ARIS 2025 - TECOMFORT
Project title: Solid-State Auxiliary Heat Pump with Pressure-Dependent Control for Efficient Local Heating in Existing Buildings
Project acronym: ECOMFORT
Program: ARIS 2025
Project Objectives:
The TECOMFORT project addresses one of the most pressing challenges in the energy sector: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency in heating and cooling, which accounts for nearly 50% of global end-energy consumption. The primary objective is to develop a patent-pending micro-Peltier heat pump capable of efficiently boosting temperature levels directly at individual heating elements (radiators or fan coils) within existing building stocks.
The core innovation lies in the application of thermoelectric technology, which is refrigerant-free, silent, contains no moving parts, and allows for precise control. The Faculty of Polymer Technology (FTPO) plays a vital role in developing advanced polymer composites with enhanced thermal conductivity to replace traditional ceramic substrates. This approach reduces thermal resistance and improves the Coefficient of Performance (COP). Utilizing technologies such as injection molding and additive manufacturing, FTPO will enable the creation of complex heat exchanger geometries.
The project combines the expertise of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana (UL FS) as the lead partner, FTPO in materials science, and industrial partner Danfoss Trata. The final outcome will be a functional prototype supported by advanced control algorithms and digital twins, facilitating a faster and more cost-effective transition to modern, low-temperature 4th and 5th generation district heating systems.
Project partners:
- University of Ljubljana - Faculty of Mechanical Engineering,
- Danfos Trata, d.o.o. Ljubljana,
- Faculty of Polymer Technology (FTPO)
Project details:
- Project number: L7-70271 (6316-8/2024-729)
- Lead Partner / Coordinator: University of Ljubljana - Faculty of Mechanical Engineering / Prof. dr. Andrej Kitanovski
- Project Leader at FTPO: izr. prof. dr. Blaž Nardin
- Duration: 1. 3. 2026 – 28. 2. 2029 (3 years)