Green, high-performing and safe batteries based on abundant materials are a key element in the transition to a carbon-neutral future. However, to accelerate their development, a deep understanding of the complex electro-chemo-mechanical processes within the battery is required, which is only accessible through advanced experimental and computational methods. Zero-excess solid-state batteries, where the anode is formed in situ, have emerged as a promising new generation of environmentally friendly batteries with high energy density, improved safety and higher cost-efficiency, but only after solutions for non-uniform anode formation were found. In OPERA, seven leading research institutions, two synchrotron radiation facilities, a small-medium sized enterprise and a large technological company, all from complementary research fields such as batteries, surface and material science, and multiscale modelling, propose a unique strategy to face the current challenges of this technology. OPERA relies on the development of novel operando experimental techniques at the ESRF, ALBA and DESY synchrotrons and at the lab-scale, providing complementary information on multiaxial stress fields, chemical composition, nucleation and growth kinetics, structural defect formation and degradation of well-defined model cells with a resolution down to the atomic scale. The new insights and collected multiparameter data will be incorporated into a novel multiscale modelling approach supported by machine learning algorithms. This will ultimately lead to a conceptual understanding of the in-situ anode formation and, based on this, innovative improvement approaches to enable this type of energy storage technology, which will be an important step towards increasing the global competitiveness, resilience and independence of the EU.

The project objective is to design, implement and promote a reliable, efficient and profitable system able to supply heating and hot water in buildings mainly from renewable sources. The proposed system is based in the optimal combination of solar thermal (ST) energy production, seasonal heat storage and high efficient heat pump use. Heat pumps will be improved technically in order to obtain the best performace in the special conditions of the CHESS-SETUP system. The used solar panels will be hybrid photovoltaic and solar thermal (PV-ST) panels, which is a promising solution for also producing the electricity consumed by the heat and water pumps of the heating system and part of the electricity consumed in the building. Hybrid solar panels are a key element to achieving energy self-sufficiency in buildings, especially in dense urban areas where the roof availability is one of the most limiting factors. Also will be considered the integration of other energy sources as biomass or heat waste, to make the system suitable for any climate conditions. The project will also explore the possibility to integrate the system with other electricity or cooling technologies (solar cooling, cogeneration). The system operation will be optimized according to some external factors, as electricity price or user requirements by using a smart control and management systems developed specifically for the project. This proposal will be materialized in three pilot experiences: a small-scale prototype in Lavola's headquarters (Spain), 50 new dwellings located in Corby (England) and a new sport centre located in Sant Cugat (Spain).

The cerAMfacturing project will develop a completely new approach for ceramic multi material additive manufacturing which will allow series production of customised and multifunctional components for manifold applications for obtaining property combinations, like electrical conductive/electrical insulating, dense/porous or two-colored components. In five case studies demonstrators for personalized medical products – micro surgical tools, implants, and remedies – such as consumer products will be manufactured starting with the patient specific physical dimensions and ending with components validated under practically relevant conditions. For achieving these goals manifold tasks will be solved starting with method and device development. Especially suspension based additive manufacturing methods will be developed and qualified in cerAMfacturing, because this route promises a much better component performance in comparison to powder based methods. Multi material applications play a dominant role in the project. Beside ceramic/ceramic also ceramic/metal material combinations will be developed. For that purpose either additive manufacturing methods will be qualified or AM methods will be combined with conventional shaping routes like tape casting or ceramic injection moulding. The last mentioned combination of technologies will allow the individualisation of large series production components. Appropriate control methodologies to guarantee a high quality level of the custom made products will be implemented. The cerAMfacturing project will provide the technical equipment for combining AM steps with conventional ceramic shaping routes.