APT-STEP

Unlocking APTL’s Scientific and Technological Research Potential in Green Mobility

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

The objective of the APT-STEP project is to increase the research and innovation capacity of the Aerosol and Particle Technology Laboratory (APTL) of the Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute (CPERI) of the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), a public non-profit research organization in the Region of Central Macedonia in Greece. Over the past decade, APTL has developed significant research result capital in the area of vehicle emissions control technologies; however, this technology area is maturing, and the automotive industry is turning to hybrid, electric and hydrogen fuel cell powertrain technologies in order to develop Green Mobility. APTL’s research capital has been built on core competencies in aerosol science, nanomaterials synthesis and characterisation, and hierarchically structured porous ceramic reactor engineering, which are also the foundation of the novel solar reactor technologies which the laboratory has also developed for the production of renewable solar fuels. These core competencies are also very relevant for the development of hybrid, electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies, and, therefore, the objective of the project is to help APTL adapt its research and innovation capabilities to the new opportunities in these areas. At the same time, the Region of Central Macedonia faces significant air quality problems due to pollutant emissions in the transport sector, and, therefore, the project aims to increase the visibility of APTL to regional SMEs and public and private stakeholders in order to promote greater technology and innovation transfer. The project involves four highly experienced European industries and research organisations (Honda R&D Europe GmbH, AVL List GmbH, Centro Ricerche Fiat and CERTAM) with the objective to exchange know-how and experience and to establish long term strategic partnerships. Furthermore, an important objective of the project is the recruitment of experienced researchers with know-how in powertrain testing, new powertrain technologies, and product development. The acquisition of a chassis dynamometer and a constant volume sampler to enable complete powertrain testing will complement APTL’s existing engine test cell, and will enable the development of new powertrain technologies from lab scale to prototype scale.

Introduzione (Teaser)

Turning to hybrid, electric and hydrogen fuel cell powertrain technologies is the way forward for the automotive industry. An EU-funded project is contributing to green mobility by upgrading the Aerosol and Particle Technology Laboratory (APTL) research capacity.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The Aerosol and Particle Technology Laboratory (APTL) is part of the Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute (CPERI) in Greece. The latter is one of the institutes of the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH). The EU-funded project 'Unlocking APTL's scientific and technological research potential in green mobility' (http://www.aptstep.certh.gr/ (APT-STEP)) seeks to further develop APTL's capacity in the area of clean automotive powertrain technologies for green mobility.

To increase APTL's visibility and unlock its potential, APT-STEP focuses on establishing strategic partnerships and collaborations with leading automotive research organisations and industries in the EU. Exchange of know-how with partner institutions and implementation of action plan activities promotes collaboration and offer excellent prospects for long-term strategic partnerships. Elaborating a strategic intellectual property development plan will also help achieve project objectives. Consideration will be given to factors related to technology readiness of the products and methods for their protection and market potential.

So far, three experienced researchers have been recruited to strengthen the laboratory's research capacity. Innovation and entrepreneurship in clean powertrain technologies helps researchers increase APTL's participation in the economic and social development of its region. Through networking and promotional activities, APT-STEP will boost the laboratory's collaboration with industries, small and medium-sized enterprises, and green mobility stakeholders both in Greece and internationally.

Researchers are receiving training in key areas related to new research, and technological and regional development opportunities. Some of these are battery material development, functional requirements of membrane electrode assemblies, operating protocols for advanced combustion engines, and methodologies and protocols for powertrain testing. The chassis dynamometer already acquired by the APTL is necessary for the development, prototyping and testing of new powertrain component technologies.

New powertrain technologies are expected to be developed to tackle the significant air quality issues that Greece's Central Macedonia region faces. The project website, a brochure, international workshops, seminars, and local and international conferences are promoting project objectives and findings.