Existing measurements of equipment and building energy use paint a bleak image: real-life energy consumption often exceeds design predictions by more than 100%. As a result, reducing the gap between designed and measured energy use has become central in current efforts to increase energy efficiency. After the successful introduction of building energy performance certificates, the market is now ready for an assessment of real-life energy use that includes all energy consuming equipment in a given building. With this evolution comes the possibility of optimizing energy performance of the whole building and its energy consuming equipment. The SATO project tackles this challenge by (1) Creating a new energy self-assessment and optimization SATO platform that integrates all energy consuming equipment and devices in the building; (2) Developing and integrating into the SATO platform a self-assessment framework (SAF) that uses data analysis and machine learning to report energy performance, building behaviour, occupancy and equipment faults. This framework is aligned with the structure of the smart readiness indicator (SRI); (3) Developing a BIM-based interface for aggregated and disaggregated analysis and visualization of the assessments in the various applicable scales and defining locations and specifications of energy consuming equipment, sensors and actuators into a BIM building model; (4) Develop and demonstrate energy management services that use the SATO platform and show how the self-assessment and optimization contributes to lower energy consumption, increased energy flexibility, efficiency and user satisfaction.

VLopes is an SME accounting for 20 years of experience in designing, developing and delivering air conditioning, ventilation and environmental control solutions such as air handling units (AHU) for leading players across industry sectors (incl. Airbus, Bosch, Danone, Continental Mabor and IKEA). Based on this experience, we have developed an all-in-one and one passage purification module – the Nano Purifying System® (NPS®), to meet the recurrent market needs for a solution that is, at the same time, compact, capable of high throughput and efficiency, fulfilling the strict requirements of sensible environments. The innovation of NPS stands on the combination of three air treatment technologies in one single and compact module – enabled by a patented layout/geometry, which maximises treatment. The NPS® is flexible and suitable for new and retrofit applications – it can be attached to HVAC systems as an independent and complementary module or installed directly in duct. Comparing to a setup with the same purification efficiency, NPS presents a much more compact format with lower pressure drop, with potential to save operational costs in the order of 42% in energy consumption. NPS® will be a game changing for VLopes, enabling the company to scale the business by supplying the high-end market with this compact and universal pre-verified system. The HVAC market is a multibillion euro market, and VLopes sees this innovation project as a great opportunity to leverage their business, while solving key challenges within this sector. VLopes expects to achieve an accumulated turnover of €12.1 million and +120 employees by 2024, through direct sales. Thereafter, we may pursue contract manufacturing and/or licensing opportunities. The SME Instrument project will be an important vehicle to break the barriers associated to a market where the adoption of AHU is driven by track record and demonstrated efficiency.