electrodes for efficient AEM electrolyser production (SAEP)
The SAEP project focuses on the development of anion exchange membrane electrolyzers (AEMEL) for the cost-effective production of green hydrogen through the development of catalysts without platinum group metals. Led by TU Graz, Joanneum Research, and Duramea, the project focuses on roll-to-roll scalable electrode manufacturing with enhanced performance and durability. Innovative pre-/post-treatment and energy-efficient drying methods ensure defect-free, corrosion-resistant electrodes. A life cycle analysis integrates circular economy principles to optimize resource efficiency and minimize waste, fostering sustainable and high-performance AEMEL electrode production in Austria.
Green-TUrbine - Sustainable Manufacturing and Lifecycle Optimization for Pelton Runners through Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing
The Green-TUrbine project investigates the integration of WAAM technology into the lifecycle of Pelton turbines to enhance their sustainability. The principles of "Rethink, Reduce, Reuse" are applied to optimize manufacturing, resource consumption, and the reuse of the runners. A comprehensive LCA will evaluate the ecological and economic impacts.
AI-driven decontamination technologies for repurpose/recycle to meet food-contact regulations using light (Light-AIClean)
The project aims to develop a chemometrics-assisted decontamination (DC) process for waste plastic with AI-driven quality control and a renewable energy-based DC technology. By utilizing visible light and a reusable catalytic system, it seeks to replace resource-intensive methods like hot water washing and gamma irradiation. AI techniques, including neural networks and reinforcement learning, will optimize efficiency, reducing resource use. The process will be tested in a photoreactor and automated DC setup, benefiting the recycling industry, AI developers, and environmental sustainability while promoting circular economy principles.
CSR:H - Circular Social Residency Informationhub
CSR:H is developing an innovative prototype for the survey and evaluation of the potential for the subsequent use of the building stock of social housing developers. Development of an innovative tool that uses archive data to optimize the use of building materials/products after their first phase of use and the long-term planning and operational implementation in social housing. It combines early predictions of the strategic utilization of resources with post-use scenarios and take-back agreements.
SLEEVE – Packaging and process optimisation of plastic packaging with sleeves
Development and design of selected and recyclable plastic packaging with sleeves that can be sorted and processed into high-quality recyclates. All the factors along the value chain are considered (design, consumer behaviour, sorting, recycling) in order to optimise the product cycle in the best possible way and maximise recyclate quantities and qualities.
Electrify-CerAMics – Additive manufacturing of electrically conductive ceramics for hydrogen production processes
The Electrify-CerAMics project is developing material and processing strategies for new electrically conductive ceramic materials for chemical conversion processes that can be structured using lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) and in which electrically conductive phases can be generated in a targeted manner.
NatMatSave30! – substitution of naturally mined raw materials to achieve material-footprint goals in 2030!
Blast furnace slag (BFS) is a waste product in a steel manufacturing process and is available regularly and in huge amounts. It should substitute naturally mined, mineral raw materials. This means also calcium carbonates, which are used in building industry and are responsible for ca. 50 % of the domestic material consumption of 167 Mio tons. By wet-milling BFS it’s oxides should be able to form calcium carbonate again by recarbonatisation with CO2 from the surrounding atmosphere.
KI4COMP - AI-based prediction of moisture distribution in composites
The project aims to develop an AI model for predicting moisture distribution and the mechanical properties of composite materials under various environmental conditions. By using integrated sensors and machine learning, more precise and easily accessible predictions can be achieved. This facilitates material development, reduces testing efforts, and promotes sustainable innovations through the increased use of natural fibers.
BIOCHARm - Assessing the Potential of Biochar in Construction as a Contribution to Climate Neutrality
The project investigates the potential and limits of the use of biochar in the Austrian construction sector. The participating organisations gain valuable insights into the availability and suitability of biogenic material flows, the possible uses of biochar and the possibility of storing atmospheric carbon in the construction sector.
V-Form – Manufacturing unreinforced vaulted concrete floors with variable pneumatic formworks
V-Form is working on the development of vaulted concrete floors in terms of structural design and building physics, as well as on a new formwork system. Thanks to the efficient shell construction, around 70% CO2eq-emissions can be saved compared to reinforced concrete flat slabs. The reusable and variable pneumatic formwork system aims to enable the economical production of the double-curved concrete shells.
DigiHemp/ Digital technologies for quality assurance and performance enhancement of hemp-based building materials
Development of digital methods for describing, predicting and optimizing the thermal/mechanical properties of composite materials made from bio-based raw materials. Taking into account the complex material morphology as well as the properties of the components for the prediction of building material properties, the overall goal of increasing the use of bio-based building materials shall be achieved.
fERNkornSAN – decarbonization and renovation with renewable materials of the "Gründerzeit"-building Fernkorngasse 41
Using the example "Gründerzeitgebäude" in Fernkorngasse 41, 1100 Vienna, technical challenges and issues related to phasing out gas and oil as well as adapting to climate change are investigated. A particular focus is placed on the use or resource-efficient and ecological building materials and highly efficient technologies. The results should be the basis for the use for further projects.
KRAISBAU - Development of AI tools for a transformation to a circular economy along the life cycle of buildings
The BMK lead project KRAISBAU is a collaboration of 32 partners for the realization of a sustainable and circular construction industry. The project focuses on the development and implementation of AI-supported solutions in circular construction along the entire value chain. The knowledge gained is disseminated through factsheets, roadmaps and training courses with the aim of establishing scalable and efficient approaches for existing buildings.
StraTex ‐ Sorting and processing strategies for used textiles to produce recyclable fractions
In StraTex, suitable, economically viable and holistic strategies for the collection, processing and automated sorting of mixed non‐reusable textiles are being developed and experimentally implemented in order to increase the proportion of marketable fractions for high‐quality material recycling (preferably fibre2fibre).
PolyBacTex - Converting mixed textile waste into recycled fibres and cellulose for sustainable production
The project PolyBacTex is developing a solution for recycling of used mixed textiles by chemically separating and biotechnologically upgrading the individual fibre types (cellulose and polyester). This allows cellulose fibres to be recovered and returned to the fibre production process.
NaKaReMa - Improving the sustainability of cable sheathing through regional, bio-based and recycled materials
The NaKaReMa project takes a holistic approach to cable sheathing for automotive applications and their improvement in terms of sustainability. To this end, various approaches are being investigated - both regional raw material sources to reduce transport routes and bio-based raw materials to reduce dependence on crude oil. The use of recyclates from cable sheathing to close the cycle through recycling is also being investigated.
ReNew PV - Coating to increase the service life of PV modules with damaged backsheets
The ReNew PV project focuses on the development of lifetime-extending coating solutions for the backsheets of PV modules. The focus is on a protective coating to restore the electrical resistance and on the repair of cracked or mechanically damaged backsheets.