NTUA hosted an inspiring Researcher’s Night: a celebration of science and innovation

An evening filled with scientific demonstrations, interactive workshops, and cutting-edge innovations that captivated students, researchers, and the public.

The National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) recently hosted its annual Researcher’s Night on 27th September 2024, from 17:00 to 22:00, at the university’s central campus. Organized by the Thermal Engineering Section of the School of Mechanical Engineering, the event brought together members of the scientific community, students, and the general public for an engaging half-day of science and innovation.

The program featured:

  • Science Experiment Demonstrations: Hands-on experiments that brought scientific concepts to life.
  • Interactive Workshops: Engaging sessions where participants experienced cutting-edge technological and scientific processes.
  • Discussions and Speeches by Leading Scientists: Prominent experts shared their insights into the latest research trends in thermal engineering and other fields.
  • Technological Innovations and Presentations: Attendees discovered breakthroughs and technologies shaping the future of engineering and science.

This event provided a unique opportunity for participants to learn, network, and immerse themselves in the world of science and innovation. It was a great success, showcasing the dynamic research happening at NTUA.

For more information, contact ntuaren@central.ntua.gr.

 

RESPONSE Turku PED’s heat pump wins 1st place in European Heat Pump Association awards  

The heat pump solution developed and implemented in Turku Student Village PED area was awarded by the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) in Brussels on 25th of September 2024. Tyyssija’s heat pump solution won 1st place in the category “Heat Pump City of the Year”, which recognizes heat pump projects implemented at the local level with the support of the city. The solution was co-developed by RESPONSE partners VTT, Oilon, Högfors GST, and Turku Energy.  

 

The award-winning heat pump solution is a key element of Turku Student Village PED area and located in Tyyssija building. The solution applies circular economy principles to district cooling and heating by using return heat from district cooling as its energy source. In effect, the heat pump is recovering waste heat from other buildings and repurposing it for energy production in Tyyssija. The thermal energy can then be distributed not only to Tyyssija, but also other buildings connected to the district heating and cooling networks. Additionally, as the solution can produce district heating and cooling simultaneously, its efficiency is also higher than that of a pump producing only heating or cooling.

“Tyyssija’s energy solution is a concrete example of how the principles of circular economy in district cooling and heating can be applied to urban energy management. This research demonstrates that energy-positive housing is not only possible but also highly beneficial for a low-emission future. On this journey of smart city innovation, we have successfully solved many technical challenges together with the companies. I am pleased that the award came to Turku,” says Jari Shemeikka, the research team leader from VTT, who was involved in the development of the heat pump innovation.

RESPONSE partners Turku, Turku Energia, VTT, Oilon, Högfors GST, and TYS were delighted to receive the award from the European Heat Pump Association. The awarded solution is a result of collaboration between research and business, with the city of Turku and TYS as important enablers for innovation through RESPONSE project.

“It is an honor to receive this award from the European Heat Pump Association, recognizing the innovative energy solutions we have developed in RESPONSE project. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our team and partners. The city of Turku’s goal of being carbon-neutral by 2029, and climate-positive thereafter, drives us forward. As cities across Europe work toward their own climate goals, we hope Turku’s progress inspires others to adopt energy-positive solutions and accelerate the global transition to sustainability,” says Risto Veivo, Climate Director for the City of Turku.

The Heat Pump Awards is an annual competition organized by the European Heat Pump Association. The Heat Pump City of the Year award recognizes innovative, local projects supported by cities.

 

More information on European Heat Pump Awards and the winners of 2024: https://www.ehpa.org/news-and-resources/press-releases/meet-the-winners-of-the-2024-heat-pump-award/

 

 

Light Electric Vehicle chargers installed in Turku Student Village

Two Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) chargers were installed in Turku Student Village PED in September. With the LEV chargers, residents and passers-by can charge their electric bikes or other light electric vehicles. Charging is free, and the stations are equipped with the most common e-bike charging cables (Shimano, Yamaha, and Bosch) as well as a socket for personal chargers.

The LEV chargers are strategically placed along year-round cycling routes and enable fast charging—adding up to 20 km of range in just 30 minutes. With the ability to charge two bikes simultaneously, they offer a practical solution for both students and residents of the area.

The chargers were developed by the New Energy Research Group at Turku University of Applied Sciences as part of the RESPONSE project.

Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) chargers in Turku Student Village PED.