Objective
The overall objective of VULKANO project is to design, implement and validate an advanced retrofitting integrated solution to increase the energy and environmental efficiency in existing preheating and melting industrial furnaces currently fed with natural gas. This will be achieved through implementing combined new solutions based on high-temperature phase change materials (PCMs), new refractories, optimized co-firing, advanced monitoring and control systems and a holistic in-house predictive tool.
Specific objectives of the project
Increasing overall efficiency in 20% of two of the main types of furnaces
At least a direct 27% of fuel saving, with a direct effect on pollutant emissions
A 15 – 40% of reduction in fossil fuel consumption of natural gas by its substitution by an alternative fuel
Development of a comprehensive optimization methodology applicable to pre-heating and melting furnaces
To establish the basis for the market uptake of VULKANO tool through a strategic and business-oriented commercialization plan.
On top of that, the realistic and powerful holistic tool will also able to optimize the integration of the solution with upstream/downstream perspective, following a life cycle and cost thinking. This predictive tool will support plant operators and decision makers to select most suitable retrofitting strategy for their plants, fostering overall efficiency, increase in competitiveness and circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of the product value chain from an LCA and LCC perspective.